french vanilla ☼ a.i

one coffee cup

The bells of the door jingled as I made my way into my chosen place of work. Café Noir. Very French sounding, don't you think? We're famous for our black coffee, if it wasn't obvious by the name of the place. I'm greeted by Jacqueline, or Jackie, as she likes to be called. She nods her head towards me as I wave to her. She was sort of intimidating when she wasn't speaking, but when she opened her mouth, you knew she was a sweetheart.

I make my way behind the counter and grab my apron and hat out of the staff closet. I step in front of the mirror and put my apron over my head, tying it around my waist. I slip my cap on, pulling my ponytail out from the hole in the back. One more quick look to make sure everything was in place and I stepped out of the staff closet and closed the door.

I rub the sleep from my eyes as I begin brewing myself a cup of coffee. Man, I shouldn't have stayed up so late. That's what I get for thinking I could stay up finishing the third season of American Horror Story and still get a good amount of sleep. I yawn as I pull a cardboard cup from the stack and pour the coffee into it. I walk over to the fridge and grab my French vanilla creamer add that to my cup, the color of the coffee brightening as I pour it in. I grab the sugar and put in a spoonful before stirring up my delightful concoction. I get a spoonful of it and taste test it, smiling as the sweet flavor tickled my taste buds.

The doorbells jingle as someone walks in. I look up and see my dear co-worker.

"Good morning, Daisy." Calum greets me with a smile as he walks over to the staff closet.

"Good morning. How was your weekend?" I ask, sipping my hot coffee.

"Filled with a lot of me bundled up in my covers watching Neflix." he chuckles, slipping his black cap on his head. "How about you?"

"Basically the same." I giggle, looking over at him as he made his way over to me.

"Of course. Let me guess, American Horror Story?" he asks, grabbing a cup from the stack.

"Correct." I laugh as he smiles at me, looking at me from me from the corner of his eye.

I have to admit, I may have a little crush on Calum. I mean, have you seen him? He's gorgeous. His beautiful tanned skin and dark brown locks are to die for. He's part of the reason I even come to work.

"You're something else." he says, smiling down at his cup.

"I guess I am." I say as he looks up at me, connecting our eyes. We stay like that for what seems like forever.

The doorbells jingle yet again, breaking our gaze. A familiar face walks in with a smile. He was a regular customer, but I never got his name. I've only served him a couple of times. He was tall in stature, at least compared to me. Well, everyone's taller than me, considering I'm only 5'1. He had dark blonde hair and gorgeous pair of hazel eyes. He sends a warm smile my way as dimples appear by the corners of his mouth.

"Hello." he says sweetly, looking down at me.

"Hi, what can I get you?" I ask, beaming up at him.

"French vanilla with a spoonful of sugar. The usual." he shrugs and lets out the most adorable giggle.

"Hey, I get that, too." I say.

"Well, then that means we have a little in common, now don't we?" he chuckles as Calum begins making the coffee.

"I guess so. Will that be all, sir?"

"Oh, and can I get a slice of pumpkin bread? And call me Ashton." he adds, smiling.

"Okay, well, your total is $6.25, Ashton."

He pulls out his wallet and pulls out a $10 bill and hands it to me. I open the cash register and pull out the necessary change.

"Your change is $3.75." I say, handing him the change.

"Thank you." he says grabbing it from my hands.

"Here you go, Ash." Calum says, handing him the coffee and pumpkin bread.

He grabs them before saying, "Thanks, Cal."

"Have a nice day." I say as he grabs his things.

He puts a few dollars into the tip jar and smirks at me.

"See you tomorrow." he smiles before to turning to leave.

I watch him as he leaves and I'm instantly fascinated by him. The bells jingle as he leaves and walks to his car.

Maybe I can get to know this regular customer.

••••

WOAH NEW STORY

AND HOPEFULLY THIS DOESNT SUCK IM WRITING THIS AT 2 AM

~cliffordsigh