A Deal with the Bad boy

NOAH

It was Saturday morning, my first day of work at Page & Co., and I stood a few inches away from the shop staring like a lost puppy. I started therapy last week, and my therapist suggested I get a job to help counter my anxiety and improve my communication skills, mainly interactions. And I’ve been holding up pretty well with minor interactions in the hospital and with my neighbors. The owner, Mrs. Paige, a friend of my mother, had generously hired me even though she wasn’t hiring at the moment, just so she could help me out. I couldn’t help but feel like a charity case sometimes, always the girl who needed special attention or help.

I hate that people only know me for that.

As I stepped into the cozy book café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries enveloped me, calming my nerves. I have spent countless hours rehearsing for this moment. I hope I don’t trIP.

I made my way cautiously to the counter, my eyes scanned the cozy aesthetic space. The soft lights, warm walls and comfortable-looking armchairs, and don’t get me started on the shelves overflowing with books.

Books!

“Working here won’t be bad after all” I muttered to myself. I finally got to the counter. A guy was standing with his back to me, hunched over something on the counter, his hair was dark and messy and his shoulders were broad. He seemed completely absorbed in whatever he was doing, and I felt a little nervous interrupting him. I cleared my throat to announce my presence, and he straightened up, turning to face me with a friendly smile.

I froze, his smile was so beautiful. I gawked at his dark hazel eyes, they were so dark, attractive and mysterious. His lips were full and pink, one would think he was wearing lip gloss. And his face….his face was chiseled to perfection. His broad shoulders and sharp cheekbones gave him a strong, angular look, no doubt that he was an athlete considering his height. I’m guessing he’s into basketball. He had a hairstyle I believe to be a taper fade which suited him so well, the slight dimple in this chin, and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

“Hello, welcome to Page & Co. What can I get you?” His deep voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I tried to reply, but my words were caught in my throat literally. Considering the hotness I felt on my skin, I was definitely red all over.

I swallowed hard, “H-hi…… I’m looking for Mrs. Paige. Is she…um…available?” I hoped my voice didn’t come across as a total loser in front of this gorgeous stranger.

“Ah you must be Alara, right?” He grinned, scratching the back of his head in a way that seemed endearingly awkward. He must have noticed me staring earlier. I cursed myself mentally. I nodded, shaking off my negative thoughts.

“Come on” he gestured, and I trailed behind him. The corridors were stunning, and I guessed this was where readers came for peace and quiet, away from the coffee shops bustle, the shelves seemed endlessly packed with books that made the place feel like a 19th century library.

“Wow, this is breathtaking” I whispered in awe. The guy from the counter looked back at me and flashed that same mind-blowing smile and I blushed, looking away.

He led me through a door, and the sweet aroma of pastries filled my nose, making my stomach growl. The chatter of the staff was obvious and cheerful.

“This is the kitchen where you’ll be working most of the time, and you'll run the register once in a while.” We both stopped, and I gazed at the scene before me. The kitchen was beautiful with mint green walls and pink highlights.

“Wow“ I breathed

“Everyone, this is Alara” the guy from the counter announced, and all eyes fell on me. My anxiety spiked as I looked around. I folded my arms up into a fist and let out a shaky breath.

“H-hi….. I’m Alara” I said in an undertone.

“Hello” everyone yelled in unison and I slightly flinched.

A girl with brown curly hair approached me, “Hi, I’m Daniella”. She smiled. I gave a weak smile.

“Everyone’s nice, you’d love it here” she said in a reassuring tone. I feel some relief that I’ll have to see for myself.

I was handed my uniform by the same guy at the counter. Come to think of it, I don’t know his name. Should I ask? I shouldn't, he probably thinks weird from staring at him earlier.

I have to stop staring at boys…..

“The changing rooms that way” he pointed, and I thanked him.

“Hey……um I never really caught your name” I said sheepishly, considering my tone, it definitely sounded like I was probably seducing him, or it’s all in my head.

