Regina One Shots

A Lovely Latte

Locksley's was just a little coffee shop on the corner of Main Street. Everyone in town got their coffee there and it was the only coffee shop there that was worth something. Locksley's brought a sense of community and was a warm and loving place for patrons to lounge around. The owner, Robin Locksley, loved the shop as if it was his own baby that he nursed for years. Opening up the little coffee shop opened up the possibility for him to live his dreams of running a successful business.

The man whistled a little tune as he turned the corner and walked up to his little shop. His keys jangled a few times before he shoved the key in the lock and turned it with a soft click. Opening the door caused the wood to creak like it always did. Robin never wanted to fix the little creaking because he thought it was unique to his shop. He sighed as he flicked on the lights and strolled into the room.

The coffee shop had brick walls on three sides and one wall of sheetrock that was painted off-white. That wall was dedicated to the artists of Storybrooke and each month a different artist would paint a mural on the wall. This month's mural was focused on fairy tales, particularly the stories of popular villains. The round tables throughout the shop where all the same yet each table had an assortment of different chairs, all were comfortable nonetheless. The atmosphere was just homey overall and Robin wanted to keep it that way.

Behind the counter was where the real magic happened. Even with all of the different beans in jars, he could still smell the strong scent of coffee and he absolutely loved it. Falling in love with coffee was something unexpected and it changed his life for the better. He was just a little disappointed that he couldn't fall in love with a woman as easily as he did with coffee.

"The Queen of Lattes has arrived!" Ruby said as she opened the door and made her way behind the counter.

"I do have to agree with that statement though. You make a mean latte, Ruby," Robin said as he walked up to her and gave her a big hug.

Ruby was the first person he hired to work here and she proved to be a loyal employee and a good friend. She always had ideas to help freshen up the menu and kept Robin on his toes with her reckless behavior. He was good for her and he considered her a best friend. She was like an annoying little sister to him and they had a good bond.

"I bet today is going to be the slowest day ever," she said as she exited the hug. "It's a Saturday in June and everyone is probably on their way to the beach. I know I wish I was." Once she had said this Robin pointed a look in her direction. "I'm still happy to be here with you though."

"Just put on your apron and start grinding the beans for today," he said as he took her red apron off the wall hook and threw it in her direction.

"I'm on it boss!" She said with a smile as she put on her apron and went off to start her task.

*****

Much to Ruby's disbelief, the coffee shop was actually pretty busy today. Robin was in the middle of making a vanilla bean iced coffee for his loyal customer, Mary Margaret. She was a sweet young woman who always came into his shop craving a new drink from him. Always coming in with the intention to order a new drink she always got her regular, a vanilla bean coffee.

"Hey, Robin," Ruby called from a few feet away from him. "This latte is proving a bit complicated so can you take the next customer?"

Robin nodded before he handed Mary Margaret her drink and wished her well. He wiped his hands off on his dark green apron before he looked over to see the next customer in line. It was a brunette woman who was a few inches shorter than he and Robin doesn't think he's ever seen her around in Storybrooke. She must be from out of town especially with the way she was curiously eyeing the menu, her lips scrunched in a little pout that Robin found absolutely adorable.