empty tables//matthew espinsoa

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It was a week later after the biscuit incident and - as Nash likes to call it - the girl incident that Matthew messed up his job, again. Or rather, fixed whatever happened to Nash.

He was working the average boring shift with Nash, the café empty as usual, when the loud clanking of metal on tile rang through the store. He let out a groan and glanced out the dusty windows before walking to the back.

"All right, what now?" He asked as he lay his eyes on the sight of his friend sprawled on the floor. Pans were scattered about the area and the oven was partially open. A smashed cookie lay on the ground in the middle of the mess. "You know what? I don't even want to know. Just clean this up!"

He couldn't keep in the bark of laughter, but quickly smacked his hand on his mouth. In return, he received a glare and a few insults. After wiping off his green apron, he made his way up to the register, only to be met with the same face as last week.

Her hair was a bright red and styled into a bun. She had a small smile on her face and glanced behind Matt, and seemed to contemplate asking something. The two exchanged awkward eye contact, once again, before a throat was cleared.

Nash stood next to Matt with a smirk on his face, and a cookie in hand. He leaned against the counter and raised an eyebrow at both Matt and the girl.

"Why, hello. What can we get you today, lovely lady?" Nash grinned to the bright haired girl. She blinked and nodded her head slightly. "Oh yes, just an iced coffee today."

Nash kicked Matt harshly and nodded his head to the machines in the back. As Matt left, he turned back to the girl.

"It's on the house." He said as she fumbled with her money. She froze immediately and smiled gratefully. "Thanks um."

"Nash."

"Anna." She looked away briefly and tapped her shoes against the floor. She was interrupted by the loud cursing erupting from Matt. He was soaked to the bones in iced coffee, yet he carried her drink carefully in a paper towel.

"Goddamn machine. Anyway, here." He mumbled as he reached out to give the girl the drink. Their hands brushed quickly, yet it seemed to warm Matt up despite the fact he was dripping. He could feel his cheeks burning and he ducked his head before darting back to the kitchen.

Anna stood dumbly at the reaction and walked slowly to a small table. She gave quick glances towards the counter and took out a pen. She doodled on the napkin as she sipped on her coffee before leaving the trash on the table and walking out. Her cherry lips were quirked into a smug smile as she rounded the corner.

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