“Yes!” I said. “Come on, let’s get you some!”
Yeah, J.D. and I totally ran off to the coffee shop, leaving our stuff with Rylen and Sean. I think I heard Ry laugh and say, “Dude!” as we sprinted away.
My stomach was not very happy about the first cup I’d downed, but I would survive. J.D. bent at the waist and laughed uproariously when he saw Matt in the apron.
“What can I get you, sir?” Matt said. “We had to 86 our latte menu, because no milk, but you have your choice of all these fine flavored syrups.”
I felt a bump against my bottom and turned to see Rylen pushing the cart like Mr. Mom or something. I mouthedsorryfor leaving him in the dust, and he shrugged. Matt handed me a vanilla coffee. J.D. stood in front of Sean with his cup and did a little happy jig. Sean rolled his eyes, but couldn’t hold back a smile. Then J.D. caught sight of the darkened barber shop and gasped, running.
“It shall be mine!”
As he ran his hands over the black and white chair, then the silver scissors, Top and Colonel Latham came into the Exchange. Both looked as satisfied as cats who’d just moused a barn.
“Enjoy,” said Top to everyone in earshot. “But don’t get too comfortable. This place is only temporary for us. We’ve got a meeting tomorrow morning at 0800. Everyone’s got their orders between now and then. Otherwise, enjoy your day.” He looked at Matt and smirked. Everyone else laughed at how Matt suddenly stiffened, at attention in his apron.
“At ease, son. And gimme one of them caramel espresso thingies, would you?”
