Archive of Our Own

"Girl, you need to get a job." Azurá shook her head, giving Gabby a pointed look through the phone.

"I have a job!" Gabby defended, eyebrows scrunched up with offense.

"You're volunteering, and as great as that is, you aren't earning shit from it. If your parents weren't giving you a monthly allowance and paying for your rent, you'd be dead by now." Azurá said bluntly.

"'S not my fault the shelter doesn't have room for any more full time staff." Gabby muttered, slouching down into her bed.

"So you look elsewhere. France has a lot of cafés, right? Surely you can find a job there?" Azurá suggested. “It’s probably the easiest choice, in any case.” Gabby paused, ruminating over the idea for a bit.

"I mean that…might be fun, actually." Gabby agreed slowly. The idea was…a little questionable on the surface. Gabby had no experience making coffee besides coffee pods and instant coffee. Still, she was fairly confident in herself and her ability to pick things up quickly.

“Go look for a job, dude. I got things to do too. You can’t call me all day everyday.” Azurá pressed.

“Fine. I’ll go.” Gabby relented. Azurá let out a sigh of relief.

“Finally. Phee’s gonna stop hounding me to hound you.”

The next day, Gabby was a woman on a mission, scouring the internet for every open position she could find and adding them to a list. In the end, she found close to 10 different places with open
spots for inexperienced staff, and she applied to the 2 that were closest to her, near enough to walk.

The day after, she interviewed for the first one in the morning.

The first place was very traditional. They did everything the old fashioned way, exclusively using a French press for all their drinks and not offering any alternative milks. Consequently, their client
base was on the older side, and many of them gave her odd looks when she walked in, arms covered with tattoos and hair in tight braids. In retrospect, she probably should’ve looked into that, but the thought had admittedly slipped her mind.

She thanked them for their time at the end of the interview, but it was an automatic no for her already, no matter the result of the interview.

Her second interview was at 2pm, and it felt right the moment she stepped in. The café was warmly lit, with lamps of various shapes and sizes everywhere, fairy lights covering brick walls, and black and white tiles that were so clean they shined. It wasn’t the most crowded when she got there, but it was clear the people there were regulars—relaxed and familiar with the space. It seemed much closer to her speed.

She went up to the counter, greeting the staff with a ça va? The lady at the counter gave a small smile and asked for her order.

“Actually, I’m here for an interview? I applied online yesterday.” Gabby asked, twirling her hands nervously.

“Gabrielle?” A tall, broad lady stepped towards her. Her hair was tied up into a messy, lopsided bun that rested atop her head with stray hairs poking out. She wore a simple white shirt and jeans with sneakers.

“Gabby is fine. And you are…?” Gabby trailed off, unsure.

“Alexia. I’m the owner.” She stuck a hand out. Oh. She assumed she’d be meeting with a manager or something, not the owner.

“Nice to meet you.” Gabby took her hand, giving her a firm handshake.

“Iliana, open the latch and let Gabby in, will you? I’ll take her to the back for the interview.” The counter lady, Iliana, nodded, walking over to the half door that was there to keep non-employees from finding their way to the back, and unlocked it. Gabby stepped into the back, doing her best to hide her nerves. Her hands were tucked in her pockets, fingers toying with the fabric of her pants from within.

“Good luck.” Iliana whispered with a small smile, locking the latch behind Gabby and returning to the cashier.

Gabby forced a smile, trying to keep her panic internal.

“So, Gabby, this isn’t going to be too formal.” Alexia explained as they walked to the small office space with CHARTEREAU in the name slot. “I just want to know more about you.”

“Okay.” Gabby agreed. The reassuring words, as kind as they were, did nothing to help her nerves.

“You’re from America, right?” Alexia asked as she settled down in her chair, gesturing for Gabby to do the same. Gabby sat down gingerly, resting her bag on her lap and folding her hands on top of
it.

“Yes. I grew up there and moved here after college.” Gabby nodded.

“Do you mind me asking why?”

“Just wanted a change of scenery, and I grew up speaking French with my grandmother, who’s French.” Gabby explained. “I’ve always wanted to live in France, in all honesty, but I wasn’t sure if I could
get French citizenship.”

“Is your grandmother not French?” Alexia cocked her head, confused.

“Yeah, I kind of forgot how that worked. It wasn’t exactly explained to me.” Gabby said sheepishly. Alexia let out a chuckle.

“Okay then. So why a café?”

“I’ve just moved and need to get a stable job to pay for rent and food, and it needed to be a job that I could get without experience.” Gabby explained. “I’ve worked at restaurants back in America, and I enjoyed the experience a lot, but didn’t want to do the exact same thing.”

“Understandable.” Alexia nodded. “So, when can you start?” Gabby blinked. That was it?

“That’s it?” She blurted out, mouth moving quicker than her mind.

“I mean, unless you want to wait anxiously for two weeks.” Alexia shrugged. “But, frankly, we need the help, and you need the job. We’re open from 8am to 4pm. Are you able to come in tomorrow at noon?” Gabby nodded quickly, eyes wide.

“Yes. That’d be great, actually. Perfect, even.”

“Great. Here’s the contract. You can read it over first.” Alexia grabbed a stack of stapled papers and passed them to Gabby. Her eyes glazed over reading some of it, but it was a fair contract. Reasonable number of off-days, enough pay to cover her basic needs and then some, and one free drink per shift. When she looked up at Alexia and nodded, the café owner smiled kindly and passed over a pen.

“You’ll want to look for Marine tomorrow. I won’t be in, so she’s going to be in charge, and she’ll teach you everything you need to know.” Alexia said once Gabby had signed in all the appropriate places, collecting the contract back. “Iliana and Dominique are working today, but Dominique was taking her break when you arrived. You’ll probably see her when you leave.”

“Look for Marine. Got it.” Gabby repeated as a means to commit it to memory.

“She and Carla are working tomorrow, so you’re just there for training. Valériane is the other person meant to be on that shift, but she’s been getting over a cold recently. She was meant to be here today too. If you mess up, Carla and Marine will be there to help you. But try not to mess up, Marine can be strict.” Alexia laughed a little, more to herself than anything.

“Should I be worried?”

“Maybe a little. Just listen to her instructions and you’ll survive.” Alexia advised, standing up. Gabby took that as her cue to do the same.

“I will keep that in mind, then.” Gabby slung her bag over her shoulder, giving Alexia a small smile.

“Thank you.” She dipped her head slightly in a slight nod of thanks.

“Marine will let you know your full schedule tomorrow. It was good to meet you, Gabby.” Alexia walked around the desk to open the door for Gabby.

“I appreciate it. See you.” Gabby stepped out, and Alexia closed the door behind her. Gabby followed the path back where she came from, and Iliana smiled at her when she saw her.

“How’d it go?”

“I’m coming in tomorrow.” Gabby replied happily.

“Well then, it’s nice to meet you, co-worker. Iliana Rupert. That’s Dominique over there, but she’s busy with a drink right now. Dominique!” Iliana called out, and Dominique looked up, waved, and went back to making the drink.

“Gabby Williams.” Gabby introduced.

“Well, Gabby, I’ll see you around.” Iliana undid the latch for her, letting her out.

“See you.” Gabby gave a small wave and walked off.

She texted Phee and Azurá, proudly announcing her new employment status. Her friends were both very excited for her, offering their congratulations.

The next day, Gabby arrived early, so she burned time by pacing up and down the street multiple times before walking in at 12.01. Good enough.

“I’m looking for…Marine?” Gabby asked hesitantly when she walked up to the counter. A young, curly-haired brunette looked up from the ordering tablet curiously.

“Ah, you must be Gabby! Marine is in the back grabbing your apron.” The young girl told her with a bright smile.

“Okay. And you’re…” Gabby wracked her brains for the names Alexia had given her, “Carla, right?”

“That’s me! Nice to meet you.” Carla sounded incredibly pleased. “Come on back.” Carla unlocked the half-door, and Gabby walked in. Just then, the door to the back opened, and another woman
stepped through.

