She’s in her usual work attire—a white long sleeved shirt under a black apron. Today, her hair is down, tucked behind her ears rather than braided.
She hasn’t noticed me yet, and I take advantage of the opportunity to look at her—notice parts of her I haven’t before. There is something so gentle about her, something inherently warm, and though I make no effort to move my feet, some part of me seems to lean closer like my body craves the peace I find when she’s near.
Finally, she sees me, and I know I don’t imagine that flush on her cheeks, that shyness always being what she shows me first.
She gives me a small wave, her bottom lip going between her teeth in an effort to contain a smile, and I lift my hand in a wave back.
Emerson must say something to her because her attention goes back to my sister, so I close the space between me and the counter.
Up close, I can see the soft freckles that dust Rumi’s skin, her long lashes framing those eyes I’ve thoughtwaytoo much about, her full, dusty pink lips.
She really is beautiful.
And I don't think she has a clue how much so.
Rumi turns to me and says something, but I don’t hear it—only see the movement of those lips. Emerson bumps me, breaking me out of my trance.
“Sorry, what did you say?” I ask Rumi.
She lets out a little giggle. “Anything for you?”
“Just the coffees for these two,” I say, pointing between Emerson next to me and Luke next to Rumi behind the counter.
She nods, looking down to tap on the iPad in front of her.
“While we’re here, I’m going to place that order for more of the seasonal syrups, so we’re stocked for the summer.” Luke turns to the back office.
“Oh, Evee’s napping in the office,” Rumi quickly says, her voice slightly panicked, as he walks away. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming. I can move her,” she rushes out.
Luke turns around. “No, no. It’s fine. You know I don’t mind when she’s here.”
“Are you sure? I’m sorry. It’s just until we find someone to replace Reagan, and Ava and I can go back to alternating shifts.”
I can almost see the lightbulb go off in Emerson’s head—as a freelance artist, she’s developed a good, consistent client base, but I know she’s been looking for other jobs to save money for a new apartment.
“I can do it,” she says, bouncing on the balls of her feet—both Luke and Rumi’s attention goes to her.
“You want to work here?” Rumi asks her.
Emerson nods. “I was a barista in college, and I could use the extra money.”
“Hired!” Ava interjects after setting down the last drink she was making at the pickup counter, the lull in customers allowing us all to chat by the register. “When can you start?”
“Hey, I thought I was the boss.” Luke crosses his arms, looking at Ava.
“Sure you are,” she says, patting his shoulder then looking back at Emerson.
“When do you need me?” my sister asks Ava.
Ava gestures for Emerson to come with her behind the counter toward the back office, Luke following close behindasking Ava if she was being sarcastic or not, leaving me and Rumi to ourselves.
We both watch as the door to the back office closes, and then look back at each other.
“Looks like you just got my sister a job.”
Rumi shakes her head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean?—”
“Why do you always do that?” I ask, interrupting her for no other reason but not wanting to hear her apologize.
