Me, You and The Coffee Shop.

opening up (1)

emophilia - the trait of falling in love too quickly.

connor's point of view.

I waited patiently for Chris to arrive. Naba was talking with her father in the back and I was sorting the pastries and cakes into the display cabinet. It was our first time opening up since May, and Chris, as usual, was running late. I had learned to keep my patience with him, but every now and again it would stress me out too much. The bell rang as the front door opened, and in rushed a noticeably dishevelled Chris Thomas, a box of PopTarts in hand.

"Jesus Christ, I am so sorry. I woke up late!" He ran behind the counter to greet me and placed the box onto the surface.

"I gathered. Look, I get that we have been away for a few months, but you need to get in the habit of arriving on time. Perhaps leave the PopTarts at home next time?"
Chris started fixing his hair and doing his top button on his shirt up. He also tightened his apron while he had time.

"Hey, I'm not leaving my house without them. That's my breakfast, you know?"

"Breakfast is meant to be eaten at home."

"The whole reason this shop exists is because people who don't eat their breakfast at home eat their breakfast here, but okay. Anyways, what time are we opening up? Need any help?" Chris smiled as he energetically skipped around. I exhaled sharply, wanting to go back to sleep.

"Hoping to open by quarter-past nine, so just get ready to serve, okay? Put your PopTarts in the back and while you're at it, tell Nabulungi to be ready. I'll go and flip the door sign around."
I walked to the door and did as stated, looking through the window while doing so. The sun was rising over the town. There were minimal people on the street but cars were still on the road. I yawned sleepily and walked back to the counter. Naba emerged from the backroom, smiling cheerfully.

"Good morning, Connor! It's good to be working again. Father says that we should be getting some new customers today, people took a lot of interest in the advertisements!" She put her hands on my shoulders, her eyes filled with joy. Seeing her happy immediately lifted my mood.

"Really? Well that's great, Naba! Hopefully we'll get some regulars, then. I just hope they enjoy it here." I shrugged.
"Of course they will, silly! What's not to love about this place? It's cosy, welcoming, and the employees are adorable!!" She tapped me lightly on the nose. I flinched and scrunched my nose, causing her to giggle. I rolled my eyes, laughing along with her.

The bell rang, snapping us out of our bonding moment. The familiar face of James Church walked inside, and he smiled upon seeing me.
"James, hi! It's nice to see you again. My gosh, you're somehow even taller than the last time I saw you." James chuckled as he leaned against the counter to speak to me.

"No, you're just shrinking Connor."
"Oh, shut it. You should see Chris if you think I'm short."
"Oh my God, PopTarts! How is he?"

As if he responded to the name, Christopher ran straight up and pushed past me. As I was previously mentioning, he was short and seeing him next to James proved this immensely.
"Hi James!" He grinned, leaning upwards against the counter to face him.
"Hey PopTarts. How are you?"
"I'm good, what ab-"
"Hey you guys, hate to break it to you but I'm gonna need to serve soon, so would you politely take your bonding to somewhere else?" I said sarcastically, placing my hand on PopTart's shoulder. He turned to give me a dirty look.

"Ah, sorry. Uhm Chris do you mind talking with me privately for one second?" James asked, motioning toward the door.
"Oh uh of course! I'll only be a second, Connor, I swear." He rushed to the taller boy's side and they stood outside the doorway talking. Nabulungi nudged me.