Overkill? Why would it be overkill?
Lucy
It isn't overkill. Stop overthinking this.
Their responses are on brand, as always. Oliver, introspective. Lucy, direct. Both are probably right.
I stamp out my cigarette and duck into the coffee shop.
In the fall, this place will have a line out the door. For now, the summer lull tempered the crowd to a comfortable levelof busy.
“Hey!” Jac greets me with a wave. I return the gesture. “Usual?”
“That'd be great, thanks.” I glance down at my phone.
Toni
I’m running a few minutes late because of who I am as a person. Sorry!
“You good?” Jac asks as they make my tea.
I huff. “Do I look bad?”
They chuckle. “Not bad. Nervous. But like, cute shelter dog who just wants a belly rub, nervous.”
That pulls an unexpected laugh out of me. “I don't know if I should be offended.”
“Everyone loves shelter dogs.” They lean on the counter while my tea steeps. “What's up?”
I sigh. “I’m showing a new friend who just moved here around the city.”
“Friend orfriend,” they emphasize the last word.
“Friend,” I assure. “We have a bit of a bet going that I can get her to move here permanently.”
“If you lose?”
“I have to help her move wherever she ends up going next. So it could be a very pricy loss.”
“Would I know this friend?”
“You actually sent her over to the bar for coffee. Cute redhead. Plus size.”
“Toni!” They exclaim with such enthusiasm that I almost take a step back. Clearly, Toni has been making an impression on more than just me.
“That's her. Actually...You wouldn't happen to know her coffee order, would you?”
Jac grins. “I would happen to. One sec.” They step away, the espresso machine hissing and return with two cups in hand.
“Your usual. And one cold brew with a shot of espresso and a half pump of simple syrup.”
My brows rise. “Seriously?”
They nod. “The woman does not fuck around with her caffeine.” They hand over the drinks. “Or her tips. This is on the house.”
“Jac—”
They push my card away. “Just get out of here and show her a good time. I could use another quality regular.”