She was beautiful. Gabby’s brain short-circuited for a moment, unable to process anything that was going on. She had blonde hair, tied back into a slick ponytail without a single hair out of place. Her eyes were a piercing blue, and when she met Gabby’s stare, Gabby wasn’t sure if she would survive.

“You must be Gabby. I’m Marine.” The blonde said curtly.

“I…uh…I’m Gabby.” Gabby internally slapped herself. Obviously she knows your name! She just greeted you!” She scolded herself. Marine’s lip quirked upwards.

“I’m aware. Here. Put this on.” She passed the folded apron to Gabby. The black canvas material was still creased when she unfolded it, and she draped it over her head, careful not to mess her hair up.

“Training will span across two weeks. The first week is for you to grasp the basics, and the second is supervised preparations. Essentially, I’ll be shadowing you for those days to make sure you’re ready to work on your own. All your shifts will be with me until you complete it, for consistency’s sake. Carla is only operating the cashier, because she’s a part-timer, so you won’t do that today." Marine spoke with a sternness and command that made it impossible to question her.

"Some people only work certain days, others only certain time slots. For the duration of your training, we will share a schedule. My shifts, and therefore your shifts, are arranged on alternating days and time slots. The morning shift requires four staff, while the afternoon only mandates three.” Marine talked really fast, too. It wasn’t impossible to keep up with, but given how much was already happening, it was a little overwhelming.

“Since your shift today is in the afternoon, it will be in the morning tomorrow. We close on Sundays. Morning shifts are from 8-12, and afternoon shifts are 12-4. You get one 15 minute break per shift, and two staff members can’t take their breaks simultaneously.” Marine rattled off every line with robotic precision, never stumbling over her words.

“The part-timers alternate afternoon shifts. One comes in on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for one week, the other on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Then they switch. We’ve only got two part-timers. This week, Carla is doing Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.” Gabby nodded, trying her best to get the information to stick.

She showed Gabby around the workspace, explaining where everything went. The mini-fridge was for milk and ice exclusively, and the big fridge was for any other cold ingredients, such as fruits or creams.

“We offer cow, oat, and almond milk. If a customer doesn’t specify which, you assume cows. Those,” Marine pointed at the large glass jar, “are the ground coffee beans. The unground beans are in this cupboard.” Marine reached down and opened a cupboard door to let Gabby see before promptly shutting it again.

“One jar usually lasts the whole day, and sometimes part of the next day, but you have to grind fresh beans once it hits this mark.” Marine picked the jar up and showed her a marking made in permanent marker.

“How do you grind it?” Gabby asked, then quickly added, “the beans, I mean.”

“This is the grinder.” She tapped two fingers on the machine next to the glass jar. Pour beans in there, start the machine, and it does all the work for you. I’ll show you when we refill it tomorrow.” She put the jar back down and pointed at the 3 cake stands that were filled with anything but cake. Canelés, madelines, and eclairs respectively.

“Those need to be heated up when ordered. Same with the pastries. The person working the cash register is supposed to do it.”

“Marine, 2 cappuccinos.” Carla called from her spot at the counter.

“Got it, thank you.” Marine turned to Gabby. “I’ll make the first one. Watch carefully. You’ll make the second one. I’ll guide you through it.”

Gabby nodded nervously, too overwhelmed to say anything. She watched Marine measure the ground beans with the precision of a sniper, tamping the loose particles into an even puck and effortlessly sliding the portafilter into place and starting the machine.

“One shot of espresso is 30ml.” Marine told her, pointing at the small marking.

“Don’t touch the portafilter when it’s fresh off the machine. It’s hot.” Marine warned while they waited for the machine to finish pulling the shot. Gabby watched over her shoulder.

“No touching. Got it.” Gabby echoed. Marine frowned.

“What’s wrong with your accent?” She gave Gabby a side-eye.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“So…American.” Marine said with a lilt to her voice. Gabby frowned.

“It’s not that bad!” She protested.

“No, it is.” Marine cut her off. She stopped the machine, “Grab the milk.”

Gabby dutifully grabbed the milk from the mini-fridge, still offended by Marine’s statement.

“Cappuccinos only require 30ml of milk. Then, we froth it until it doubles.” Marine poured the milk into a metal milk jug, and Gabby watched as she slid the milk jug into place before starting the machine. She jumped at the hiss of steam pouring out the machine, and Marine gave her an odd look but said nothing. She shut it off once the volume doubled.

“It’s a 1:1:1 ratio.” Marine explained. “Coffee, milk, foam.” She poured each component into the cup as she listed them.

“You have to knock the puck out once you’re done.” Marine twisted the portafilter counterclockwise to unlock it. Then, into a trash bag, she hit the handle of the portafilter until the coffee puck fell out in one piece.

She gave it a quick rinse, knocking it dry. Then, she turned to Gabby, who looked like she was about to pass out. “Your turn.” She held the portafilter out.

“Right, yeah, I can…yeah.” Gabby fumbled to get her bearings, grabbing the portafilter from Marine.

Unfortunately for Gabby, she turned out to be a horrible listener. Marine had to repeat all her earlier instructions as they went through each step, and her exasperation became more evident with each one. Still, when Gabby placed the finished drink on the saucer triumphantly, Marine softened a little.

“Not bad.” Marine nodded. “Okay, come on. Next drink. And listen properly this time.”

Gabby spent the rest of the day watching Marine make drinks and then attempting them herself with a pretty stable success rate. After she did each drink once (with Marine’s very impatient instructing in her ear), she was able to replicate them pretty much perfectly the second time.

When Gabby got to do the first to-go cup and discovered they had to put stickers on the cups, a mischievous grin spread across her face. She waited a few minutes so Marine wouldn’t grow suspicious. Then, sneakily, she peeled a sticker off without Marine noticing and stuck it on her arm. Marine stopped in her tracks, turning around to look at her.

“Gabrielle.” Gabby didn’t dare to speak, just smiling innocently. Marine just stared for a moment, then slowly, she peeled the sticker off her arm and stuck it on Gabby’s arm before she could react.
Then, she walked off to go clear the dirty cups from a table that had just left.

Gabby stood there for a second, dumbfounded, staring at where Marine had been. She grinned to herself like a foolish idiot and followed after the blonde.

The end of the day came faster than Gabby expected. If she was completely honest, she was kind of sad that it was ending. Once they finished closing up, Carla was already up and out of there, hurrying off while saying something about schoolwork.

Before Gabby could leave, however, Marine walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder. “Give me your phone.”

“I—what?” Gabby sputtered, confused.

“Give me your phone.” Marine repeated. Gabby, still confused, took her phone out her pocket, unlocked it, and passed it to Marine.

“Contact this number if something happens and you need to call out.” Marine said, typing the number in then making a face when she saw the keyboard.

“You should switch to AZERTY.” Marine informed her, typing the contact name slowly.

“Uh…okay? Is this some, like, company number, or…?” Gabby asked awkwardly.

“Yes. Now go. I’ll lock up.”

“Did I, uh…” Gabby hesitated, “did I do alright today?”

“For your first day? Yeah. But you need to be faster.” Marine replied nonchalantly. “Now, are you going to leave, or am I going to lock up with you inside the building?”

Gabby quickly turned and started walking towards the exit. When she stepped outside, she hovered around the entrance while Marine locked the doors, trying to act normal and pretending to scroll her phone.

“Why are you still here?” Marine asked. Gabby looked up, eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Uh…I wanted to…say bye?” Gabby answered, though it sounded more like a question. She cringed internally. She really was not good at this.

“Okay. Goodbye. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Marine nodded and walked off without another word. Gabby buried her face in her hands, letting out a soft groan. She was so fucked.

Marine knocked on Alexia’s door, three sharp, piercing knocks before letting herself in. She found Alexia on the couch in the living room, watching TV. The younger girl looked entirely unsurprised to
see Marine, not even looking up.

“How is she?” Alexia greeted, lowering the TV’s volume.

“About as knowledgeable as a rock right now, but she’s got spirit, and she picks up on things quickly enough. She’s…something else.” Marine shook her head.

