“Okay, now the boy witch thing makes more sense.” Teddy responded.
“Shut up.” Jacob whispered.
“What?” Joe responded.
“Not you. Never you. Hi. Coffee- face?” Jacob asked.
“I-” Joe chuckled for a moment. “Are you okay?”
“I- oh I’m fine. I just-” Jacob laughed to himself. “I forgot words.”
“Like, all the words, or just a few?” Joe asked.
“What?” Jacob chuckled. “Oh words. Just the regular kind. Not the big ones or anything.”
“Oh God, this is painful.” Teddy responded.
“Coffee!” Jacob exclaimed.
“Yes…one coffee please.” Joe looked bemused.
“Sorry, I’m a bit scattered today.” Jacob felt his face flush.
“I can tell. You need me to hop back there and help you out?”
“Oh God yes.” Jacob responded a bit too quickly. “I mean…coffee?”
“Yes. I would still like coffee please.” Joe laughed.
“Sorry I just can’t seem to get my head on straight today.” Jacob was dying inside. He could feel himself being more of an idiot by the minute. Whatever was happening in his mind today, it wasn’t working in his favour.
“I can tell. You seem distracted. More than usual.” His eyes darted to Teddy and back before he smiled at Jacob. “Also you know you have a bird on you, right?”
“This is Teddy. He’s my…emotional support bird.” Jacob responded. “You’ll need it soon.” Teddy began.
“I see.” Joe responded. “He seems…very nice.”
“Thanks. He…he’s new.” Jacob felt himself flush again.
“I figured, considering I haven’t seen him before.” Joe responded and for a moment they just looked at each other. Jacob put his hand down on the counter accidentally brushing against Joe’s causing them both to jump back. Joe avoided eye contact. Jacob felt like he was combusting. Joe could tell. “Coffee?”
“Right! Sorry…here.” His hands began to do their intricate ballet- but this time something felt different.
Avoiding eye contact, he grabbed the cold brew and began to pour his usual order- when he felt compelled to do something else. His hands grabbed for the oat milk and frothed until the perfect temperature was reached. He combined and added a pinch of sea salt and caramel to top off the coffee which looked…perfect. He poured it on top of the cold drink and smiled.
Jacob wasn’t sure exactly what he’d just made, but he knew he wanted it. And more.
As he put the coffee down he smiled at Joe who beamed at him.
“Is that for me?” Joe asked.
“It is.” Jacob beamed.
“But I didn’t order anything yet?” Joe smirked. He leaned closer.
“You get the same thing every time.” Jacob leaned closer too.
“How do you know that today isn’t the day I switch it up to keep you guessing?”
