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“Thank you, you too!” he replies as he turns and walks out the door.
Another order comes from a man in a grey suit and matching briefcase. He must be a lawyer.
“Good morning; what can I get for you today?” I smile at him.
“Hi, can I get a small cappuccino?” he grunts.
“Sure, anything else with that?” I reply.
“No. If I wanted something else, I would have said now, wouldn’t I?” he huffs.
I smile at him and go to the coffee machine. I pick up the small cup, place it under the machine, and press the espresso. Oh, wait. He did say espresso, right? Or did I get that wrong? No. I’m pretty sure it was an espresso. After the machine beeps, signalling that the order is done, I return it to the counter and hand it to him.
“Here is your order, sir. That will be £3.00, please,” I say.
He looks at me and then the coffee.
“A bit expensive for coffee,” he mutters, tapping his card on the reader.
He takes it and walks away. The following customer steps forwards and begins to give her order until the man comes back to the counter. Pushing her out of the way.
“I asked for a cappuccino, not a fucking espresso! How hard is it to do a simple job and just follow orders? Are you really that stupid?” He yells, pointing his finger over the counter at me. I look around the shop and notice people starting to stare. I wish I could shrink inside myself.
Ah, I was doing so well. I thought I had the hang of this.
“I’m sorry, sir. It was an honest mistake. Please let me go and fix this for you right now. I will also issue you a refund,” I say frantically. He nods, and I turn to make him the right coffee this time.
Huffing, he moves aside so Alana can take the next customer’s order. She’s lucky she didn’t have to deal with this asshole.
The day continues without another incident, and the shift ends.
As I put the last cups back on the counter, Alana approaches me and places her hand on my shoulder.
“That guy from earlier made a complaint to the boss.” She gives me a wry smile.
I look at her with wide eyes. Is the boss irritated? Hopefully, I won’t get in trouble for that, considering it’s my second day.
“Has the boss been here the entire time?” I say as I look around frantically.
Alana pats my hands. “No, dear, he was here at lunchtime, and your customer made a formal complaint to him,” she says calmly.
I bend down behind the counter to get my handbag. Oh great! Fucking fantastic. I made a shitshow of a first impression on my boss! I have yet to meet him. I let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m so sorry.”
“You won’t be getting into trouble! He understands it was only your second day, and it was a simple, honest mistake that you immediately fixed. You fixed it the right way as well! Without any help, either. I’m proud of you, Callie! He wasn’t exactly the easiest customer to deal with. The boss thought so, too.” She says calmly, bending down to give me a hug.
Oh, thank god. I thought I fucked up my chances of getting out of that house. That fucking shithole. I need out, and I need out fast!
“Thank you, Alana. Thank you for being my friend.” I say as I hug her.
We hold each other for a minute before we both stand up.
“I better head home before my foster parents wonder where I am,” I say, grabbing my handbag off the counter. I wish that half of that statement were true. Too bad they are just pissed because I am not home to be their slave.
“No problem, Callie. Have a great day off tomorrow, and I will see you bright and early on Monday morning. If you ever want to talk, here is my number. Text me anytime.” She says as she hands me a piece of paper.
I take the paper, place it in the front pocket of my bag, and zip it. I have made other friends besides Lockie and Harlow. I feel proud. I may be capable of being liked by others. “Thanks. See you Monday.” I say sheepishly.
I open the door and walk out, closing it behind me. I look up at the grey sky and smile. The rain has finally stopped after raining all day. Now, I get to walk home in peace. I love the smell of the air after a good, hard rain. It makes me feel closer to nature. Connected, in a way.