“So…you wanna tell me why you’re here?” Alexia pressed.

“Just to pass you the keys.” Marine fished the keys from her pocket and dropped them on Alexia’s lap, sitting down on the couch next to Alexia, who turned the TV off and turned her body to face Marine properly.

“Right. That’s all.” Alexia snorted. Marine frowned.

“What does that mean?” She had an inkling she knew what it was about already.

“It means I’ve been your friend long enough to tell when you aren’t saying something. And I know your type.” Alexia raised a knowing eyebrow. Marine scoffed, crossing her arms.

“Please. It’s not like that.” She shook her head again.

“Mar, honey. You saw her on the hiring list and picked her above 2 other more qualified candidates who’ve actually worked in a coffee shop.”

“She just…suits the place. I could tell.”

“From her headshot?” Alexia raised an eyebrow. Okay, so Marine had done a little stalking. Sue her.

Look,” Alexia sighed, “she fits into our system perfectly. That’s why I hired her. But she also suits you. Admit it: you definitely have a thing for her.”

“I…don’t!” Marine defended.

“Uh huh. Come back to me when you’re getting married and have 3 kids and say that to my face.” Alexia smirked, a glint in her eyes.

“Well it’s not happening, so keep dreaming.” Marine shot back.

“Whatever you say, MJ.” Alexia gave her knee a pat. “Come on, I’ll cook dinner, as promised.”

The next day came with its own set of challenges. Gabby got to meet Janelle and Leïla, both of whom were incredibly warm in their greetings and conversations.

The morning rush didn’t leave much time for chit chat, though. Office workers needed to get their food and go quickly, with little time to wait around. At any given moment, at least three shots of espresso were being pulled, even doing a double shot to be split into two.

Through it all, Marine was unwavering. She moved efficiently and gracefully, navigating the rush like an experienced sailor navigating a storm at sea. To her credit, Gabby was holding up well too. She’d been put on re-heating duties, because they were swarmed enough that they needed someone at the register at all times.

As the morning rush dwindled, Gabby got a chance to breathe. Marine reminded her to go on break, which she took gratefully. The customers weren’t loud by any means, but so many people talking at once got overwhelming fast.

She came back off her 15 minute break with a newfound spark of energy. If Marine noticed, she didn’t say anything about it.

“I’ll teach you another drink.”

Gabby was almost certain she was close to getting nice Marine. She even almost made her smile once—a barely noticeable twitch of the lips. At some point in the day, she’d decided to make it her mission to befriend Marine because as Phee liked to remind her, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

If she purposefully played dumb while making a new drink so she could hear Marine talk, that was no one’s business but her own. (And if she almost spilled milk on the counter because Marine was leaning over her shoulder and she could feel her warmth, that was also no one’s business.)

During Janelle’s break, Gabby noticed that instead of going to the back, she went out into the seating area and sat with someone—a tall blonde lady with sharp European features. She asked her about it after.

“Hmm? Oh, yeah, we can sit there. Just as long as we don’t go over the 15 minutes. Marine’s really strict with that.” Janelle told her.

“And the lady you sat with? Who’s that?” Gabby asked, curious to learn more about her co-workers.

“My girlfriend, Dorka.” Janelle smiled shyly. “She comes to visit me sometimes, when she’s working from home.”

“That’s adorable.” Gabby gushed, “Love that for you.”

“She’s incredible.” Janelle nodded, smiling over at her girlfriend and giving her a small wave.

“Janelle, stop talking to Gabby and go clean the coffee machine.” Marine’s voice came from behind Gabby, making her startle.

“I got it, Johannès. Relax.” Janelle flicked her a lazy thumbs up, going to grab a cloth to wipe the machine off.

“Do I need to do anything?” Gabby asked, turning to look at Marine.

“Go clear the tables, will you? A group of four just left.”

Gabby called Napheesa and Azurá that night. Kia had wanted to join, but she’d gotten caught up with work.

“How’s our newest barista doing?” Napheesa grinned.

“It’s going well, actually. My coworkers are amazing. All nice people.” Gabby said. “My boss is kinda scary.” She paused. “Well, actually, don’t know if she’s my boss, but she’s training me.”

“Oh? Why?” Azurá looked incredibly intrigued.

“She’s got this…I mean, it’s kind of just a vibe? Like, she’s very…nonchalant.” Gabby struggled to put it into words.

“Nonchalant?” Napheesa repeated, raising an eyebrow. “You’re scared of your maybe-boss because she’s nonchalant?” Well, now she felt silly.

“Look, if you met her you’d know what I mean. She’s like…” Gabby sighed, trying to think of someone to compare her to, “she’s like Rhyne.” Rhyne was one of the interns at Napheesa’s company, notoriously not the most sociable but incredibly smart.

“So why are you scared?” Napheesa pressed.

“Uh…I’m not sure. She’s just so cool, it’s—” She cut herself off when she noticed Napheesa laughing. “What?”

“I know what this is. You like her.” Napheesa accused. Azurá tilted her head, considering it for a moment, then nodded.

“I see it too.” Azurá chimed in. "Just saying, it's so obvious."

“Guys, I don’t like her.” Gabby insisted. “Not like that, anyways.”

“Sure, Gabby.” Azurá dragged the words out in an overdramatic drawl. “And I’m the Queen of England.”

“Better brush up on your British accent then, because I don’t like her.” Gabby huffed.

“Fine, we’ll stop hounding you about it for now. But when you end up together, I will say I told you so.” Napheesa wagged a finger at the camera.

“If we end up together, which we won’t, you can rub it in my face.” Gabby conceded.

“Deal.”

The rest of the week passed in a similar fashion. She met Dominique, the other part-timer, who wasn’t always the loudest presence but was a sweetheart. She also met the one other full-timer, Iliana, who had a sharp tongue and a comeback ready to anything you threw at her.

She got to meet Janelle’s girlfriend, Dorka, as well. Janelle invited her out and Iliana out for dinner and drinks on their off day, and brought her girlfriend along. This also came with another discovery: Janelle and Iliana could speak English fluently.

“How did I not know this about you guys?” Gabby asked in disbelief. Dorka was speaking to her in English and Gabby had guessed she could probably speak at least a little French, but when Janelle replied in perfect English, Gabby felt like she’d been tricked.

“It just never came up, I guess.” Janelle shrugged.

“Don’t really use English much besides for foreigners.” Iliana added, and Janelle nodded in agreement.

Dorka was on the more reserved side, like Janelle, though she was very kind and fun to talk to. She wasn’t French, but was actually from Hungary, and was just visiting Janelle for a bit before she went back home. The pair met in college and had been inseparable since then.

Her and Janelle were insufferably adorable, too: constant lovey eyes, pet names, splitting food. If Gabby knew nothing about them, she’d assume they’d been married for 20 years.

She went home feeling a little lighter. Maybe settling in wouldn’t be so hard after all.

During her second week of training, Gabby felt like she was constantly being watched at work.

Because she was. Marine was supervising her like a hawk, and not a single thing slipped past her view. She even noticed when Gabby accidentally added an extra millilitre of milk.

“Be more careful with that next time.” Marine reminded her. She wasn’t even upset, and yet Gabby had never felt so upset about messing up before.

“Sorry.” She murmured.

“Don’t be sorry. Be better.” Marine said sharply, then softened when she saw Gabby’s jaw tighten. “Just…I know you can do it. Try to be more alert about it, alright?”

“Okay.”

On her last training shift, Marine told her to meet Alexia in the back after work. It had, admittedly, slipped her mind, in the midst of the busy coffee shop, but Marine gave her a reminder after she clocked out.

“Gabby, please, come in.” Alexia was already waiting for her. Gabby sat down in front of her.

“You’ve finished your training. How’s it been?” Alexia asked.

“Good. Tiring, but fun. I’ve learned a lot.” Gabby nodded.

“Hm. Marine said you’re doing well. That’s pretty high praise from her.” Alexia sounded far too amused.

“She said that?” Gabby perked up like an overeager puppy.

“Yes. But that’s not what we’re here to discuss. Now that your training has ended, you’re allowed to choose your shifts more freely. Do you have any preferences?”

