The Cafe Kiss

Part One

Coffee.

Coffee is what you usually get here at the Simply Sweet Cafe. Here, we serve everything from lattes to cappuccinos and from decadent cupcakes to rich tartlets to go on the side. I've been working here since I was nineteen. While Doris, my employer has fired many young people around my age every once and while, she kept me because she said I was an efficient waitress. I guess I was, given almost six years of experience.

Saturday, while not the most eventful, was the one of the days I worked extra hard so I could finish and get home. I mean, I loved working here but working six days a week can tire a person, so I work extra quick so I can get more rest once I reach home.

"Want to get home already Em?" Dina, my fellow waitress teases as we sit out stops when the crowd slows down and we aren't always hustling to get our orders out. She's my closest friend among all the staff and she's been here almost as long as I have. She's my age and well definitely my polar opposite. 

"Yeah. How'd you guess?"

"Well, it's Saturday and you haven't stopped staring into the clock." she says, laughing heartily.

I shrug. Dina likes to tease me and I usually don't care anyways. "Hey, I need waitresses over here!" Freddy, the chef calls for us. He's forty-something and he's really sweet. His wife's name is Janice and they have two kids, Milo and Jackson. I laugh as he calls and make my way over to the window where the chef serves up the pastries we give to our customers.

"Yeah, you got my order of two strawberry crepes and one apple?" I say, picking up the three plates of food and setting it on my tray.

"Yeah, I did. Doris says that you and Dina can leave right after that guy over at table three finishes his coffee. Jules and Mark got to take over rest of your shifts. They were late for the tenth time this month." Freddy says, rolling his eyes at he deemed incompetent of the other staff here. 

"Oh okay. Tell Doris I say thanks." I say, making my way over to the coffee stand and pouring out three cups of black coffee. Well, it's my lucky day. Jules and Mark are some freshmen in college who are working to get some extra cash. They've lasted the six months, which is saying something because many of the college students who have worked here don't last very long.

After I served the people over at table five and cleaned up their table soon after they left, the guy over at table three finishes his coffee and asks for the check. So, I rush to the cash register, run his check and give it to him. He pays and I swiftly take it. I turn around and then, he grabs my arm saying "Wait, I forgot something-" I turn around and crash into his lips. It's quick and small but I can feel sparks flying. 

I quickly pull away turn around so I don't face him with my cheeks turning a bright crimson. "I'm so sorry sir. It was a mistake." I say, finally looking at him and his expression is blank. He comes closer to me and whispers, "Don't act as if you didn't do it on purpose." he then smirks at me, with his amber eyes giving me glare.

"Excuse me?" I say, taken aback. "It was an accident."

"Yeah, right. I would expect as much. Many waitresses try to throw themselves at me." he says, giving me small chuckle.

"Yeah, every stupid waitress. Don't break your heart about it sir because I am not a part of those stupid waitresses." I shoot back venomously. I try to hold my composure since I am at the workplace and I can't risk getting punished to do overtime. 

"Telling yourself that won't make your sad attempt to kiss me any less embarrassing." he says while continuing to laugh at me.

My fists clench. If I wasn't at work, I would be pummeling this guy to a pulp. I force a smile and say, "Once again, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. Here's your checkbook. You forgot something, I believe?" I shove the thing back in his hands and walk away. The nerve of that guy, honestly he's a right old narcissistic jerk.