THE STOLEN PIECE

CHAPTER 29 - OPPORTUNITY

GABRIEL

 I was in the cafe thinking about what Eva said in the morning. Is it time for us to move out to another city? I saw the boy refilling my cup.

    -Sorry I didn't ask for another coffee.

    -This cup it’s on the house. 

I looked and saw the girl on the corner, when we made eye contact she went back to the kitchen.

    -She isn’t very friendly, right?

    -She doesn't speak much.

He turned around and crashed into a customer. The guy pushed him and then looked at his blue shirt that had drops of coffee in it. When the boy hit the ground he let go of the coffee pot and now glass was everywhere.

    -Look what you did! You ruined my shirt!

The boy was standing up when the woman came running and lowered her head.

    -I’m truly sorry…

    -Yes you should, My chest hurts… I think I have a third-degree burn… I will sue this place and…

I stood up and grabbed his shirt, I let his bare chest at the view of everyone. 

    -Your chest looks fine.

I said while I looked into his eyes. I saw him gulp. 

    -As for the stain… I think that coffee comes off way easier than blood.

The guy pushed my hand away and then went running to the door and left.

-You didn’t need to do that!

The girl said while looking at me?

-Do what?

-You know what you did!

I wasn’t sure what she was referring to. I tried to do everything Lucas told us, I pretended to be concerned by the guy’s burn and then I tried to help him look at the bright side. I had seen Eva wash some of my clothes that had big stains of blood from training. 

    -The guy was fine? I don’t see the problem?

She looked at me and snorted at me.

    -And you should be more careful, thankfully the pot was almost empty, you could have hurt the customer if it was full! Both of you just made a scene!

I looked around.

    -There is no one here…

    -Well that’s because it’s time to close…

    -This is just…

I looked at her… and saw her eyes… She was worried? Mad? Proud?

    -It’s getting late so I should probably go.

I grabbed the handle of the door…

    -Thanks anyways.

Her voice was very low. I turned back.

    -Did you say something?

    -You didn’t finish your coffee, tomorrow we will serve one free cup for you.

    -Thanks I would love that.

I left the place and started wandering on the streets trying to find something. It was like trying to find a needle in the ocean. I kept looking until there was almost no one in the street. I arrived home and I could hear everyone was sleeping. I lay on the couch and slept there. In the morning when Lucas left to work I went inside the bedroom and slept a bit more. I did what I always did, wander around with no results. At least I have a free coffee today. I walked towards the coffee shop and when I opened the door I saw a line of people. They looked mad.

    -What’s happening here?

The woman in front of me pointed at the counter.

    -The lady is pretty slow today.

That's odd. I walked and so no one was at the counter, then she appeared from the doors and was grabbing a plate with some pasties.

    -Sorry for the delay, is this your whole order?

    -Yes.

I looked around and the place was a mess, there was coffee on the floor and some cookies already crushed. When I looked up I saw the next person walking towards her.

    -I would like a coffee and a sandwich to go.

    -The sandwich is going to be hot or cold.

    -Hot, please.

Then she went and clicked on the coffee machine and disappeared through the doors to the kitchen. I heard a pouring sound and saw the coffee overflowing. I looked around and no one seemed to care. I jumped in and walked to the machine to stop it.

    -The coffee is going to have something extra?

    -Yes, whole milk and cinnamon, please.

    -Got it.

I prepared the coffee and left the cup near the counter. Then just as I got in I got out. She then appeared again with a bag and then looked at the machine.

    -I’m sorry I thought I had the coffee ready, let me do it.

    -It’s already done, the young man over there prepared it.

She looked at me.

    -I added milk and cinnamon, so be sure to charge it.

She looked at me with disbelief. Then she grabbed the cup and passed it to the client.

-Is it to your taste?

Then the old lady took a sip. 

-Yes, it’s delicious.

-I´m glad you like it, the total of your order is...

I started walking towards the books. 

-That lady’s coffee smells delicious. I want to order the same coffee she had.

Then I felt a hand on my arm.

-Can you please help me a bit, I will pay you… and I will add some free cake to the free coffee you have!

-Carrot-cake?

-Yes.

-I accept.

-Can you prepare the coffee?

-I have seen John for a while now, I think I know how this machine works, don’t worry.

-Thanks.

She was using the register, taking the orders, and preparing the food. I was just in the back making coffee, and in my free time I cleaned the floor inside the counter and picked up the plates from the tables that were now empty. When the last customer left I looked outside and it was already dark. She then walked to the door and locked it and turned off the light of the sign. She then walked to the nearest chair and sat there with her arms on her face.

    -What a day! I thought I wouldn’t make it.

I stayed near the corner just looking at her. Her hair was stuck to her cheeks and forehead from sweat, she had stains all over her apron and her gloves, much dirtier than normal. Her hair was completely messy. 

    -Thanks for all your help.

    -You are welcome.

She smiled at me and then she walked into the counter. I took some steps back, but she passed me and went to the coffee machine. Then she came back with a plate with carrot cake and a cup of coffee.  

    -Here you go.

I sat down. Then she put an envelope on the counter.

    -There's your pay for helping me today.

I looked at the cake and then at the envelope. I pushed the envelope to her.

    -I don’t want it, thanks.

    -Don’t be rude and accept it.

As soon as she said that she left the counter and started to lift chairs and stock them on the table. I stood up and helped her.

    -You don’t need to do this…

    -It’s faster this way right?

She didn't respond to me.

    -So why did john didn’t come today?

    -He told me he was quitting yesterday, but I didn’t believe him.

    -He quit? Why? 

She stayed quiet for a while.

    -He just quit.

I continued helping her and then I drank the coffee and ate the cake. When we were leaving I saw her closing the doors and pulling some metallic curtains down on the front of the store. Her movements were clumsy and I could see the discomfort on her face.

    -You alright?

    -Just exhausted.

    -So John quit?

She glared at me.

    -Yes.

    -Then…

I walked to the door and read the opening time.

    -I will be here tomorrow at 9.

    -What? Why?

    -You need help, right?

    -Don't you have a job?

I felt something strange on my stomach.

    -But I am taking a break from it.

I didn’t know why I lied… But admitting I haven’t been able to find a job just…

    -You sure you can take this job?

    -Yes I saw John, it didn't look that hard. 

She glared at me again.

    -Well if that’s the case then we start preparing at 8:20 so be here on time.

    -I will.

I started walking back home. I wanted to tell everyone I found a job. When I entered I saw everyone in the kitchen and living room.

    -We were waiting for you. 

Lucas said as he sat on the couch, at the same time Maria stood up and walked towards me.

    -Have a seat, Gabe.