“Oh it’s Noah” He smiled, and I smiled right back, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

“When you’re done, come out front, so I can teach you how to run the front”, I nodded and headed to the dressing room.

As I changed into my new uniform I couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit self-conscious. The white shirt with billowy sleeves and high collar made me feel like a Victorian-era servant literally.

The black apron with the shop logo emblazoned on it seemed good enough, but the matching black skirt felt a bit too short for my comfort. I tugged at the hem, trying to stretch it down a bit.

I took a look in the mirror in front of me, as I took my image in I don’t know how to feel but somehow I felt disgusted for some reason. I took a deep breath and shook off the feeling, it’s just a uniform, I told myself.

I opened the door then went to the front. I was really nervous of how he would react seeing me in this uniform.

“Wow….” Noah stared at me dumbfounded, and my face reddened. Did I look bad? Or I dare to say good?

“It suits you” He grinned at me and I let out a soft chuckle.

“Let’s get started then.”

He showed me where the cash register and coffee machines hummed with activity, “Okay, Alara, this is where the magic happens”, he grinned once more.

He showed me how to scan books and drinks, how to handle cash and card transactions, how to work the coffee machines and taught me the flavors. He’d make an excellent teacher or tutor, because he’s so patient. I can’t count how many times I’ve messed up now.

After 45 minutes of potential disaster, I was ready to take my first order. An old lady approached the counter, and I was practically shivering now.

I looked back at Noah, he gave me a reassuring smile. “You can do this, always remember the customers are always right and put a smile on your face.”

“Hello, ma’am welcome to Page & Co. Where the perfect blend is books and coffee, what can I get you?” I said.

“Hello dearie” she said as her eyes twinkled, “I’ll have a cappuccino and an espresso please”

“C-coming right up” I stuttered, trying to hide my nerves as I reached for the coffee beans. My hands trembled slightly as I ground them, but I took a deep breath and focused. I poured the shots, steamed the milk and carefully crafted the drinks.

As I gave them to the elderly woman, I couldn’t help but feel so freaking good. I literally made a cappuccino and an espresso!

“Those look so good dear” she smiled and took a sip of the cappuccino and nodded in approval.

“These are perfect, it’s delicious thank you dearie” She smiled and headed to her seat. I felt my cheeks flush with a shy smile. “T-thank you” I stuttered, looking down at my feet.

But as I glanced up, I caught Noah’s eye. Is he looking at me in admiration or am I being delusional?

“I knew you could do it”. He beamed proudly and we high-fived.

Yay!

*******************

“Bye Daniella”. I waved sheepishly. I unbelievably made a lot of friends today. What are the odds that 90% of the employees here are within my age group?

“Bye Alara, see you tomorrow”. A few other people waved me goodbye and I did the same. I texted my mom to come pick me up. Hopefully, she doesn’t take too long.

“Alara”. I saw Noah walking towards me with that smile, “Hey”, I whispered, looking down.

“You were incredible today”. He praised me. I blushed, feeling an unusual flutter in my chest.

“Thank you, I wouldn’t have done it without you. You practically taught me everything I did today”

“Yeah” he chuckled, “You were an amazing student.”

“Really? I messed up a lot of times”. I chuckled nervously.

“I didn’t expect you to be perfect at your first time. I was once like you but not as bad as you were at the beginning”, he joked, and I laughed at his joke.

I spotted my mom’s car driving towards me. She honked, announcing her presence.

“Well my mums here, I have got to go now”. I smiled sheepishly.

“Yeah sure…..um Goodnight”

“Goodnight”, I said back, and turned to leave.

“Alara um….wait, could I get your number?”

I froze. No boy had ever asked for my number before.

“Oh… I’m sorry, It’s silly. I shouldn’t have asked”. He blabbered

“No, it's okay”. I reassured him and recited my number, “Thank you”. He smiled.

My mom honked again, this time really louder.

“Um, well see you tomorrow”. He smiled

“See you” I said, and we parted ways. My heart did a happy flip.

It's probably the start of something new.