Balloon Animals (Girl Power Series)

Chapter 2 - Barista

If my situation continues, I will never solve the problem. But what can I do? I don't have studies or other work experience.

Even if I sign up for college the truth will resurface. I look different than a year ago, but the tattoo on my hand betrays me. As long as I'm surrounded by men, and some women, I can't keep my secret.

I drag my ass out of my car and walk towards my building. The security guard gives me his usual wink. I shudder at the thought of what he remembers when he sees me.

A few envelopes wait for me in my mail box. One of them calls my attention. It's from the Department of Family Services. My heart races and I inhale deeply to control my anxiety.

I nod again to the guard and get as soon as possible in the elevator. I curse when my keys fall on the floor while trying to open my door with trembling hands. I rip the envelope open once I'm inside and read the letter.

As a condition to approve the shared custody request, you will need to submit proof of reputable employment.

The letter falls from my hand and to the floor. I'm fucking trying my best. I was happy at the coffee house and enjoyed working with people. Until that asshole opened his mouth this afternoon.

The day started great. I came in earlier and started the machines. We were allowed to make ourselves coffee. I used the opportunity to practice my latte art. I can make cute hearts and my flowers were quite decent.

I flirted with the girls who work the register while handing drinks to the customers. It wasn't until I gave one to a guy called Bobbie - who the fuck calls themselves that as an adult - when the problem started.

"It's you!" he shouted.

The girls at the register forgot they were taking orders and looked at me. The guy had his hand over mine. The hot coffee scalded my hand even when I placed a cuff on the cup. He stared at the three miniature birds I got inked on the back of my hand.

"Dean Dallas! You are Dean Dallas!"

His girlfriend next to him looked also at my hand and her eyebrows shoot up, but said nothing.

"What are you doing serving coffee? Isn't the industry paying you well?" he teased.

"I think you have me confused with someone else," I said and went back to prepare another order.

"Your hair might be dark now and you have a beard, but you are not fooling anyone. It's Dean Dallas!"

The woman rolled her eyes. I heard another woman waiting for her coffee ask if I'm famous. Suddenly my coffee station felt tiny and hot. I couldn't breathe. Things became worse when I saw Bobbie open his mouth to seal my fate.

"Famous? More than that. He is a porn star!"

The whole coffee shop turned still. I kept working like if I didn't hear a thing, but all eyes were on me.

"Devin, what's going on?" I heard my manager say behind me.

"It's that your real name? Devin?"

The guy wouldn't shut the fuck up. A few clients in the queue looked at me with disgust and left. It was exactly what I had been trying to avoid. People don't treat me the same after they find out what I stopped doing more than a year ago.

"Devin, a word,"

I left the coffee station and followed my manager to the cramped back office. He motioned for me to take a seat. I feared the stack of cups balancing dangerously behind his desk were going to fall soon on his head.