Getting hot at the coffee shop

3

After standing in the lobby for what felt like forever, moody guy came back out cursing under his breath and throwing his hand in the air. It was clear that whatever had just happened behind that door was not what he had hoped for.

“He’ll see you now” he grumbled at me not taking his eyes away from the rag he had once more picked up.

“Thank you” I said and made my way behind the counter and to the door.

“You missed a spot” I whispered leaning close to him.

He scowled at me, eyebrows furrowed but made no attempt to reply. Shrugging I pushed open the door that led into a brightly lit office. Sitting behind the desk was a blond haired man with a black collared shirt sporting the same coffee decal as the apron the guy out front wore. I silently watched him as he shuffled through some papers before finally looking up and realizing I was there.

Immediately he stood up and made his way towards me, hand held out. I took it in mine feeling the warm dry heat from it. It was soft but not too soft. He gripped mine for a moment too long for a casual handshake then finally released it. He smiled at me and I saw the little crinkles at the corner of his eyes. I pegged him for maybe mid thirties. Still quite attractive though.

“I’m Christopher and according to my paperwork you’re Shannon?” He let my name linger as though he wasn’t completely sure he had it right.

I smiled and nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes sir that’s right.”

He laughed and shook his hands in a palms up gesture.

“None of that around here. Just call me Christopher.”

“Ok then Christopher.” I smiled at him testing out using his first name. It felt a little weird given I had always called my former bosses Mrs. or Mr. But if this is what this guy wanted and it would get me the job, this is what he would get.

Motioning for me to sit, I took the chair closest to his desk and he resumed his seat behind it.

“So tell me a little about yourself Shannon.”

He leaned back a bit in his chair and studied me while waiting for my answer.

“Um.” Tell him about myself? What did he want to know? That I was broke and desperately needed this job? That I was in debt up to my eyeballs? That I almost considered prostitution but I had a fear of s*x?

Realizing I was staring off into space again, I tried to regain my composure.

“Well, I like to dance, I’m twenty four, twenty five my next birthday and I think black cats are underrated.”

There. I had done it. I told him about myself.

He cleared his throat and then laughed.

“Not exactly the standard answer given to that question but I guess it’ll do.”

Oh no. He wasn’t asking about my personal life but about my professional life. I must have had a horrified expression on my face because he laughed once more and held up his hand.

“Hey it’s no problem. It was like a breath of fresh air compared to the ‘I like to help people’ answer I get all the time.”

I relaxed a little bit. This guy was nice. The kind that helped old ladies across the street and carried neighbors groceries into the house. I liked him immediately.

“Thank you. I’m sorry for that. I haven’t had much experience with interviews so I never really know how to prepare for them.” Might as well be truthful with him if I was going to make an ass out of myself.

“Have you ever worked as a barista before?”

I shook my head.

“Do you know anything about coffee?”

“I like to drink it” I smiled brightly at him hoping that my smile would win him over.

“Well then. That’s good enough for me. I like your personality. It will be a nice change of pace to Leo out there.” I saw a small frown cross his face before the smile quickly replaced it.

“So I got the job?” I could hardly contain my excitement.

“If you want it, it’s yours. You can start tomorrow morning at eight sharp. I’ll get you an apron before you leave. Black skirt and white button up shirt.”

I jumped up and grabbed his hand and shook it so hard I thought he might take the offer back.

“Thank you so much Christopher! You won’t regret it!”