Coffee and Love

Making Good With London

“Uh, so…Mary. Remember how I was telling you it was Phil that made me late finding you yesterday?” I asked awkwardly as I trailed behind my supervisor in the swerving halls at BBC.

“Yes, he spilled coffee on you. I see he didn’t manage that today as your dress seems unsoiled, it’s pretty by the way.” She barely looked up from the work on her tablet as she walked.

I glanced down at the red fabric that stretched over my body. It was pretty, that’s why I’d chosen it, but I wasn’t overly used to other people commenting on my choice of outfits. “Uh, thank you. Anyways, Phil gave me his jacket to put on over my camisole and I wanted to give it back, but I don’t know how to find him.”

“You could always just wait until he goes on his coffee run and turn down a hallway.” Mary teased “I scorned him for hurting my new intern. I’m sure it’s hard enough transitioning without coworkers spilling hot liquid on you. I’ll shoot him an email to tell him to stop by the media room later.”

“Thanks. Do you want me to give you the jacket and he-“

“Oh, no, dear, you keep it. Phil can just get it from you. I’ll be in and out of the room all day going from meetings to meetings. OH! Speaking of that, I’m late. Here, take this.” She handed me her tablet and tea “Take them back and put them in my office then go back to work.” Mary disappeared inside of a room. I blinked, not entirely sure why she had asked me to escort her down the hallway other than for company.

I trekked back to the media room, jumping to the side just in time as someone came flying around the corner. “Watch it!” I growled, regaining my grip on the tea and tablet.

“Hello again, intern.” Dan said as he stopped and recognized who I was. “Wow your luck is awful. Maybe try taking wider turns?” He suggested.

“My name isn’t intern…and I might just take your advice. I’m clumsy enough without other people helping.” I slid the tablet under my arm so I could get the door to the media room.

“Let me” Dan said, opening the glass door wide and using his body to prop it open. “If your name isn’t intern, then what is it?”

“Nikki.”I informed him “Thanks for getting the door.” I stepped inside and Dan began to leave. “Uh! Dan!”

“Yes?” He caught the door with his foot.

“I have Phil’s jacket, could you give it to him? It’s just on my desk…” I placed the tea and tablet down, turning to grab the blue article.

“Nah, I’ll make him come face his shame.” Dan grinned “He’ll give you another apology for trying to burn you alive.”

“It’s really alright. He doesn’t need to-“but Dan was already gone and I was talking to thin air.

Honestly, my coworkers are very nice. They came up, introduced themselves, tried to make conversation, but I’m so terribly shy I just kind of kept sliding into my seat, not sure what to say. So when they asked me if I wanted to go to lunch with them I politely declined for two reasons. One, I still didn’t fully understand British money and wanted to save myself the embarrassment. Two, I had no clue what we would talk about and therefore I stayed at my desk and decided not to eat since I forgot to pack a lunch.

“Knock knock.” Someone said as they literally knocked on my computer screen. I quickly pulled the headphones out of my ears. “Are you busy? I just came to get my jacket.”

I looked up at Phil, not really sure what to say. I swallowed hard and handed him the coat. “Uh, here. I’m really sorry I left with it. I didn’t even realize until my roommates asked me about my day.” I smiled awkwardly.