Hers

Derek

"Jackie, where are the two lattes the lady in blue ordered?" An older lady with a wrinkled raisin-like face stood by the cash register complaining to my boss. It had only been about 5 minutes from when she ordered but some people had no patience.

Friday morning was always busy. We were packed all morning not giving any time to think. Which was a good thing. It had been the first time I was able to stop thinking about Emerson and her offer.

"Two Mocha Lattes, here you go." I placed them on the counter motioning towards the old lady. She smiled annoyingly snatching the lattes from the counter

"about time." she snorted.

I gave her a half-ass smile trying to be polite. It's not that I loved working here but for the most part, it was a decent job but the pay had never been good. There was too much hassle and dealing with snarky customers for the pay. But I had to keep this job. Not many places higher you unless you had finished high school.

More and more people entered the shop and a huge line formed in front of the register. Rick, one of my coworkers, was one of the only one that was somewhat nice to work with. He always got his job done and didn't bother to interrogate you with questions about your personal life All our conversations were short and simple. They consisted of "hi, how are you" and "blah blah blah latte for this person." He and I were the only people on shift today apart from our boss, Jess.

I took over the cash register while taking orders from the many people lined up. Everything was going fine until Derek showed up out of nowhere.

"Hey, beautiful. I was thinking. You and I aren't done right. I mean, yeah, I made my mistakes but moving on I'll be your prince charming." He said with a half-smile. His short brown hair messy. He wore a loose hoodie and basketball shorts.

"Derek, I'm at work. Please." I quickly said avoiding eye contact. Ringing up the next customer.

"Are you serious, Jackie?" He snorted "I've been texting. I've been calling. telling you how sorry I am. I came all the way here and this is what i get?" He frowned a wrinkle forming between his eyes. "I just. can't with you!"

"I can't talk right now," I said firmly. "Plus, if you think you have another chance with me your out of your mind. I'm not your toy."

"Alright, I see." His face hardened. "You weren't even worth it in the first place you damn bitch." He laughed loudly gaining attention from the other people in the coffee shop.

"That's going to be $5.49, sir," I said to the customer in front of me. Derek then stormed off the shop angrily stomping on his way out.

"You ok?" Rick asked while brewing some coffee.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said politely. He just nodded his head and continued with his work. This was what I liked about him. I didn't need someone to ask any more questions. I didn't want to answer them.

4 o'clock came and I was exhausted. I couldn't wait to leave. I cleaned up for the next shift counted the cash register and headed towards the back to the employee break room. Some of the employees for the next shift were already here chatting in the break room. I passed by the vending machine and got a Twix chocolate bar. I bit into it and ate almost a third of the bar at once. I hadn't had much food but eggs and toast on my lunch break and a coffee. I looked at my phone to see a text from Emerson.

I'll be waiting out front

Suddenly I got butterflies in my stomach. I headed to the bathroom and examed myself in the mirror. I was dressed plain and simple. Blue Jeans, a white polo, and black converse. I kind of wished I would have brought an extra pair. I sprayed on some perfume, fixed my ponytail, and freshened up. I then clocked out and headed outside.