The Pumpkining

Part 4

It seemed like for a least a few days all was quiet on the pumpkin front. The days continued to get shorter and the temperatures continued to drop. My iced coffees turned into hot coffees as I mentally prepared myself for the equinox. I still wasn't sure what the Pumpkin King had planned but I figured I might as well stay caffeinated for it.

Morning like these just feel like they drag. It feels like I'm just never going to wake up. I have already consumed one cup of coffee, but I feel like I need more.

"Guys," I whine at my coworkers in our training room. "I'm not going to make it. I'm so tired. I'm dying. I need an i.v. of coffee. "

"I can get you a Red Bull," Heather offers.

"I don't think I"m at Red Bull level yet, Heather. Thank you though. I think a coffee will do."

"Where's Gen," Gracie asks. "She's always down for a coffee run and I feel like it's almost her lunch time.

"Did someone say coffee," Gen asks entering the training room.

"Gen, Genny, Genevieve," I proclaim. "This is my darkest hour. I would be ever so grateful if yon your lunch you could go on a coffee run. Please, please, please?"

"Of course, honey, I'll get coffee," she says taking out her phone to get everyone's orders. "Heather, Gracie, do you want anything?"

"I want a medium hot apple cider," Ether answers. "I don't drink coffee. I'd rather have Red Bull."

"I just want a donut," Gracie answers.

"What kind of donut," Gen asks her.

"I don't know. Just surprise me."

"Okay now, what you want, Nette?"

"I want a medium, hot coffee with two pumpkins, one caramel swirl, and three creams. If possible, I would like cinnamon sugar sprinkled on the top It's okay if they forget that part because I'm packing." Reaching into my pocket, I produce a container of cinnamon sugar.

"I should've known you'd have the most extra coffee order," Gracie says staring at me like I'm a crazy person.

"What's extra about it," I ask. "I just like what I like."

"I get that," Gen says. "Although you're ruining your coffee with pumpkin."

"I know you're partial to you regular flavors, Gen, but this is my time of year."

"I don't even want that in my car but only for you, Jeanette, will I make the exception."

"Thanks, Genny. You know what? I'll just come with you. You know because my order is so extra."

Ten minutes later, Gen and I got in her car and drove to the coffee shop.

"How about this? You order yours and Heather's and I 'll order mine and Gracie's?"

"Okay. Sounds good to me. Just so you know, she said surprise her, but you'd be better off just getting her a Boston cream. I'm pretty sure that's her favorite."

"Thanks for the heads up."

Walking to the counter, I place my order.

"Hi. I'd like a medium hot apple cider and a medium hot coffee with two pumpkin, one caramel swirl, and three creams, please. If it's not too much trouble, could you please sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of that for me?"

"That's no problem," the girl at the counter says smiling at me. "Can I get you anything else?"

"No, that's it. Thank you. You're up, Gen."