The Only Exception

Long Days

The bell on the door jingled and the aroma of coffee beans greeted Mitch. Over in the corner sat the elderly couple Mr. and Mrs. Jones, who'd always come in to hang out and chat over coffee. Around him were other patrons, some studying and some  chilling. "Hey Scotty," he greeted the tall blond as he hurried to get to counter. "Mitchy!!!" The blond cried out joyfully, handing him a coffee that he had made for him. Mitch accepted the coffee and quickly got to work. He sighed tiredly and quickly handed the last customer of the day their coffee.

He sighed in relief when he saw that there was only two minutes until closing time but that relief quickly turned to annoyance and anger when the bell jingled and a person came through. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Mitch muttered under his breath, cursing the customer who came in at the last possible second. "Hey. I'm really sorry for coming in at the last minute but I really need a Cinnamon Roll Frappe please,"  a familiar voice said. Mitch looked up and gasped, heart stuttering as he saw the handsome man who had came in only a few days prior. He glanced back at the already cleaned coffee makers and groaned, trying not to let his annoyance show on his face.

He bustled around the kitchen, trying to find all the ingredients while Beau patiently waited at the counter. "Long day?" He conversed.  Mitch nodded grumpily, "You have no idea," he groaned, wanting to be in bed already. He finished making the coffee and handed it to Beau who paid and turned to leave. He started walking away, but became right back and placed a twenty in the tip jar. "For making your long day even longer," he explained in response to the questioning look Mitch sent him. "Well, thank you. You didn't have to do that, but I really appreciate it," Mitch sent a small smile towards Beau, who flushed in embarrassment and scratched the back of his head. "Well you have a good rest of your night," Beau said, leaving the establishment. Mitch smiled and shook his head, watching Beau leave. All ready he could feel the walls he built around his heart start to break without even making a sound.