“Uh…” She considered it. “Not really? I’m pretty free.”

“Okay. Is it alright if I just put you in wherever we need you? Too many people have been working doubles recently, and I’d like to cut their shifts down.” Alexia asked. “You’ve got the least constraints scheduling wise, so you might end up working a few odd shifts that look all over the place, but I’ll try and keep it neat.”

“I don’t mind.” Gabby shook her head. “I’ve got the time, anyway.”

“Alright, then. I’ll let you know your schedule as soon as possible. Thanks Gabby.” Alexia smiled warmly. Gabby took that as her cue to stand up.

“Thank you!” She waved goodbye and left the office.

The moment she stepped outside, however, a surprise was waiting for her. Marine was standing outside, and she jumped, having not seen her behind the wooden door.

“Oh! Uh…sorry.” Gabby apologised quickly, trying to move out her way.

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you before you leave.” Marine said quietly, glancing over at Alexia. What Gabby didn’t see was Alexia giving Marine a very big two thumbs up behind her.

“Do you…need something?” Gabby asked awkwardly. She twisted her hands, not sure what to do with them.

“Your number, if you don’t mind.” Marine rushed her words, mumbling them slightly when she spoke.

“My…what?” Gabby wasn’t processing quite fast enough for Marine’s liking.

“Your number.” Marine repeated, slower and clearer.

“I swear this exact scenario has played out before." Gabby blinked, trying to erase the confusion so she could better understand what Marin was saying.

"I gave you the company number. For when you're sick. I don't have your number." Marine explained. Her jaw tightened like she was clenching her teeth

"Oh. Right, yeah, okay." Marine handed her her phone, and Gabby keyed the number in quickly.

“See you?” Gabby said, though it came out more like a question. She cringed internally. Jesus, Gabby, lock in!

“See you.” Marine raised an eyebrow, looking almost…amused?

Gabby stepped past her to leave, and Marine stepped into Alexia’s office. Before the door fully shut, Gabby heard Alexia laughing and Marine’s sharp “don’t you dare.”

Marine added Gabby to the group chat the same day. She let everyone know it was Gabby, and everyone reacted accordingly. Janelle was the most excited of all, which she let Gabby know about by
adding her to another group chat, this time with her, Dorka, Iliana, and now, Gabby.

Janelle: GABBYYYYYYY
Gabby: hello
Dorka: if you don't match her energy she’ll start crying please match her energy
Gabby: HI JAAAAAA
Janelle: :D
Iliana: hi gabby!
Gabby: hiii
Janelle: can we go out tonight?
Iliana: ja i love you but tomorrow is a wednesday
Janelle: okay and?
Iliana: …? we both have the morning shift on wednesday??
Janelle: okay well i have the morning shift everyday soooo…fuck it?
Dorka: baby, no
Janelle: yall are booooring :(
Gabby: i’m okay to go out as long as we’re done before midnight
Janelle: YES FINALLY SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T HATE ME
Dorka: oh wow thanks
Janelle: you said no to going out and therefore you hate me
Dorka: i don’t think that’s how it works, ja
Janelle: that’s what they all say
Dorka: there’s something deeply wrong with you
Janelle: you said you liked it :(
Dorka: i never said i didn’t like it
Janelle: so will you go out with me and gabby tonight? :D
Dorka: hard pass
Janelle: my girlfriend hates me.
Janelle: my life is over.
Dorka: guys please tell me i’m not crazy because i don’t recall ever saying that
Gabby: idk dorka ja has a point…
Janelle: gabby ur the best
Dorka: iliana please back me up here
IlIana: not my circus not my monkeys
Janelle: ILIANA HATES ME TOO
Dorka: nope i give up i can’t win
Iliana: girl i gave up the day i met her
Gabby: ja its okay you still have me!
Janelle: so true bestie
Janelle: send me ur address i’ll come pick you up and we can go for dinner and have lots of fun
Gabby: see yaaa!

Janelle showed up an hour later, dressed in a white tank and blue jeans with a black leather jacket over top. She wore sunglasses like the sun hadn’t already set.

“I brought refreshments.” She grinned, holding up two bottles of Sprite and a bottle of tequila that was half empty.

“Come right on in.” Gabby matched her grin.

They drank for a while—music blaring, interrupted by cackling laughter and endless chatter. Eventually, it was a little after 9pm, and it was finally time to go.

“When you said go out, this is not at all what I imagined.” Gabby mused.

“Isn’t this so much better, though?” Janelle asked.

“It really is. Where do we even begin?” Gabby shook her head in disbelief, staring around at the large arcade. She didn’t even know things like this existed in France. The place was open 24/7, according to Janelle, and had three floors of games galore.

“I know exactly where to start.” Janelle smirked devilishly, grabbing Gabby by the arm and taking off, yanking Gabby along.

They cycled through every game the place had to offer. Claw machines, air hockey tables, skeeball, racing games—if they wanted to play it, they played it.

“Holy shit, dude, it’s 2am!” Gabby laughed, holding up her phone for Janelle to see. They hadn’t even noticed time fly by—too occupied by their game of bowling.

“Dorka is going to kill me!” Janelle said cheerfully. “Might as well make it worth it!” Then, for her last turn, she let the ball go flying, watching gleefully as it knocked down all the pins in one go.

“You are unfairly good at bowling.” Gabby pouted, hitting Janelle in the chest.

“Oh well. Sucks to suck, hey?” Janelle stuck her tongue out.

Dorka: Gabrielle WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY GIRLFRIEND
Dorka: SHE SAID SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE
Gabby: okay first of all her actions are none of my business
Gabby: i was busy being responsible over myself
Gabby: also she brought the alcohol. not me.
Iliana: children, all of you.
Iliana: sleep. drink electrolytes. i’ll see you both in the morning.

Miraculously, Gabby managed to wake up in time for her shift the next day. She grabbed a bottle of Gatorade on her way to work, chugging the blue liquid like her life depended on it.

“Look who finally made it. You look a mess, Gabby.” Iliana drawled, already smiling.

“Don’t even.” Gabby groaned. “My head feels like it’s exploding.”

“Heated up a croissant for you. It’s in the break room. Go eat first, me and Leila can hold it down for a bit.” Iliana softened.

“You’re the best.” Gabby mumbled, disappearing into the back to eat her croissant.

A minute later, Janelle appeared beside her, looking much more energised than Gabby felt.

“How are you breathing?” Gabby asked, astounded.

“Sheer willpower.” Janelle grinned.

“To be young and able to bounce back again.” Gabby said mournfully.

“Old head. You’re only, like, 5 years older.”

“Too many years. Want a croissant?”

When she gets off work, Gabby finds a new message waiting for her.

Unknown number: Hello
Gabby: who is this??
Unknown number: Marine
Gabby: ohhhh
Gabby: hi!
Gabby: you type so formally
Marine: ???
Gabby: you use capital letters in a non-ironic way
Marine: …It’s just proper grammar?
Gabby: whatever you say
Gabby: did you need something though?
Marine: Are you free tomorrow?
Gabby: duh it’s sunday
Marine: Would you like to go out with me tomorrow?
Gabby: are you inviting me to tea with the president or something why are you texting like an adult
Marine: I…am an adult?
Marine: If you don’t want to go out with me you can just say that.
Gabby: woah there did not say that
Gabby: I would love to go out with you tomorrow
Marine: 📍Address
Marine: Meet me here at noon.
Gabby: a café?
Marine: Yes, and the rest is a surprise. You’ll like it.
Gabby: you’ve planned a surprise for me?
Marine: I might’ve.
Gabby: awww you love me!
Marine: Love is a strong word.
Gabby: see you tomorrow <3

They met up at a café, which instantly raised questions from Gabby.

“You work at a café and your off day plans are…a café?” Gabby asked, opening the door for Marine.

“We’re just here for drinks and then we’re leaving.” Marine told her.

“And where are we going?” Gabby pressed.

“Aht aht. Surprise, remember?” Marine wagged a finger. “You’ll find out when you find out.”

