Sugar and Alcohol *Solby

Chapter 3

SAM

I woke up to my quiet alarm and the early morning birds chirping. Colby was rolled up in all the covers, leaving me exposed and without blankets. I sighed, but smiled and got up to get dressed. I jogged down the stairs to the kitchen and made a quick breakfast for myself. I felt bad not making something for Colby, but I had to leave for work or I'd be late.

I drove to the cafè and checked in. I grabbed my hat and apron and washed my hands, leaning against the counter and waiting for the first customers to come in. After a few moments, a young woman came in and looked at the boards that showed her options. She was a regular customer and she always got the same thing, so I never understood why she always took so long to decide.

Eventually, she said, "I'll have the malt with two shots of espresso, please."

"Alright, and would that be with whipped cream?"

"Yes please." I already knew her name, so I didn't have to ask.

"That'll be 3.98." She handed me a five and I gave her her change.

"Thanks."

She went and sat down at the same table she always sat at and I smiled and pulled out the blender. I filled a cup with ice and coffee, pouring it into the blender and adding a scoop of malt powder. I brewed the shots of espresso and added those as well. Once the drink was blended, I poured it back into the original cup and sprayed the whipped cream on top.

"Jess?" The girl looked up as I called her name and handed her the drink.

She smiled. "Thanks, Sam."

I looked at her, surprised as she walked away. She'd never addressed me by my name before, so that's progress!

I walked back to the cash register and saw that there were a couple more people. They each ordered their different things, and I made their drinks. At about 10:00 my co-worker came in to help me.

"Hey, Devyn," I said, greeting her.

I assumed the job of the barista at the back and Devyn worked the cash register. I made a bunch of drinks and gave them to the people who ordered them. It was calming work, I thought. I enjoyed the coffee smells and the sounds of people chatting.

I frowned, thinking about how Colby's job paled in comparison. It surely fit him as he is now, but to me, it was basically letting a mouse work in a cheese factory. I disapprove of it, and I wish he would find somewhere better to work. Somewhere calmer, where he wouldn't get hurt and could stay away from temptation. It also didn't help that I never knew what happened there because he never really told me.

I sighed as Devyn handed me another drink to make. Maybe Colby'll find a new job soon.