Chapter Text
The little coffee shop on the corner of Anderson and Sixth Street wasn’t much. It was small and unassuming, with doors that opened soundlessly and flowers that overflowed from little windowsill pots. And just like it sounded, it was peaceful—except for today.
Another drop of California-wrought sweat dripped down Sophie’s forehead, and she suppressed a sigh.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am. I’ll only use one pump of cream this time,” she promised. “Will you please wait for your drink over there?” She inclined her head toward checkout.
“Absolutely not.” The red-haired customer crossed her arms. “I have to make sure you get it right.”
“I will! But the other customers in line behind you need to order too.” She took a deep breath, trying to let the soft sounds of nearby clacking keyboards and murmured conversation empty her mind. It was a skill she often employed, but one that failed her just the same.
“They’ll wait their turn. You know, back in my day—”
And suddenly, blissfully, a new voice cut in.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I just couldn’t help but notice your jacket.” A tall brunet gave the customer—Helen, Sophie remembered—a bright smile. “Are you a Foxfire alumnus? I’m currently attending, and I could really use some advice.”
Helen started, looking between Sophie and the newcomer for a moment, before deciding the newcomer was the more pressing issue. “Yes, of course I am. What were you wondering about?”
The man slowly began working his way to the checkout counter with the lady in step. Sophie watched, a smile creeping over her face as her rescuer worked his magic.
He glanced back over his shoulder, winked, and mouthed “one latte, please.” Sophie wasn’t sure if it was the heat of the air or the moment, but she thought she might have felt a little faint.
Aaand she was staring. Drinks! A latte… a latte of handsomeness. No. A latte and a strawberry frappucino with exactly one pump of whipped cream, no more and no less.
She darted to it.
A minute later, both customers had drinks in hand, and the lady was whisking out of the shop, muttering something under her breath along the lines of “at least one of you kids has some manners.” But Sophie couldn’t care less.
She gave the man a grateful smile. “Thank you for the rescue. Customers like that will be the death of me.”
“It’s no problem. I’m used to dealing with people like that. Fitz, by the way.” He sipped his drink and gave an approving smile.
Sophie blinked. “I guess she was having a bit of a fit, huh?” Smooth, Sophie, smooth…
He stared at her for a moment, smile slipping off his face. “Fitz is my name.”
….not so smooth.
“Shoot, my name is Sophie, sorry!” She flashed a smile. “Um, I should probably get back to work, but…?”
“But?” Fitz inclined his head.
“Buuut it was nice to meet you! Thank you again for the save!” She smoothed her hair. “I’ll see you another time? I mean, have a great day!”
He laughed. “Another time, then, perhaps under better circumstances.” He dropped a tip in the jar on the counter, gave her one last smile, and made his way out.
Sophie stood for a moment, staring after him dreamily.
A brown hand waved in front of her face, and she started back to the present, sheepishly turning to her co-worker Linh. “I’m getting back to work, sorry! I was dealing with a customer.”
“Mhmm.” Linh gave her a knowing look. “I’ll cover the counter. You can get me more cups from the back. Unless there are more customers to ‘deal with’?” She smiled innocently.
Sophie felt a blush creeping up on her, and she swept by Linh through the the staff door, determined to put the incident out of her mind.
Needless to say, her efforts were unsuccessful.