The Donut Shop | Robsten (ON HOLD)

Chapter 2: Revisit

"Doors lead you to unknown spaces"
Third POV

Robert rushed into his workplace, quickly dusting off the snowflakes that covered his body. He was running late, not really a unusual thing though. He doesn't have a car, so he relies on the subway for everything. This time though there were way too many people, causing him to be ten minutes late to work. Definitely not a good thing.

He got to his desk quickly and quietly, taking off his coat and shaking it slightly. The crystals of ice fell to the ground one by one, melting as they hit the ground. He waited patiently for his boss to come around like he always does to yell at him for not being on time. This was a daily routine. Now that he thinks about it....when was he ever on time?

"Robert!" Shouted a voice. Rob shut his eyes tightly and slowly turned around. His boss stood in front of him with a stack of papers and a disappointed stare.

All Robert could do in that moment was to sigh. He didn't have any more excuses to why he was always late, since honestly it's always the same. His boss put up with him though, he doesn't really know why. He would definitely have fired himself if he was the boss.

"You're late again." His boss retorted. Rob looked down at his old boots and nodded. His boss sighed and put his hand on his shoulder, "What's the excuse this time?"

Robert shuffled around awkwardly and replied softly, "Subway traffic."

"Rob look at me."

And so he did. He was surprised to find that his boss was staring at him with a kind stare, one of concern and sympathy.

"Look," The boss told him while adjusting his own glasses, "You have talent, you really do. That's why I haven't let you go yet. Our company is going down and we are going bankrupt, we can't afford to loose any more employees." Robert could detect the sorrow in the man's voice.

He's been working here for almost over a year now. In the beginning they were doing fine, thriving with many customers. Now their company has been going downhill instead of up. Customers are scarce, meaning the that the payload is decreasing. Robert could leave and find a new job, but his boss is his uncle that he loves very much, he couldn't just leave him like that.

"I know Finn. I know." Robert replied sadly. Both men just stood there for a little bit, both standing in the same circle of depression. The last few months definitely have been the hardest of Robert's life. He struggles to pay rent and is seriously considering getting a second job. Him and his roommate's salaries added up together are barely enough for rent and food. It's difficult when you have to choose either to eat tonight, or save it to keep your shelter.

"We have a big project coming up with some serious investors. This could be our big break. I'm counting on you." With that his uncle left, leaving Rob surrounded by worries. If they pull this off it could raise their company through the roof. If he messes it up he would feel terrible.

He sat down at his desk, wiping off the dust that has accumulated on top of it. He started up his photoshop program and charged his camera battery. The building was warm and cozy, protecting everyone from the freezing, ice filled wonderland of NYC.

He finally took a moment to reflect what happened earlier in his day: that little donut shop. That girl with the beautiful eyes and smile. He was still stumped however from the fact that it seemed like there were two different ones. He looked back at his computer then at the window. Maybe he could go back after work. He doesn't know when they close, so all he can do is to be hopeful that they don't.

The night hours fell across the city like a blanket. The bustling sounds of the city slowly coming to a halt, but never to a stop. There will always be people out and about no matter what. Robert said goodbye to all his coworkers and headed off to the little shop that's been on his mind all day. Luckily he remembered exactly how to get there since he took the subway from there to get to work.

The subway was always Rob's least favorite way of transportation. It was cramped and smelly. Many of the people there seemed to feel the same way. He could also never find a place to sit, but if it was someone who really needed the seat he'll give it to them. Rob has always had a kind heart towards everyone, and he plans to keep it that way. The world doesn't need more evil, it really really needs more good.

The ding from the speaker indicated that they have arrived at a new stop, which just so happened to be Rob's. He exited the train with a few others and quickly headed to his destination.

It was around five degrees outside, which Rob didn't mind since he has experienced colder. He walked through the slush of the left over snow, dragging his feet tiredly through it. His eyes lit up when he saw the sign that has imprinted in his mind. The Cozy Donut.

The lights were still on and it seemed like a few people were still there. He walked up to the glass door a little too fast though, slipping on the ice and landing with a smack onto the ground.

An employee must have saw it and ran to the back of the store. A little later a woman came out, rushing to Rob. She opened the door quickly and kneeled down without her knees touching the snow to look at Robert better.

"Woah there. Are you ok?" The woman asked gently. Robert immediately blushed when he realized who it was. He stared deeply into her hypnotizing green eyes.

"Yeah I'm...fine." He stuttered. He didn't even notice how cold the snow was, he was too focused on something else.

The woman got up and pulled Rob up with her. She led him into the cafe and told him to sit down at one of the tables. Rob compiled, starting to shiver due to the snow that was now melting on his pants.

The green eyed girl went behind the counter and grabbed a few things for Rob. She came back over to the shivering man and covered him in a blanket. Rob said a silent "thank you" as the girl once again went behind the counter.

She grabbed a cup and started to fill it with a steamy substance. She placed a straw into the cup and headed over to a blanket wrapped Robert. She placed the cup down in front of him and sat beside him.

"Thank you." Rob whispered as he took a drink from the cup. It's hot chocolate. Just the temperature alone made Rob feel comforted.

The girl chuckled and shook her head, "No problem. I thought you were hurt or something. That's why you don't run on ice." Rob laughed at her joke causing the girl to smile a bit. That smile already made Rob's heart flutter.

"So uhm, you own this place?"

The girl nodded with a proud expression, "Yep. Took years of remodeling and coming up with recipes, but we finally did it." Rob loved the way she would always have an answer to every question.

"I'm sorry for the trouble. I can pay for this if you want." The woman's eyes widened as she furiously shook her head back and forth.

"It's on me. Everyone deserves a cup of hot coco." She said, her tone soft. For some reason she felt the need to sound like that towards him. Something about him to her made her feel a sense of protection. She felt like she needed to protect his innocent soul.

Rob put down the cup gently and looked around the space.

"So you're the only boss?" Rob questioned. The girl was about to say something when someone else walked in.

"Hey Kristen we have to close up now. I already cleaned and wiped the counters—who is that?" Robert's eyes darted from the girl who was supposedly called, "Kristen" back to the new girl who just entered the room. But they both look the same...Robert's brain probably could have exploded right there.

"Oh ok. Sorry I was just helping out a customer. We have to close shop now. Do you need a ride home?" Kristen asked. Rob, still stunned, replied a small no. Kristen and the other girl just looked at each other with confusion, soon shaking it off as they escorted him out the door.

Oooooo interesting 🤔 😂☺️
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