“Sora. Did you see the line outside the door this morning?! Your desserts kick ass,” Olivia, our new front register employee, says to me.
“Thank you. But try not to swear. We still have customers sitting over there.”
“Shit. Sorry,” Olivia whispers.
“It’s okay.” I can’t help but chuckle. smile.
Olivia is fresh out of high school, attending the local college in the fall, so working at the coffee shop is a perfect part-time job for her. She fits right in, too.
I head to the kitchen to start cleaning up a little, letting disappointment get the better of me. Logan didn’t come in this morning. Maybe something came up. Of course, something did. His day doesn’t revolve around me.
I fill the dishwasher, pausing when a loud voice carries from the front. Through the swinging doors, a man is in a heated discussion with Olivia, who looks visibly upset. Customers may be unsatisfied, but it’s never okay to treat an employee terribly. And seeing a grown man yell at Olivia pisses me off. She’s on the verge of tears by how her voice cracks.
The unsettling voice grows louder as I make my way to stand next to her. The man flashes a menacing scowl.
“Can I help you?” I try connecting with my inner politeness. Though, I’d really like to tell this asshole to leave.
He pulls his attention away from Olivia and turns it on me. He’s wearing a cheap suit with a name tag. I’m aware of the different brands of suits and tuxedos, unfortunately. Not that having a cheap suit is a bad thing, but he already screams sleaze ball. Someone who pretends to be insanely wealthy for attention. And considering the name tag, he must be on lunch break.
Roger.
“My coffee’s wrong.Again,” he says through gritted teeth. “I asked for an Americano. And this isn’t what I asked for.” He holds up his cup, the lid on the counter.
I take a glance. “I’d be happy to make you a new one.” I tap Olivia on the shoulder, and she scurries off toward the back in silent tears.
Firing up the espresso machine, I set the rude customer’s cup aside to make him a new order.
I’m glad he’s the only one in line, so other customers don’t have to wait on his behalf. The couple who sat in the corner already left, so it’s just me and him in his knockoff Armani suit.
“Here you go. I apologize if there was any mistake,” I say with a polite smile.
He takes a sip while keeping his angry scowl on me. “It’s watery.”
You’ve got to be kidding.
Deep breath. “I can assure you that’s how we make our Americanos. If you don’t like it, then try something else.” I’m really trying to be nice here.
“Are you getting an attitude with me?”
“Not at all,” I say in a dry yet icy tone.
Fuck this guy.
He glowers, going for another sip. “It’s terrible.”
The bell above the door jingles.
“I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Logan’s here, and it immediately sends my heart into a frenzy. I watch over the asshole’s shoulder as Logan sends me a small nod and smile.
“Hello. Are you even listening to me?” The impatience of this man.
Logan’s smile drops instantaneously. His attention shoots to the man who stands a head shorter than him. If Logan holds thatfiery, raging stare any longer, he’s going to burn a hole through the dipshit’s skull.
“You know what? I’d like a new one. And I want it made right now.” He slams a closed fist down on the counter. The suddenness of his outburst startles me.
Is this guy for real?
