AUTHOR'S NOTE: I don't leave these often because I know a lot of people actually don't read these, but I've spent a lot of time working on Coffee, even neglected studying and homework because I want this to be good so badly. I want people to fall in love with my characters and actually feel like they've been sucked into the book as they read. It would really mean a lot to me if you guys would comment and vote on the chapters that you really like, even if it's with small criticisms or big ones. I want you to share this with your watty friends and even strangers. Thank you to those who have voted and commented and put this on their reading lists so far. You are not unnoticed! Love you guys. :)

~ End note

"What can I get you?"

I checked the clock and saw that it was around the time Rebecca would be coming for her large cafe mocha double double. It was her signature drink. I grabbed the cup and began to make the drink before she even ordered it. Half hot chocolate, half coffee, two creams, and two sugars.

"I'd like a large cafe mocha double-double please," she said.

I could tell she was smiling. She always did when she was talking to people and I could hear it in her voice, hear it in her words. I saw it in my head: bright, white teeth surrounded by light pink lips.

"You can have a seat; your drink will be brought to you in a second," Thomas said to her after the transaction.

I worked at a "mom-and-pop" shop, down the street from my house. It was a small, black and white checker themed place with seating in the front of the shop. Business was good and there were plenty of loyal customers. The shop was quiet, as usual. I was glad I wasn't working at some chain restaurant chocked full of kids that went to my high school. There was a different hang out spot even closer to the school than Rizzo's, called Nancy's. Most people went there, so our main customers were retired people, soccer moms, and Rebecca. I didn't really care to see them outside of school anyway, except for Rebecca of course. As I topped the drink with whipped cream, the cashier who doubled as my best friend, Thomas, winked and I made my way over to Rebecca.

"One large cafe mocha double-double," I repeated as I placed the drink on the table.

Her hand shot out to grab it and our hands touched. Her skin was the color of honey, with a tan on top of it, compared to my yellow-looking complexion. A sliver of electricity seemed to transfer from her fingertips to mine.

"Thanks Parker."

Although we attended the same school and shared a class, this was the first time Rebecca had acknowledged my presence by using my name. Usually it was just a "thank you" and her eyes never left the computer screen. The sound of her voice saying my name shot through my heart but not bad enough that I thought I was dying.

"You're uh, welcome." I began to blush furiously. Thankfully the bell jingled at the doorway as a new customer entered. "I gotta go."

I backed away slowly while still looking at her and bumped into a customer before getting back behind the counter. Thomas began chuckling when I was in hearing range and I had to hit him to shut him up. Rebecca laughed as well but I didn't mind as much because of how good it sounded. I faced the coffee machines and stood still to avoid embarrassing myself further in front of Rebecca; straight, straight Rebecca. After we finished serving the old man, Thomas came over to me and began an unnecessary conversation about my blunder. I hated being embarrassed, and he knew that.

"Well that was embarrassing, huh?"

"Shut up dude."

I began cleaning the dishes I'd just used to drown out the sound of us talking.

"You got it bad," he said with a chuckle.

"I know, Thomas."

"Just don't forget that she's straight."

"I know, Thomas," I repeated. How could I forget?

I didn't remember when I became friends with Thomas but it happened before we began working at Rizzo's together. It started slowly, with just recognizing his slow growing man-bun in the hall and in class, and saying hello, and progressed to us actually hanging out outside of school. Then, we applied at Rizzo's and both got hired. I spent most of my time with Thomas and he knew the most about me out of everyone I associated with, which was hardly anyone. Another jingle caused him to turn away and return to the register.

"You're back? You usually get one drink and go," he said to the customer.

"Yeah I know. I forgot, my boyfriend's sister wanted me to bring her one of your homemade chocolate chip cookies. She loves them."

It was Rebecca again. It surprised me to hear her voice ordering anything but her drink but it sparked something inside. Her voice always did, even if she was talking about Economics in the one class I had with her.

"Oh, I'll get it."

Although it's his job normally, Thomas said it loud enough to let me know he was saving me from even taking the opportunity to embarrass myself again in front of her. She left without me saying anything or looking at her again. Not even a glance as she passed outside. I was lucky enough to pass through the rest of the shift without any other problems or run ins with Willow Grove students. Since it was Thursday, Thomas and I had school in the morning and had to leave around ten. The owners, Will and Michaela, closed as Thomas walked me home. A few buses stormed down the busy street and cars honked their way through the city. I could tell he was watching me, waiting for me to say something, maybe about Rebecca. The only thing I was trying to think about was how much longer I'd have to watch my breath create clouds of vapor, only so Rebecca wasn't on my mind. I was failing, of course.

"I know what you're thinking and it's unlikely Park."

"You don't know that. It happened to me, it could happen to her too." I began to bite my lip and peel off the chapped skin.

"Come on Parker-"

"Well would you look at that. I'm home." I held my arms out to advertise my apartment complex as a brand-new car on The Price is Right. "Thanks for walking me home, I'll see you tomorrow. Stay safe."

I briefly waved him goodbye and entered the building. The elevator was down again so I had to climb the stairs to the fifth floor. I leant against the door for a little bit to breathe before I went in. Before I even unlocked the door, I knew my father wasn't home. It was too quiet, despite my dog Darcy barking from inside. If he was home, Darcy would be in the back of the apartment with him.

Since my mother left a few years ago, he didn't want to be home much. I understood; still, I wanted him around. A dog couldn't replace two parents. Darcy wanted to go outside and wouldn't stop barking so I let him out and chased after him down the stairs and the street. He was named, by me, after "Pride and Prejudice's" Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. My mother convinced me that I should use the name and now, almost every time I called his name, I was reminded of her. After Darcy's walk, which happened without an incident, I went to bed. It was after 1am.