Coffee Shop [BxB] ✔

Chapter 1

My name is Ashton Ernesty, age 19 and currently pushing through my first year of college. I have a full-time job at a coffee shop, just a block away from my house in which I live with my mother and father. Yes, I'm the only child. From what I heard from my friends at college, having siblings is horrible.

Today was Saturday, and a slow one at that. I'd just quit my evening shift at Lucky's Café where we sell pastries, bread and coffee. Unfortunately, I was the last employee so I was required to close the shop. As I flipped the cardboard sign that stated "OPEN" and "CLOSED" on each side, I noticed someone rushing up to the glass doors. I had yet to lock said doors, so I let the customer in.

"Hello." I greeted, flashing a small smile to the breathless customer. He slumped over, pressing his palms against his bent knees. The customer looked up to me, his eyes gleaming with exhaustion. He seemed like a college student so he must be around my age.

"I'm really sorry about this! I forgot your closing times and I just had to risk coming here!" he yelped, clutching at the leather satchel strap that wrapped diagonally across his chest. I kept my smile firm as I welcomed him inside.

"No hard feelings. Come on in, I'll be there in a second." I told him, pushing loose strands of dark hair behind my pierced ear. He's pretty lucky I didn't leave earlier than this.

He nodded quickly and whisked over to the marble counter where the cash register was. I kept my eyes on the back of his head for a little bit until I followed his actions. I approached a small wooden half-door that was attached to the counter and swung it open, entering behind the counter.

I turned to the male customer, my eyes raking past his overall appearance. His clothing choice was pretty modern; a white, zipped up jacket that had a small skull design printed onto the fabric. He wore navy blue skinny jeans and I couldn't forget the leather satchel he wore across his chest.

His hair was short with a buzzed undercut, colored by a natural hazelnut brown. One couldn't miss the blonde highlights in his curly hair. His eyes were a light pastel blue and his cheeks were dotted with freckles. It was a standard yet cute appearance.

"What's your name?" I asked.

He returned my bright smile and showed off his white canines. "Harvey Lithern. What's yours?" he inquired. Can't he just read the nametag on my uniform? Or maybe he just didn't see it.

Snapping me out of my thoughts, I heard his voice again. His voice sounded kind of embarrassed. "Oh! Sorry, haha. Your name is... Ashton? That's such an awesome name.." A warm gush flooded my insides, and butterflies overtook my stomach.

"Thank you." I spoke, beaming towards his figure. Stop! I have to get back on task... "Now what would you like?" I inquired, watching his eyes drift off to the menu that sat next to the metal cash register.

"Hmm... One small coffee please. I'm really tired after a long day of working." he covered the side of his neck with his hand and fiddled with the strap of his satchel. His body language came off as nervous for some reason.

"I get how you feel. Today drained my energy too." I laughed softly, trying to lighten his mood. Luckily, it seemed to work! I leaned down and found three sections of cups. The sizes were Large, Medium and Small. He said small right? I think so...

I grabbed a small cup and took a few steps back to where the coffee appliances were. Too bad there's no wall in between the actual café and the back areas. As I filled the cup with fresh coffee, I found myself chatting with Harvey.

He told me what University he went to, which was conveniently the same one I attended. He said what he plans to major in, which is Veterinary Science. He has a part-time job as a shop-worker at the Toffi PetCare just a few minutes away. He said that he loved the birds they had there.

I stirred the newly poured cup of coffee and slowly made my way over to the counter where Harvey was waiting. I then retrieved a styrofoam lid and placed it over the opening to conceal the warmth of the beverage. Last but not least, I grabbed a black Sharpie from my apron's pocket and wrote "Harvy L." on the side of the cup.

I glanced up to him and smirked. He was waiting patiently with a goofy smile pulling at his lips. I looked back down to the cup and wrote my cellphone number below his name. I handed the cup to him and snapped the cap back onto the marker.

"That'll be $1.50." I told him, smiling benvolently. He just flinched and nodded, as if he'd forgotten to pay me. He seems a little spacey but I guess that's just part of who he is. He pulled out his wallet from the satchel he wore and handed two dollars in cash to me.

I gladly took the money and slipped my apron off. I then folded it neatly on the counterspace. Unclipping my nametag from my now naked uniform, I felt eyes analyzing my every move. I slowly placed the now unattached nametag on top of the folded apron.

"Text me later if you want. I'd be happy to get to know you better." I grinned, calmly exiting through the half-door and heading towards the front doors. I opened said doors, causing the bell above to chime softly.

I turned around to see that he chased after me with a blush dusting over his cheeks. "Yeah, sure! Maybe when I get home we can talk." he responded jovially. I liked how he was still so enthusiastic after a stressful shift at work. I like those kinds of people.

When he exited the small building, I made sure to turn around and lock the doors with my keys. I turned to Harvey, watching as he hopped onto his ruby red bike. That's how he probably got here then...

"I'll definitely look forward to texting you when I get home.. Well, I'm headed off. Bye, Harvey!" I waved a hand high in the air as I dashed over to my car. As I began to enter my silver vehicle, I heard his voice call out to me with a tinge of sadness.

"Bye, Ashton!"

End Of Chapter 1