Marine, very kindly, paid for Gabby’s drink before she could object. Then, before Gabby could question it further, she was walking briskly out of the café and back onto the street.

“Where on earth are we going?” Gabby mumbled, quickening her pace to keep up with Marine.

They wound up at a park, which confused Gabby even further.

“Okay, what’s happening right now?” Gabby frowned as they stopped in the middle of the park, underneath a tree. Marine handed her drink to Gabby and opened her bag, digging through it until she revealed two disposable film cameras.

“Oh?” Gabby raised an eyebrow. Marine silently continued digging through her bag, took out her wallet, and grabbed a coin. She slung her bag’s strap back onto her shoulder and handed the cameras to Gabby.

“Choose a side.” Marine instructed.

“Okay, uh…heads.”

“Tails.” Marine called, and she flipped the coin into the air, catching it and slamming it down onto the back of her hand. She kept it hidden under her hand and looked up at Gabby.

“If it’s heads, then you choose two colours, one for each of us. If it’s tails, I get to choose.” Marine explained.

“What are these colours for?” Gabby scrunched her nose.

“You’ll see.” Marine lifted her hand to reveal the coin, which had landed on heads.

“So I choose, right?” Gabby asked. Marine nodded. “How many colours?”

“One each.” Gabby nodded slowly, ruminating over her options.

“Okay. Blue for you, red for me.” Gabby decided.

“Good. Now, pass me the camera with a marking on it?” Marine requested, and Gabby placed the requested item back into Marine’s hands.

“We have an hour to go around the city and find the colour that we’ve been designated. We aren’t actively seeking it out—just walk around the city and let it find you.” Marine explained.

“So we’re just…walking?”

“Pretty much.” Marine hummed. “But it's easier to see things when you're looking for them. Come on, let’s go.”

The colour walk was twice as entertaining as Gabby had anticipated. Gabby was fairly certain it was just a hoax to get her talking, but it was working. (It didn’t hurt that Gabby was a nervous rambler either.) Marine seemed much more keen on listening than she was on talking, but she still chimed in and listened attentively to every word Gabby said.

“Gabby, you can’t tell me you actually think that’s red.” Marine sighed.

“It is!”

“It’s pink, Gabby.”

“Which is a shade of red!” Gabby pointed at the flower like it had offended her.

“You are impossible.”

By the end of it, they’d both drained the full rolls of film. Marine was a little baffled at how quickly Gabby had done it—the blonde already had some photos on the one she’d been using, but Gabby’s had been brand new.

“Well, the city was so pretty, I didn’t want to only take pictures of red things!” Gabby protested. Marine just shook her head, a small smile toying on her lips.

That was the other development. Marine was smiling at her now.

“Come on, last stop.”

Marine brought her to a camera shop. She clearly came here often enough, because the guy at the counter smiled brightly and called her by her name when she walked in.

“Marine! How are you, my dear?” The man greeted. He was around his 40s, if Gabby had to guess—a bald man with glasses.

“Good. I’ve got film to develop.” She took Gabby’s camera from her hands and put it on the counter along with her own.

“Alright then. Should take around five days, though you already know that.” He gave Marine a knowing look.

You will call me when it is ready for collection?” Marine questioned. He nodded, giving her a thumbs up. She handed him $20.

“Thanks again. See you.” She smiled, taking Gabby by the hand and tugging her along. Gabby startled at the sudden physical contact but let herself be pulled along anyway.

“So, uh…” Gabby stared down at their hands, which lead Marine to follow her eyeline.

“You want me to let go?” Marine asked tensely, starting to slip her hand away when Gabby tightened her grip slightly.

Not particularly...” Gabby mumbled, face warm. Marine looked just as nervous as she did.

“We should, uh, go for lunch.” Marine cleared her throat.

“Yeah. Yeah, we should. Anything you want to eat?” Gabby asked weakly.

“Anything is fine.” Marine murmured, meeting Gabby’s eyes. Gabby swore she could drown in her blue irises, so vivid and bright they made Gabby weak in the knees. Internally, Gabby scolded herself, trying to force her brain back on track.

“Your, uhm, your pick.” Gabby smiled as best she could, doing the most to feign normalcy.

They wound up at a simple bistro for lunch, one Marine frequented for lunch before or after work.

“I’ve been coming here for years. Anytime I visited the city as a kid, I’d come here.” Marine explained as they settled down. “I think it’s been here since my mom was a kid.”

“I can tell. It’s got a special charm to it.” Gabby surveyed her surroundings—the spots of peeling paint on the walls, the metal of picture frames rusting slightly, the sunlight pouring in.

“That’s my favourite.” Marine pointed at a sandwich on the menu. “You can ask for a vegan version. They have it.”

“Oh, ni—wait.” Gabby’s eyes narrowed. “How did you know I’m vegan? I never told you.” She paused, frowning. “Did I?”

“No.” Marine shook her head. “Janelle mentioned it once.”

“Oh, okay.” Gabby nodded.

“Come, let’s order.”

That week, on Friday, Marine had approached Gabby mid-way through the morning rush and told her, “Come with me after work.”

Gabby wasn’t given time to question it. Not that she would’ve, even if given the chance, but the thought would’ve been nice.

She and Marine both left once Valériane and Leïla showed up, hanging up their aprons and clocking out.

“So, not to question you, but also I am questioning you. Where are we going, exactly?” Gabby asked, following right behind Marine.

“Collect the pictures.” Marine replied. She walked briskly, so quick that Gabby still struggled to keep up with her despite her height.

“Okay.” Gabby agreed without resistance. “But, uh, another thing. Slow down a bit?”

Marine let out a short huff of a laugh, but slowed her stride down enough that Gabby could walk next to her comfortably. The streets of Paris were largely empty—besides noisy tourists, most locals
were still working.

They reached the camera shop after a quick 10 minute walk that Marine argued could’ve been shorter if Gabby didn’t walk so slow.

“Well, we made it, didn’t we?” Gabby sassed.

“Yes, but I’m saying it could’ve been qui—”

“Marine! Hello, dear. You’re later than usual. Did you get held up?” The same man from last time appeared from the back.

“Hi, Léo. And…” she glanced at Gabby, then back at him, “something like that.”

“No worries. I’ve got your film in the back. Just give me a minute to grab it, yes?”

“Yes, thank you.” Marine nodded.

Less than a minute later, he came back out, two envelopes in hand.

“These two are yours. Negatives are inside as well.” Marine took the items, then looked up at him and smiled gratefully.

“Thanks. See you.” He nodded, smiling back.

“See you.” Gabby dipped her head in thanks and followed Marine out the door.

“Right, then.” Marine stood outside the shop and opened the first envelope, peeking at the contents. She nodded, satisfied. “This is yours.”

She handed the open envelope to Gabby, who couldn’t help but peek, too. She could see one of the pictures—a bright, red stop sign—staring back at her.

“Oh, wow…” She murmured, more to herself than anything. She hadn’t touched a film camera in years, not since she was little, and even hidden in the bag, Gabby could see the difference in feel between her usual digital photos and these physical ones.

“It’s pretty cool, no?” Marine hummed.

“Yeah. Thanks for this.” Gabby held the envelope a little tighter.

“Of course.” Marine lifted her phone up and cursed. “Sorry, I need to go. See you on Monday?” She asked.

“See you.” Gabby confirmed, and Marine was off without another word.

Gabby was officially losing it.

It’d been a month since she and Marine had gone on their—honestly, Gabby still didn’t know what to classify it as. A date? She was pretty sure it was a date. But they’d never officially called it a date, so she supposed the terminology was a lot more flexible.

It was nearing the end of August now, and a lot had happened since then. Gabby had really flourished at work, reaching a point where she knew regulars by name and had their orders ready just before they arrived so they could pay and leave. She was able to fully support herself without her parents’ help, which was nice.

She, Janelle, Iliana and, when she was around, Dorka, had formed their own little crew. When Dorka wasn’t around, Janelle turned into a little ball of complaints. It was as infuriating as it was endearing.

