Allure

12- Ryon

Today’s Friday and I have no classes, Tristen Has already left for her first class by the time I wake up. And by the time she gets home I’ll be at work.  I sit cleaning, my room, arranging and re arranging my room, allowing the time pass until twelve.

I walk into work and it’s fairly busy, it’s warm out and the customers are happy and demanding. Although it’s busy the day goes by fast and the crowd dies down immensely around 6.

“Hi there, Roommate.” Tristen calls over the counter.

“Oh, Hi.” I’m really excited to see her. I’m still unaware of why I react to her the way I do.

“Can I have a Large Iced coffee.” She smiles, “I’d prefer it be prepared personally by the cashier.” She looks to Lisa who was beginning to make her drink.  Lisa threw her hands up and retreated to the back.

“What are you doing here?” I smiled as I handed her her drink and she paid me.

“Just needed a bit of caffeine.” She blows her drink even though it’s not hot and rinks it.

“You work 30 minutes in the opposite direction of the school, and from here to the school there are about 20 other Coffee shops.” I can’t help but smile at her.

“I have a thing for overpriced coffee and curly hair.” She wraps a strand of my hair around her finger before sliding into a  breakfast bar stool.

“Well you’ve come to the right place.”

I’m leaned over deep into conversation with Tristen when the next customer walks in, the smile displayed wide across my face from our chatting falls and shatters to the ground instantly when I look up to great the customer. Richard.

My heart pounds and both he and Tristen notice my reaction. His smile slowly fades and his brows collapse together in confusion. Tristen turns around to see the cause of my mood swing and is instantly defensive but i'm unsure why.

“Well good evening, to you too.” He looks at me and cocks his head to the side. “And you as well, miss.” He smiles at Tristen, who gets slightly less defensive.

I clear my throat. “Hmm, yes, sorry what can I get you?”

“Cinnamon raisin bagel…” his answer is more of a question than a request.

“And how many, sir?” I’m very uncomfortable.

“Do you like cinnamon rasin?” he looks at Tristen.

“Uh, sure.” She responds, her eyes never leave him, she’s practically daring him to move too fast without warning.

“Three, Ma’am.”

“For here or to go.” My eyes plead with him to go.

“Here.”

Fuck.

“Here you go .” I hand him his bagels and he hands me his card. He sits beside Tristen.

“May I?”

Her eyes follow him. “Aren’t you already?” she snaps. It surprises me, but not Richard

“Hey I mean no harm.” He hands her a bagel.  Takes one for himself and places the last one on the pastry self. “For you, ma’am.”

“I’m sorry who are you and why are you buying us bagels.”

“I’m a gentleman, that’s all.” He speaks to her but looks at me. Still questioning the situation.

“He’s a loyal customer, his names Richard, He’s alright…” I say more so to myself. “Richard, this is my roommate… Tristen.”

“Oh.” The confusion in his eyes disappears but now he’s more open and she’s more comfortable. 

They sit in deep conversation while I run back and forth trying to pay attention more to my customers then to them. Tristen has away of projecting the attention from herself and onto anyone else. He asks one question for every seven he answers. Only he thinks he’s getting more.

           Tristen leaves before he does, with a firm handshake, a smile and a nice to meet you.

          I’m instantly relieved. 

          “Ryon, you can leave early if you want.” Lisa calls to me as she mops the far corner of the café. Her dad owns the shop but she practically runs the place. She winks and lets me know that she wants me to leave with Richard.

          “Goodnight Miss Lisa.” Richard calls as he holds open the door for me.

          We sit in the back seat of his car practically silence as he plays with my hands.

          “So your roommate…”

          “What about her?”

          “She seems very protective of you.”

          “I’m not sure why?”

          “You’ve known her long, yes?”

          “About five hours longer than I’ve known you.”

          “Hmm.”

          “You shouldn’t have sat and talked with her. She goes to Kaymen.”

          “I’m aware, Ryon.”

          “What if she recognizes you, or if she’s got your class next semester, or sees you on campus?”

          “She didn’t, and I’m sure she won’t mind.”

          “You don’t make good decisions.” I feel myself pouting.

          “No, I make great ones.” He kisses me but I make no effort to kiss him back.