Burning Skies » larry

Chapter 8

Harry now worked night shifts at the Coffee Nook. A week in and Harry had gotten used to working as the cashier for the bookstore corner of the shop and restocking the books on the shelves. He was still working on his social skills, but as long as he gave the customers back their correct change and receipt, he didn't have to worry about much else.

He met some of the baristas, some who were also college students. There was a particularly kind girl named Nadine who gave him free iced coffee as a "welcome gift". Harry might've secretly cried in the bathroom from his gratefulness.

Judy, of course, was as lovely as ever. She was very motherly and spoiled Harry with endless plates of sweets being delivered to his counter. Whenever Harry would even pretend to protest, she'd tease him and threaten to fire him. She always won, clearly.

Niall spent a good amount of time here, too. Today, he'd brought some friends with him. Harry had become a bit familiar with them now since he always saw them with Niall. They were nice and would greet Harry all the time, but sometimes Harry wished they weren't so cautious around them.

"Harry!" Niall called out as soon as Harry's customer left with their purchase. "Come here!"

Taking a deep breath, Harry walked to their table with a nervous smile.

"Harry, you know Liam of course, and this is Ashley. Ashley's in Business Ad." Niall said.

They both greeted him amicably, which Harry returned as best as he could with a wave.

"Join us for a bit, mate. There aren't that many customers yet." Ashley offered kindly. She was pretty with light, brown hair, and Harry thought she'd do well in modeling.

Niall gave him a look that basically said just to it Harold. Defeated, Harry nodded and sat down beside Niall. Great. More socializing.

"What are you studying, Harry?" Liam asked. It was a bit weird since Harry had already met him several times before, but they never really talked. Still, Harry thought he seemed like the kind of guy that easily made friends and got along with everyone, much like Niall.

"I'm still undecided, actually." Harry said sheepishly.

"I say take up Business Administration. It's practical, and you'll get rich!" Ashley said conspiratorially.

Before Harry could say anything, Niall cut in, "Stop trying to recruit my best friend into your college, Ash."

"I'm just spitting facts." she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder. Harry caught Liam snorting while Niall just shook his head fondly.

"Actually, taking up a business course doesn't guarantee being rich, so those are actually not facts." Niall said.

"Maybe we can just ask Harry what he actually likes doing so we could help him think of what he'll major in, yeah?" Liam suggested.

"Right you are." Ashley said, leaning over the table. "What do you like, Harry?"

Harry didn't know how exactly to tell them that he didn't exactly have much time to mull over his passions and such due to his little condition, so he said, "Um, I guess just something practical? Something I can get a decent job with."

"Business Ad!" Ashley immediately said, perking up.

Niall and Liam groaned at the same time. A bell sounded by the counter, signaling the presence of a customer, so Harry quickly excused himself to attend to the them.

"Sorry," Harry quietly apologized as he accepted the customer's book.

"You're new here?" the customer's gruff voice said.