Gabby didn’t get to see Marine nearly as much as she would’ve liked to, if she was honest. The thing about having not many people on staff meant she only ever saw Janelle and Iliana consistently, with Marine and Leïla alternating between days.

She wasn’t necessarily against working with Leïla. The barista was skilled at her job and had a wicked sense of humor. She just happened to have ulterior motives when it came to working with Marine.

She would be a liar if she said she didn’t prefer her shifts with Marine. Janelle and Iliana weren’t blind to it either. They both noticed how Gabby seemed to light up when Marine talked to her, even about work stuff, and they teased her relentlessly for it.

jaaa: @gay-by bro you need to ask her out
token straight: no for real this is becoming pathetic to watch
ja’s handler: i feel so left out
token straight: she was talking with marine while making a drink and it took her three attempts to get the lid on. and even after three attempts she kept failing because she was distracted, and marine had to do it for her.
jaaa: seriously gabby could you get any more pathetically gay
ja’s handler: oh gabby
ja’s handler: i’m with them on this ask her out
gay-by: why am i being exposed rn 😔
jaaa: bc we love u but u need to be better at being gay sweetie
gay-by: i do feel like this is actually the epitome of being gay dude
jaaa: incorrect the epitome of being gay is me trying to convince dorka to move here
ja’s handler: i feel like the actual epitome is you calling me bro
jaaa: bc ur my bro!
ja’s handler: i can’t with you
jaaa: ur breaking up with me? :(
ja’s handler: now when did i say that
jaaa: guys its over im single again
gay-by: welcome to the club
jaaa: nuh uh dont think ive forgotten the true purpose of this convo
jaaa: ask her out gabby.
gay-by: i think not dear
jaaa: i will pour the bean juice on you straight out the machine
token straight: gay out the machine***
jaaa: that
gay-by: what if she doesnt like me
token straight: you can’t be serious right now
ja’s handler: i’m not even in the same country and i could tell from before i left that she liked you
ja’s handler: need i remind you that was THREE WEEKS AGO
jaaa: that girl is so down bad for you it’s revolting
jaaa: you must be out of your mind
gay-by: its a valid concern!
jaaa: no its not
ja’s handler: no it’s not
token straight: no it’s not
gay-by: oh
jaaa: ask her out before i do it for you
jaaa: ffs give her a pastry during her break or smth idk
gay-by: fine but if this fails miserably and i lose my job im telling alexia it was your fault
ja’s handler: now that this is settled can we circle back to ja breaking up with me
jaaa: you broke up with ME
ja’s handler: i really didn’t
jaaa: sooo wanna be my gf?
ja’s handler: …sure why not
jaaa: YAY GUYS I HAVE A GF AGAIN

Gabby decided on the tamest way she could think of. When Marine went on break, she busied herself with two tasks: making a coffee and heating a pastry. She grabbed a pain au chocolat and placed it in the oven, then got Janelle to watch over it while she made the coffee. She put it in a takeaway cup so she could scrawl go out with me? :) on the side.

Marine had chosen to sit in the main area, scrolling through her phone idly. Gabby took a deep breath to steel her nerves, held the plated pastry in one hand and the coffee in the other, and stepped out to the main area.

When she placed the items on Marine’s table, the blonde looked up, surprised.

“I didn’t order anything.” She said, eyeing Gabby curiously.

“I know.” Gabby replied. “Enjoy.” Then, she went back to behind the counter, where Janelle immediately started jumping up and down excitedly.

Gabby was, admittedly, a little cowardly. The moment Marine came back from break and tried to approach her, she yelped and declared herself on break. Marine looked taken aback, but nodded.

5 minutes into her break, a takeaway cup slid onto her table, and Gabby looked up to find Marine standing in front of her.

“I didn’t order anything.” Gabby pointed out. Marine sat down in front of her.

“I know.” Marine said simply. She stared at Gabby, a flurry of emotions stirring in her stormy blue eyes.

“I thought you already took your break.” Gabby was growing more confused by the second.

“I did. But you can’t ask me out and expect me to have nothing to say about it.” Marine raised an eyebrow. Gabby flushed bright enough that it was visible. Marine tapped the cup once. “Read it.”

Gabby looked at Marine, then down at the cup, and slowly turned it until she saw the word in black Sharpie.

Yes.

Gabby’s eyes went wide, and she looked up at Marine, who was watching her expectantly.

“Really?”

“What, you think I’m kidding?” Marine tilted her head.

“Maybe a little.” Gabby admitted. “Can’t believe it, really.” Marine smiled softly.

“Well I’m not.” Marine reassured, reaching out and squeezing Gabby’s hand gently. “Enjoy your break. I’ll talk to you after, okay?” Then, she stood back up and left, leaving Gabby overwhelmed in
every sense of the word.

When Gabby got home from her date with Marine the day after, her fingertips still buzzed with adrenaline, heartbeat still roaring in her ears. Her friends were just as enthusiastic.

jaaa: @gay-by HOW WAS THE DATE
token straight: YEAH TELL US EVERYTHING
ja’s handler: wtf yall need to do better at keeping me up to date
jaaa: well we wouldn’t have to keep you up to date if you just moved here
ja’s handler: bro i already told you i just need to sort out my visa
jaaa: ughhhhhh hurry up
ja’s handler: TELL THE GOVERNMENT THAT
token straight: @gay-by i know you’re reading this RESPOND
gay-by: jfc okay
gay-by: we went to a museum
gay-by: it was cool
gay-by: lots of very nice art
jaaa: no one cares about the art talk about the gay
gay-by: im getting there you impatient little shit
gay-by: she bought me flowers
gay-by: and then she paid for my lunch
gay-by: and she sent me home
gay-by: and now im here
jaaa: gabby you chicken you didnt initiate ANY physical contact???
gay-by: oh no thats right she kissed me on the cheek
jaaa: AND YOU DIDNT THINK TO LEAD WITH THAT??
token straight: GABRIELLEEEEEE
jaaa’s handler: OMG GABBY
gay-by: yay?
jaaa: FUCK YOU MEAN yay? OF COURSE ITS YAY
token straight: i feel like a proud mother GABBY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU
gay-by: heheheeeeeee
gay-by: her jackets pretty comfy too
gay-by: oh gtg someones at my door
jaaa: i know this bitch didn’t just leave us with a bombshell and dip.

Gabby definitely wasn’t expecting anyone this late. It was 8pm, almost 9, and Gabby was about to start watching her anime after updating her friends. She’d cozied up with Marine’s jacket—soft, grey, warm, and most importantly, Marine’s, scented with lavender pine—when the doorbell rang.

She looked through the peephole and saw something entirely unexpected. Surely her eyes were playing tricks on her. It simply couldn’t be true.

“GABBY! OPEN UP, GIRL!” Napheesa was on her doorstep, grinning wide. To her left was Azurá, and to her right, Kia. Gabby audibly gasped, swinging the door open without a moment of hesitation and flinging herself at her friends.

Napheesa, being in the middle, caught the brunt of her hug-attack, laughing as she stumbled backwards, almost hitting the door of the apartment opposite Gabby’s. Azurá and Kia weren’t far behind, engulfing her from behind and stabilizing them.

“What are you guys doing here?” Gabby’s voice jumped an octave, high on excitement. The huddle broke apart so Gabby could see all of them clearly.

“Here to see you, of course.” Kia grinned.

“And to make sure you aren’t surviving purely on instant noodles and baguettes.” Azurá added.

"Rude." Gabby scoffed. "I can do so much more than that."

"Gabby, in college you Doordashed dinner for two weeks straight because you were too lazy to cook." Napheesa deadpanned, which caused Gabby to cover her face and groan.

“I was busy with finals! I didn’t have time to cook.” Gabby huffed. “And we were on the road, so technically I didn’t even eat that much instant noodles. I only ate it when we were in Storrs.”

“Whatever you say. We’ll get out of your hair—we booked a hotel a few blocks down, just wanted to come say hi first.” Napheesa said, and Gabby nodded slowly, then frowned.

“Wait, how did you guys find my address?”

