12
Red Eye.
Entering the store and the familiar wall of coffee scent, Jacob found his way to Serena who promptly engulfed him in a giant hug.
“Uh- hi?” He responded.
“Thanks for taking care of me. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I was here, and then suddenly I was just out. Like a light. That’s never happened before.”
“Oh, well just happy to help my narcoleptic friend in need.” He shrugged as he tried to wriggle his way out of her hug. “I’m just glad you’re alright.”
“I can’t believe you had to work the full end of shift by yourself. You must hate me. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine. Really. It was an extra few hours, fifteen minutes and twenty eight seconds- or so. Things are fine. I’m just happy you’re not dead.” When he was free from her embrace he put on his apron, tied it and stepped to the counter as if he was going to investigate something. It was strange but something felt off about the store but he couldn’t put his finger on it. “I trust today has been fine?”
“So far. I mean I really slept hard last night so I feel great- I just don’t know what’s gotten into Garret.” Jacob looked at her quizzically.
“What do you mean?” He puzzled.
“Haven’t you noticed? Look!” She said pointing to the corner of the store- and it all made sense. If Jacob hadn’t seen it himself, he never would have believed it. There was Garret- or at least it was something that looked like him. The likeness was uncanny, but this one appeared to be holding onto a rag and was…cleaning?
That couldn’t be right.
“What on earth…?” Jacob began before a smile broke out on his face.
“Right? It’s like watching a monkey use tools for the first time. I came in and he’d already made the coffee and set our schedule for the next two weeks. For the past hour he’s been cleaning up around the cafe. Look! He’s even got a squirt bottle!”
“He did what?” Jacob asked as he reached over to the schedule to confirm that somehow the man had indeed done his job. “That’s…amazing.” He could feel himself beaming on the inside. It worked. His spell on his boss had worked!
“It’s like he’s a completely new man. I approve.” She said with a smilemaybe a bit too big of one. Jacob frowned.
“Don’t go getting the hots for the boss now.”
“Lord no. Can you imagine?” She looked at Garret for a moment and smirked. “But seeing him clean- he looks almost human. Makes me want to keep him like a pet.”
“Absolutely not. You need to save yourself for your gay roommate.” Jacob responded.
“Look- I need to head to the back to prep some of the sandwiches. Are you going to be okay out here without me?”
“I just got here.” Jacob responded. “I mean, if I need help- I guess I can ask Garret?” Serena laughed and retreated into the back when Garret came over.
“You called me?” he asked, his voice somehow sounding less gruff.
“You’re doing good work there.” Jacob smiled.
“The counter is still dirty. You haven’t been cleaning it enough.” Garret said immediately pointing to a few rogue crumbs on the counter. Never mind about him sounding less gruff.
“We clean it literally all the time.” Jacob smirked.
“Well then use something that actually cleans better. Not just water and elbow grease, got it?” Jacob was about to argue withhim, but chose to shrug instead.
“Yes. Of course. We’ll do that. Why don’t you go take a break and I can handle things out here?” Jacob began to usher Garret to the back, but the resistance was real.
“No, I can’t do that. You two left to your own devices and suddenly the entire place will burn down. I’ll need to ensure that there’s someone out here at all times. We’ll make this place the cleanest coffee shop in the world. I’ll be able to-”
“Look- Garret- I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I think you need a break. You’re babbling and frankly, it makes you look…” Jacob tried to find a word.
“Makes me look…?” Garret echoed, suddenly concerned.
