I guess I have to order something, huh, I thought. My eyes scanned the menu. It was full of fancy drinks, pastries, and sandwiches, which I assumed were for the lunch crowd. It was a bit too early for that so I decided to get a drink and a pastry for a light breakfast.
When I looked up from the menu, the omega smiled expectantly. “Have you decided what you would like, sir?
I felt a bit weird being called sir, since I couldn’t even remember the last time someone had called me that, but I didn't say anything.
“I'll have a latte and a chocolate croissant, please,” I told him.
“Of course,” he said. “I'll put in your order right away.”
There was so much bounce in his step that he was practically skipping away, and the angel wings on his back fluttered with every motion. Even his halo was springing around. It did look a bit silly, but I couldn't help but smile. Then I promptly got annoyed at myself for having fun when this was supposed to be a reconnaissance mission. I forced my smile into a frown, and then felt even more stupid for doing so.
Okay,I thought,new mission: I just try to enjoy myself instead of assuming everything is going to go badly, which it hasn't so far.
But that didn't mean I could let my guard down yet. There was still plenty that could go wrong.
My order arrived way faster than I expected. The omega returned with a silver tray and a big grin on his face. On the tray, my latte and croissant sat on two separate white porcelain plates. He placed them in front of me. For some reason, he looked a bit guilty, and when he spoke I realized why.
“I'm so sorry, sir,” he said while bowing his head. “I completely forgot to ask you what kind of design you would like on your latte! I hope this one is to your liking. If it’s not, I can definitely exchange it for you!”
In confusion, I stared down at the latte. Through the wafting steam, I saw a design on the surface of the foam. It was a detailed little drawing of a bird and a heart shape made out of syrup and milk, more intricate than I'd seen at any other coffee shop.
I stared up at him in amazement and asked, “Are you joking? This is incredible!”
He blushed and said, “I'm glad you think so, sir! If there's no problem then I can leave you to your breakfast now, unless you would like me to sit with you,” he offered with a smile.
I was confused again. Blinking, I asked, “Sit with me? Is that a thing that you do here?”
“Yes,” he said patiently. “Often times our patrons will want to spend time with us, which we are happy to indulge. The first five minutes are included with service, and extra time can be purchased.” With a wink, he added, “After all, who wouldn't want to spend time with cute omegas in cute outfits?”
I blushed a little, wondering if he was hitting on me or if this was just part of the job - and if so, would Skylar have to do something like this too?
“So does everyone who works here have to sit with alphas like they're best buddies?”
“I'm afraid I don't understand,” he said, then gasped. “Oh! Are you wanting to work here too? Because I'm not quite sure if we're taking applications right now.” He touched his gloved fingertip to his lips. “I think we just got a new hire in today.”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “That's my friend, actually. His name is Skylar and today is his first day. I came to see him to make sure this place wasn't some kind of freak show. Um, no offense.”
To my surprise, he actually laughed. Was it weird of me to think that he had a cute laugh? Maybe this place’s marketing gimmick was already rubbing off on me.
“No offense taken,” he said. “I think a lot of people don't really understand what we do here. Honestly, I'm used to it by now, but I get that it can be strange at first. But there's no naughty business going on. It's just an honest job, no matter what some people might think. I hope seeing it for yourself helps to change your mind about it.”
“I do kind of feel better about the whole thing now,” I admitted. “Thanks.”
“And I'll make sure your friend is treated right,” he promised. “You said his name was Skylar, right? I'll take him under my wing.” He winked and shook his shoulders so that the wings on his back fluttered around.
“Thanks,” I said. “I really do appreciate it - uh…” I looked at the name on his tag for the first time. “Sammy.”
Sammy smiled and said, “Not a problem! Remember to holler if you need anything.”
He waltzed off with his wings fluttering behind him, leaving me alone with my drink and pastry, which I had yet to try. I couldn't ignore the scent of melted oozing chocolate any longer. My mouth watered and I chowed down.
When I was halfway done with my croissant and taking a sip of my latte, the table across from me - which had been empty until now - was filled by two new patrons.
I nearly choked on my drink.
One of the men who was sitting across from me now was Griffin.
