“It makes you look- a little old.” Jacob whispered.
“I see.” This gave Garret pause.
“Look, it’s the afternoon. You’ve been here all morning-Why don’t you go into the back and alphabetize your medications or something?”
“I’m not being too much am I?” Garret asked.
“You’re being a bit. Quite a bit. Let me handle the customers and you go back where you belong for a minute. Okay?” Jacob smiled.
“Fine. Take care of things out here then. We’ve got a lot of work to do and there’s only so many hours in the day so we need to be diligent!” Garret exclaimed. Jacob could feel himself getting riled up again- but right now Jacob just wanted some time without Garret.
“Got it boss. We’ll be that.” He said as he shooed his boss into the backroom and exhaled.
“You have no intention of being diligent do you?” Teddy asked.
“Fuck no. I can’t even spell that.” Jacob chuckled. “Did I screw up the spell? Garret seems a little intense.”
“How was he before this?” Teddy pondered.
“A lot intense.”
“Then I’d say it’s working exactly as intended.”
Then it happened, Jacob looked up just as the doorbell rang. Just in time, in walked Joe.
Somehow today he looked even better than usual. He wore a black button up shirt that perfectly hugged his thick and rugged frame. His new haircut made him look more dashing than ever- even though it was the same haircut he’d always had. For a moment he had to remind himself that Joe didn’t walk in slow motion- the world just seemed to freeze around him.
In an attempt to act casual, Jacob leaned back against the back wall- and missed. Falling squarely on his ass he luckily was able to bound back up and greet Joe without him noticing. He hoped.
“Hey Joe.” Jacob said as a bead of sweat shot down his back. “You’re right on time.”
“I can’t be late. This is my one standing meeting everyday. You folks treat me so well here after all.”
“I try. We try. What can I-” Jacob trailed off.
“Did you do something different with your hair?” Joe asked. He noticed!
“I did! I mean, my friend wanted to take me in a new direction. So I figured I could give it a try.” Jacob felt himself flush. “Do you like it?”
“It suits you.” Joe smiled. Jacob paused, frustrated by the ambiguity of the answer. “Can I get-”
“A coffee?” Jacob asked.
“See- you get me.” Joe beamed.
“I try at least.” Jacob said, before finally snapping out of his haze.
“God you’re painful.” Teddy whispered.
“Coffee please.” Joe said with a smile but then he paused.
“The usual?” Jacob asked.
“Actually, make me something special. It’s a big day. I’m excited to see what you come up with.” Joe responded.
“You want me to just…make you something random?” Jacob probed.
“If you don’t mind?” Joe chuckled. “I mean, last night I came in here twice and both times I left without a coffee. So make me something special. Just for me.”
