Jacob didn’t have many friends so his relationship to Serena was a welcome one. She often felt more like a big sister than a friend, perhaps because they’d worked together for almost five years now and have gotten along famously the entire time.
He offered the tea and she smelled it. Her face soured.
“What brew is it?”
“A new brew. A you-brew.” Jacob responded.
“Fine.” She took a sip and her face lit up. “Oh, wait. It’s actually good.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence there.” Jacob responded.
“I didn’t mean it that way, but yes. It’s very good. Be proud.” She said, “We’ve got a few odd jobs to get through before we can just goof off. Do you mind if I get you to do the lights?”
“That one that never stops flickering and feels like we’re in a horror movie?”
“Yes. That one.” She smirked.
“Must I? I named it Tim.”
“You do that, and I’ll handle the floor.”
“You mean all of these no customers?” Jacob motioned to the empty cafe.
“I hate ladders.”
“Fine. But you better play me some good music.” He said as he went to the storage closet to grab the ladder.
“ME good music, or YOU good music?” She asked.
“Me. Obviously me.” Jacob responded.
“Fine. I’ll play some Kylie and then we can discuss further.” Serena took a big sip of her tea as she went back to the stereo to adjust accordingly. As she did, Jacob set up the ladder to change the lights and dust off the rafters.
The entire time he was up there Jacob kept his eyes focused on Serena like a hawk. He wasn’t sure what would happen, but it seemed like she was alright.
“You think she’s okay?” Jacob finally asked Teddy after he’d wiped down most of the store.
“No clue. She hasn’t exploded yet. I’d say that’s good progress.” Teddy responded.
“The other guy didn’t explode he just- he kind of fizzed.” “He was a human bath bomb.” Teddy squawked. “That was awesome.” “She just looks…happy? How do I know if it worked?”
“Well, you probably won’t. Maybe it didn’t. Maybe you fucked up and now she’s just got a tea.”
“No, I could feel something. I know something worked there. I just don’t know what it was.”
As he was explaining there was a loud crash. Jacob jumped so high he nearly fell off the ladder.
“The fuck was that?” Teddy asked. “I think I laid an egg!”
“Shit! Serena!” Jacob exclaimed looking down to see her collapsed on the floor. He raced down the ladder and jumped behind the counter to investigate. At first he was worried thatshe’d died on the spot, but as he approached, her snores became hard to ignore. She was snoring so loudly it was a miracle the store hadn’t collapsed.
“Ah crap.” Jacob uttered.
“I guess that’s a bit too much sleep and maybe not enough pep.” Teddy began. “Well she’s certainly relaxed now at least.”
“She’s not cut or anything, thank goodness.” Jacob responded. “Things look okay I just- she’s not waking up.”
“Try kicking her.” Teddy responded.