“Kia still has your location.” Azurá said, and Kia held up her phone as if to prove her point. “And you shared your apartment number with us once because you were so excited that it was 5-15.”

“It’s a good number!” Gabby defended. “Alright. Well, it’s late. Get back safe. Text me once you’re there. Café’s closed tomorrow, ‘cause it Sunday, so I can bring y’all around.”

“Free translator perks.” Kia fistpumped. Gabby rolled her eyes.

“Yeah yeah. Go rest up.”

“See you tomorrow, Gabs. I’ll send you the hotel address and you can meet us there at…” Napheesa checked her phone, “8.30?” She suggested.

“Works for me. See you guys.” Gabby waved goodbye and her three friends disappeared down the hallway.

“I still can’t believe you guys are actually here. Last night felt like a fever dream.” Gabby admitted.

“Honestly, I can’t really believe it either.” Kia agreed. “We spent maybe three weeks coordinating this whole thing. Two and a half of those weeks were spent trying to get HR to approve my leave.” Kia rolled her eyes.

Napheesa hummed. “Didn’t have that issue.”

“Sorry we can’t all own our businesses, damn.” Kia drawled sarcastically, but she burst out laughing not even a second later. Napheesa ran a childcare center which meant, come September, she was usually swarmed with paperwork. It left her with some leeway time before then, which, Gabby assumed, was how she was able to come.

“I didn’t have much issue either.” Azurá stuck her tongue out at Kia. “Your fault for choosing a boring career.” Azurá had used her degree to take up art therapy, mostly working with young kids who needed another way to express emotions beyond words.

“Sports media isn’t boring! I just…have a lot to do, considering the W season is about to reach the playoffs.” Kia argued.

“Children, if you’ll stop arguing, I would like to go grab breakfast now.” Napheesa cut through their bickering. Gabby just watched, amused. It’d been so long since she’d seen all her friends, she’d forgotten how entertaining it could be.

“Food is good.” Azurá agreed cheerily, more than happy to end the argument with the high ground.

“Gabby, where’re we going?” All three of them turned to her, and it took her less than a minute to conjure up an idea.

“You guys like hot chocolate, right?”

French hot chocolate was a pretty big thing, but compared to the stuff Americans were used to, it was a stark difference. Where Americans made hot chocolate with cocoa powder and milk, the French used chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream, resulting in a thicker mixture that took some getting used to.

Gabby, pretty early on, found a place that made the hot chocolate vegan-friendly, substituting the heavy cream for coconut milk, but they had non-vegan options too.

The hot chocolate was served in a big mug, with a dish of whipped cream on the side.

“You mix the whipped cream in to make it less thick.” Gabby explained. She laughed to herself as all three of them reached for their dishes of whipped cream in sync. By the end of it, Napheesa had
scraped the entire dish of cream into her cup, much to Gabby’s amusement. Azurá and Kia added about half each, while gabby only added a few spoonfuls.

They got a few assorted pastries, hitting all the classics. Croissants, éclairs, and a few fruit tarts. It was almost comedic how Azurá’s eyes would go wide with every first bite of each item. While she had the biggest outward reaction, Gabby could tell Napheesa and Kia were equally as invested in the food.

“I really need to come here more often.” Azurá declared. Kia and Napheesa both nodded their agreement while Gabby stifled a laugh.

“Glad to hear it. Y’all are welcome here any time.” Gabby promised.

After breakfast, Gabby became a tour guide for a bit, showing them all the popular spots in the city. Then, after lunch, she, rather reluctantly, brought them to the Eiffel Tower while looking displeased the whole time.

“It’s just so…uneventful.” Gabby watched in bewilderment as her friends seemed, in her opinion, overly invested in the structure. “It doesn’t even do anything.”

“It’s iconic. You see it everyday, you probably become desensitized over time.” Napheesa gave Gabby a pat on the back. “You’ll live. We won’t make you go up.”

They decided to save the Louvre for the next day, not wanting to go while still groggy from travel. Dinner was much grander than lunch, all of them deciding to splurge a little to celebrate their
reunion.

“I gotta be at the café tomorrow morning, so not too much.” Gabby warned when Kia pressed a wine glass into her hand.

“Since when were you so responsible? You used to buy liquor the day before games.” Azurá looked at her like she grew a second head. In a moment, Marine’s face flashed in her mind, but she didn’t say that, choosing to just shrug instead.

“Just don’t wanna lose my job.”

Gabby was, thankfully, in bed by 10.30. She’d been so busy the whole day she hadn’t realised Marine had actually texted her.

Marine: how are you?
Gabby: so formal
Gabby: i’m good tho ☺️
Gabby: *one attachment*
Gabby: your jacket and i have become good friends
Marine: i’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.
Marine: just wanted to check in on you. see you tomorrow, gabs.
Gabby: see you tomorrow!
Marine has liked this message

“You’re early today.” Marine called, and Gabby startled, jumping back. She was standing outside the café waiting for Marine to show up to unlock it.

“Can’t be excited to see you?” Gabby giggled, and Marine rolled her eyes, pulling the keys from her pocket to unlock the door.

“Whatever you want.” Marine replied, amused. “How’ve you been?”

“Good. My friends from the States came to visit. They might pop in later.” Gabby felt her stomach flutter, though all Marine had done was push the door open.

“Tell them to come after 9. The morning rush will have dwindled by then. And go set the chairs.” Marine instructed, though coming from her, the words sounded more like an order.

“Okay.” Gabby was more than happy to comply, shooting her friends a text before going around the café and taking the chairs down from the tables.

Not long after, Janelle and Iliana showed up, already giggling and laughing the moment they walked in. Gabby and Marine shared a knowing glance, but said nothing.

15 minutes later, the café came to life, and customers began streaming in at a steady rate. It was slow enough where Gabby could doodle on some cups before passing them out.

Gabby lit up the moment she saw Napheesa, Kia, and Azurá outside the café. By then, the morning rush was still running rampant, though they were reaching the end.

Marine, seemingly having noticed Gabby’s shift in demeanour, moved to stand next to her to pull an espresso shot in the machine’s second group head. She leaned in close enough to whisper, “take a longer break later. Once the rush ends.”

Gabby blinked, surprised. “What?”

“You heard me.” Marine replied, unwavering. “Take it. I won’t tell. Just wait until the rush ends.”

After she got over her initial surprise, gratitude flooded Gabby’s chest. “Thank you.” She murmured.

“What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything.” Marine said innocently, starting the machine. Gabby laughed softly, shaking her head.

“Of course you didn’t.”

She made her friends’ drinks—all basic drinks, because they were too boring for anything else. She promised to join them soon as she passed them their drinks before returning to the back.

5 minutes passed, and it was clear the previously endless flow of customers was slowing. Gabby stood and watched as Marine made a drink, marvelling at her efficiency, when she remembered there were no more drinks to make. They’d not gotten any new orders since Gabby’s friends, and any orders before that had long been settled. When she finished, she carefully secured the lid and slipped on a cup holder.

She turned to Gabby, holding the cup out to her. “Here.”

“Huh?” Gabby stared, confused.

“For you. Go talk to your friends and I’ll pretend I never learned to read a clock while you’re gone.” Marine smiled, small and barely visible. Gabby took the cup, a shy smile tugging on her lips.

“Thank you.” Gabby said, thumbing at the cardboard of the cup holder.

“Go.” Marine gave her a pat on the shoulder and walked off to find Janelle, who was wiggling her eyebrows.

“So…” Napheesa said, dragging the word out as Gabby approached, “look who the cat dragged in.”

“Not too much now, I only have 20 minutes.” Gabby warned, sitting down next to Kia and across from Napheesa and Azurá.

“Gabriella!” Kia sang, grinning. “We all saw that little exchange by the way. Is that the bosslady they said you’re in love with?”

“Kia!” Gabby groaned, putting her cup down and covering her face.

“That’s a yes.” Azurá hummed.

“It’s none of your business is what it is.” Gabby grumbled.

“We’re your friends, it is absolutely our business. So,” Napheesa pointed at her accusingly, “start talking.”

