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Chapter 1
Sweat forms on my brow as I race across campus as quickly as possible. Students stare and a few horns honk as I sprint across the road, somehow missing imminent death by mere inches. Of course I’m running late again, which isn’t unusual for me, but still exhausting. At least I somehow manage to get where I’m going at the exact time I need to… most days.
Practically crashing through the back door of my job, I rush inside and throw on my bright pink apron, skidding to a halt right behind the counter. I glance at the clock just as it hits 3:15 pm and smirk… I made it right on time.
Thank god too, because as an architectural student , caffeine is vital to my existence. As are the meager tips I manage to make here. A girl can only eat so much ramen and dining hall food.
“It amazes me that you manage to do that. Every single time, in fact,” my best friend Jacob says with an exaggerated eye roll. I just grin at him as I step up to the counter to help the next customer in line.
“How can I help you?” Despite being breathless, I manage a cheerful customer service voice.
“Black coffee, and quick,” the businesswoman says, tossing a five dollar bill at me before going back to her conversation. It hits my chest and falls to the counter in a crumpled ball. So much for the no cell phone sign behind me. It wouldn’t kill people to have a bit of kindness.
“Coming right up, ma’am,” I say, my voice dripping with sweetness. She rolls her eyes and goes back to her conversation, turning her back to me. In fact, she stays that way, yelling loudly on her phone until I have her coffee poured. “Here’s your coffee. And next time if you don’t abide by the no cell phones in line policy, we won’t be able to serve you. Have a great day!”
“Are you serious?” she bubbles out a fake laugh at my expense. “You can’t tell me where and when to use my belongings.”
Jacob steps up at her words, his smile glaringly fake. “We can actually, in a personal establishment. Here’s your coffee and change, quit holding up my line. And before you can ask, I am the manager.” She huffs and rushes out, the other customers laughing at her as she goes. It’s a bit of sweet justice for today and I take a moment to appreciate it before stepping up to the next customer.
My shift just started, but I can already tell it’s going to be a busy day. Though that's not uncommon for Deb’s. It's right on the edge of campus, which makes it easier for me and Jacob since we generally come straight from class. But that also means we have a constant flow of professors and students.
Glancing around the room, I can’t help but chuckle to myself. The fact that so many come here still cracks me up. The decor is awful, copious amounts of pink and black in a strange retro vibe. At least it has its own brand of charm and thanks to the mix of coffee beans and baked goods, it always smelled amazing. Plus we have the best coffee in town. It’s a chaotic balance that somehow works.
“Hey!” The shout at the front door grabs our attention. Jacob hops the counter before I can stop him and I have to rush around to follow. Being five foot nothing doesn’t exactly give me much room for managing shit like that.
By the time I get there, Jacob already has a guy pinned to the wall, a tall fae man standing on his other side.
“You can’t let them in here,” the guy protests around Jacob’s hold.
“Actually, you’re now banned from Deb’s,” I say, holding up my phone and taking a picture of the guy. It isn’t his best angle, which will only be that much more satisfying when we add it to the wall of shame. “And he is welcome here. In fact, while my friend here takes out the trash, why don’t I grab you a coffee on the house?”
“Oh no,” the startled man protests, holding his hands up. His cheeks are already red from the attention and I try to usher him away from the chaos. “I don’t want to be a pain.”
“I insist, it’s really no bother at all.” Walking behind the counter, I wait for him to give me the go ahead.
“Iced mocha?” His eyes are a bright green and he seems genuinely kind. Not wanting to keep him on the spot for long since he is so uncomfortable, I give a quick smile and get to work. Jacob is still waiting by the door, likely so he can make sure the asshole doesn’t bother the poor guy just wanting his afternoon coffee.
“Have a nice day!” Jacob chirps before letting the door fall closed and joining me behind the counter. His smile drops as he looks at me and sighs. “You’d think that in 2103 we’d have some semblance of equality. Instead assholes just band together to make the fae miserable.”
“It’s ridiculous,” I agree. “It’s not like there are a ton of them here, either. Just let them be.”
In 2090 we found out humans weren’t alone on Earth, at least not anymore. It was a shock, sure, but their numbers were small enough that most people accepted it. The fae were only about two hundred strong when they first entered our world. Legislatures around the world enacted bans on public use of magic, in any form, as soon as they began integrating into our society. As soon as they did, the protests started and not all of them were non-violent. But they apparently had nowhere to return to, so they had little choice but to comply and lay low when they could. Acceptance was reluctant at best and hostile at worst in many places. And here in Silver Forest, it was apparently still an issue, which is ridiculous. It didn’t help that our university was in the middle of a fairly small town with small town ideals.
I hate how people treat them, but thankfully Deb’s is a safe zone for everyone and Jacob and I don’t play with asshol
