Coffee Seduction

3rd cup

ICED WHITE MOCHA AMERICANO

I was so thrilled to meet AB again. Just like a high school student who can't sleep knowing that he will see his crush again. I wore my favorite perfume and rushed to the coffee shop.

Jared was on leave while Calvin was going to be late because he partied all night and overslept. The coffee shop is normally deserted on Wednesdays so Calvin's being late won't be a problem. Besides, I know that he was stealing glances at AB even if he knew that she is in the No Trespassing Zone, so not seeing him around while AB is in the shop will give me peace of mind.

I was busy reviewing the financial report when I saw AB walked in. "Hi! Good morning!" I cheerfully greeted her. She looks young with her gray hooded jacket. The zipper halfway open so I can see she's wearing a white sleeveless shirt. Her camouflage shorts is only covering one-third of her thighs and she paired it with white high cut Chucks. Yet another treat to indulge myself into, and I am the only one who gets to look at it.

I beamed at her but I noticed that she was not wearing her familiar smile. Her eyes were puffy as if she cried all night. I wanted to hug her and ask her what was wrong but I restrained myself.

"White Mocha Americano please" she said in a cold, low voice. She left the signed Customer Voice Receipt on top of the counter and started to walk away.

"Do you want it extra hot, AB?" My voice trailing off.

"No, I want it cold. Over ice." She didn't even look at me. She went straight to her favorite spot and took out her sketchpad, paint brushes and watercolor tubes.

My heart froze with the cold treatment. As cold as the drink she ordered. I knew there was something wrong and I want to help her through it. I prepared her drink and walk towards her to bring it.

She was on the phone again but unlike yesterday, she had a weary expression on her face. "Is she still there? What time is she going to leave?" She paused, listening to the response of the person she was speaking with. "I'll be there at 3 o'clock. Stop worrying okay?" I could see that she was trying to suppress her tears but they were just too persistent she couldn't stop them from streaming down her cheeks. I wanted to wipe them off her face but she was quick to do it herself. "Call me again..." She was not able to finish what she was about to say. She looked at her phone and sighed. The call might have gotten disconnected or the person whom she was talking to hang up.

She put her phone down and stared at me when she noticed that I was standing in front of her.

"I'm sorry, I brought your drink." I said as I place it on top of the table.

"Thank you." She said as she took a sip.

"Can I help you with anything?" I know she's hurting and I want to help ease the pain.

"A glass of water please." She smiled at me but it didn't reach her eyes. It was dry. Not the same warm smile that used to melt my heart.

I ran as fast as I could to get her water, so fast I could win a medal for a sprint race.

I went back to her and handed her a tumbler filled with water and ice. She smiled at me. "Yours?" She asked when she saw my name doodled on the personalized tumbler.

"Yes, mine." And I hope you could be mine too. I am thankful for not saying that out loud.

"Do you usually let your customers use your personal tumbler?" She had a quizzical look on her face.

"You're the first person to use that. Well, aside from me of course. My tumbler will surely find it strange to be touched by someone else's lips for the first time." I answered with a grin. I've never let anyone use it, even the women I've dated.