“About what?” Gabby asked innocently, praying to any god that would listen to free her from this seemingly inevitable interrogation.

“About her! You bring her up once then never again, but we come here and you two look far too cozy for that to be platonic.” Napheesa pressed. “So, spill.”

"There’s nothing to spill!” Gabby insisted.

“Your face said otherwise.” Azurá chimed in unhelpfully. “You were smiling like a dumbass when she was talking to you.”

“I was…wait, what?” Gabby felt like a deer in headlights.

“Oh my god, she doesn’t even know she’s doing it.” Kia laughed delightedly. “This is the even better than I thought.”

“But seriously, Gabs, that’s not friendly and you know it.” Napheesa stared at her pointedly. Gabby met her gaze, staring back with slowly dying stubbornness. Eventually, she relented, groaning.

“Fine. But you have to be normal.” Gabby glared at all three of them individually. Napheesa squealed and nodded, clasping her hands together and leaning in. Kia and Azurá didn’t say anything, only grinning and leaning in.

“So you all know the start.” Gabby looked around the table for confirmation.

“Depends. What’s the start, exactly?” Napheesa questioned.

“Me meeting her here. Her training me.” Gabby clarified, and all three women nodded. “Okay, so we went on a date.” All three of them gasped in sync, eyes widening and jaws dropping.

“Gabrielle, you need to keep us updated. You can’t just not tell us these things!” Kia said, incredulous. Napheesa nodded her agreement with vigor.

“It just slipped my mind!” Gabby protested. “I didn’t do it on purpose!”

“We should be the first people you update, especially if you go on dates!” Kia shoved her slightly.

“We actually…” Gabby paused, pursing her lips. “Honestly, I still don’t know if that first one counted as a date. I need to ask her.”

“You went on more than one date?” Azurá raised an eyebrow. “Dang, Gabby, I didn’t know you had game like that.”

“We were just going out as friends the first time.” Gabby grumbled defensively, and Napheesa lit up triumphantly.

“So it wasn’t as friends the second time.” Gabby froze, caught. Then, she sighed.

“Are you guys gonna let me explain or not? I’ve only got…” She checked her phone, “13 minutes left.”

“Sorry, sorry, continue.” Napheesa waved her on.

“The first time we went on a photo walk. She bought those disposable film cameras and we went around looking for objects of certain colours.” Gabby explained.

Azurá snorted. “That’s gay.”

“If you’ll let me finish.” Gabby glared at Azurá, who just laughed and shook her head. “We went to the photo shop after to get the pictures developed, and then when we were leaving, she held my
hand. Like, to pull me along. It was completely friendly though.” Gabby rushed out the end bit, the clarification important to her.

“Gabs, love, that’s gay.” Kia gave her a loving pat on the shoulder.

“It’s not!” Gabby protested weakly, but it fell on deaf ears.

“It is. Continue.” Napheesa urged.

“Then we went for lunch and I went home.” Gabby finished with little flair.

“And the second date?” Azurá pried.

“We went to a museum. It wasn’t anything crazy.” Gabby shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

“You’re hiding something.” Kia announced.

“When the fuck did you get so good at reading me?” Gabby whirled around to stare at her friend.

“When did you become so bad at hiding your feelings? I mean, honestly, Gabs, it’s clear as day that you’re hiding something. You were better at lying to Coach than you are at lying to us about this.”
Kia gave her a ‘duh’ look. Azurá and Napheesa nodded.

“It’s true. Spill, Gabby.” Azurá said, taking a sip of her coffee. “Also, this is really good.”

“Thanks, made it myself.” Gabby beamed. “So, when we met up, she got me flowers—”

“Gay.” Kia noted.

“—And then we walked around the museum. Then we went for lunch, and she refused to let me pay—”

“Gay.” Azurá interjected.

“—And then she sent me home and—”

“Super gay.” Kia nodded theatrically, eyes wide.

“—kissed me on the cheek.” Gabby finished. “You guys are very bad listeners, by the way.”

The three of them glanced around at each other. Then, in perfect unison, they were more than delighted to chorus, “Gay!” at her.

“Also, I am not a bad listener.” Napheesa huffed.

“You’re a great listener.” Gabby gave Napheesa two thumbs up, and Napheesa nodded approvingly.

“I really am. Also, you’re gay.” Napheesa ended her last statement with a giggle. Gabby groaned, admitting defeat. She took a long sip of her coffee before speaking again.

“Maybe a little.” Gabby confessed. “‘S hard not to be.” Gabby’s phone buzzed on her lap, and she checked it, cursing a little.

“One minute and I gotta go. You guys can go explore the city while I work or stay here, either way I don’t mind. If you guys plan to leave, send me your locations. Before I go, any last statements?” She glanced around the table, already half standing up.

“Yeah, I would like to retract my earlier statement about you having game.” Azurá piped up. “She asked you out both times and initiated, like, everything. Do better, dude.”

“Believe me, I’m trying.” Gabby muttered. She grabbed her half-finished coffee and stood upright. “See y’all in a bit.”

“Go get your girl.” Kia sing-songed, only loud enough for them to hear. Gabby flipped her off, and Kia just blew her a kiss.

When she stepped back behind the counter, Marine was there. She was leaning against the cabinets casually whilst chatting with Janelle. She stopped talking the moment Gabby approached, softening
and giving Gabby a small smile.

“Good break?” Marine asked quietly.

“Very.” Gabby matched her smile. “Thank you for the coffee.”

“Of course.” Marine replied. “You seem to like them a lot.”

“Well, yeah, they’re my friends.” Gabby shrugged. “I’ve known them all throughout college. They’ve seen me at a lot of the worst points in my life.”

“Like siblings.” Marine commented.

“Yeah, I guess like siblings. Don’t tell them that, though, they will hound me to the edges of the earth if they find out I’m talking about them in a nice way.” Gabby warned. “I’ll never live it down.”

Marine laughed, and Gabby swore it was like an angel singing. “Your secret is safe with me.” She promised.

After work, Gabby goes out with Napheesa, Azurá, and Kia again. The trio waited until she was done with work, not wanting to go around Paris without their trusted tour guide and companion.

They spent a good chunk of the early afternoon wandering around the Luxembourg Gardens before Napheesa started pleading for them to go to Musée de l'Orangerie, because she wanted to see
Monet’s water lily paintings. No one had any objections, so they took the bus over to the museum and finished their afternoon there.

They concluded their day with a simple dinner—nothing fancy, just a restaurant Gabby frequented after work. It was so similar to their college days, eating together while endlessly chattering—albeit with a bigger budget than any of them ever had in college.

Gabby went home with a heart bursting with love and warmth.

Her friends went home about a week later, though they spent most of the remaining week exploring Paris on their own terms. This meant that when Marine had shyly asked come over tonight?
Gabby agreed without hesitating.

(Gabby was totally, absolutely, 100% not late for work the next day.)

Two months later

As it turned out, living in France really suited Gabby. The slower pace of living compared to the States made life feel less like a constant hurricane of activities and more like actual living. She’s got everything she needs right with her.

Dorka managed to get her visa and was finally in France for good, which meant Gabby no longer had to be on the receiving end of Janelle’s never-ending whining about missing her girlfriend. They got engaged in October.

The best part was, without a doubt, Marine. The blonde had gone from a friend to a girlfriend in the past few months, and Gabby couldn’t be happier. It still felt surreal, if Gabby was completely honest.

She practically lived with Marine now, only ever going back to her own apartment for clothes. Alexia had rearranged their schedules to always correlate (though not before relentlessly teasing them) so they hardly ever were apart if at all.

“Marine! Hurry, we’re going to be late!” Gabby groaned, tapping her foot while standing by the door.

“Gabrielle, I live 5 minutes from the café. You need to relax.” Marine sighed, walking towards the door with two coats in hand. “And you forgot your coat again.”

“Oops.” Gabby took the coat bashfully, pulling it on. “Thank you.”

“Let’s go, then?” Marine gestured at the door, and Gabby grinned.

“Bet I’m gonna make more drinks today.” Gabby challenged.

“In your dreams, ma cherie.”