A SHIFT AT THE AUTUMN'S CAFE

Inspection

"Urrgg" Ashley Thompson groaned. She didn't expect it to be this cold in October. But then again this was Canada 🇨🇦, where the weather was known for being bipolar. She took her time getting off the public transit, trying to stay in the warmth as long as she could. She had taken the same bus, same route for the last 5 years . The 20 minute bus ride from her apartment was pretty easy . She only had to take one bus. Taking a deep breath in, Ashley Pulled the hood of her coat over head and walked quickly towards the building." Damn you Canada,"she muttered. It was way too cold for October she mused. She pulled out her phone and checked the time. It was 4:00 am on a Tuesday morning. At 25 years Ashley thought she would have been further in life by now. Maybe even nearing the end of medical school. But it was okay , because she understood that when u do it alone. It took longer . She was currently on her second year of university, and was saving up as much she could Because medicine got harder each year.

Ashley was 1 hour before her shift at the "Autumn's Cafe". One of the biggest coffee chain in Toronto. A well loved brand, frequented daily by Canadians. It wasn't the best job. But it was a job. One that paid her bills and got her into university. She would not knock it down despite the nastiness that sometimes crawl out of these bottom feeder jobs. But she knew why she was there and wasn't going to let anything come between her and her money.

She love being early. The peace and quiet was magical . But today was different. Today was the annual inspection for their location. They couldn't get less than 90 or the owners would flip. As a supervisor at her location she was responsible for ensuring everything was in its proper position. Today she wanted to go in extra early so she could take the few moments to herself .She needed to give herself time to get into the right mindset for work . Minimum wage jobs  sometimes came with gruelling hours, nasty bosses, high turn over employees. And she saw why.

Ashely also try to ensure that everything was in place for the 5 am shift. Plus she loved the smell of fresh coffee and the freshly baked goods in the morning. A small piece of joy before the chaos of the day began. She didn't sleep that much last night . The kids monsters above the basement apartment she rented was running wild into the wee hours of the morning. " I have to figure out something tonight she muttered"

She would call up Mason tonight. See if he was alone . Maybe she could crash at his place before her next class. God knew she needed the sleep. Ashley and Mason were both in medical school at the University of Toronto. They had become close because of a study group that they took part in frequently during the first year of university.

 His family owned part of the coffee chain and the Autumn Cafe store she worked at. They eventually started studying together, and nights when he was at his girlfriend's house he give her free reins at his apartment.He wouldn't mind if she drop by to take a nap. She had known him for some years now and they had developed a friendship. Not a sexual one as everyone kept thinking. But They got along really well and understood each other. Dating would ruin that.

Ashley entered the code through the backdoor and waited for the click of the lock. The lights were on, she knew the bakers would have already began baking, and she smelt it before she even got in.
She took a deep breath , did the sign of the cross and entered. She made her way to the staff washroom to change into her uniform. Today the owners would be at the store, to be present for the inspection . Everyone on shift that day had to wear full uniform, no exceptions. No one could be late, she didn't want the manager ragging on her. He'd been a stress lately . Always on a 100, yelling , being rude. But she just ignored him. She would not let him get to her .

She took a minute to look at herself in the small mirror that hang on the wall. She looked tired. Very much on par with how the last few years had been. It been rough, but she didn't complain. She did what she had to do. Her brown skin was glowing though. She took great pride in her self care days. The box braids she had given herself a week ago was still looking good. This weekend she would take it down, wash her hair and do it again. She took the hair tie from her wrist and wrap her braids in a bun. She put on her hair net, took her time to ensure every hair was in. She put her visor . Made sure her non slip shoes were cleaned , her shirt tuck in her pant. Belt straight and finally her name badge. She pinned it to her shirt . Took one last look at herself . Smiled, she liked the way she looked today. Presentation was also a big part of customer service that includes ones appearance. Or that was just her opinion.