Should.
In theory.
“Okay, I think we’re ready,” you say, opening the cafe door.
The familiar little bell overhead jingles your arrival and the warm scent of coffee and baked goods fills your lungs as you step inside.
The cafe is always open—aside from during the pipe burst incident, that is. Normally you’ve been working nights, so you weren’t sure how busy it would be at noon. Fortunately, it seems popular but not so packed that it would be a problem. And it looks like you’ve just missed the lunchtime rush.
There’s no one in line, just Mel, your boss, behind the counter. And a few people scattered at tables here and there, already drinking and eating.
“Thanks so much, June,” Mel says, barely glancing up from her laptop, still typing and clicking away while she talks. “Lizzie is gonna be here later to cover when you’re done, but I’m still dealing with insurance over that pipe. We got it patched and everything’s cleaned, but it’s been a real nightmare. Anyway, I’m glad you’re here. I’ll be in and out, so you’ll be alone most of the shift—”
She pauses, glancing up as if finally noticing Ziros at your side and realizing you’re not actually alone.
“Oh,” she says, eyes widening. “Who’s this?”
“I’m her boyfriend,” Ziros says, holding out his hand for Mel to shake, and this dude could be an actor, the way he’s following everything you rehearsed so perfectly.
Is there anything heisn’tgood at!?
“Wow, well, welcome,” Mel says, blinking like she’s confused. Maybe because you’ve actually told her a decent bit about your life, but never once mentioned having a boyfriend.
You know.
Because youdon’thave one.
Not really.
Or…You glance sidelong at Ziros. Youdidn’t.
Your boss is still looking at Ziros like she’s trying to figure out what to make of this new development. Or—based on the scheming gleam in her eyes—maybe she’s already deciding whether or not she can put him to work.
“Did I interrupt your birthday plans?” She asks, glancing apologetically at you. And maybe she’s now figuring she’s interrupted a date. “Sorry to call you in so suddenly, especially on your birthday.”
“It’s okay. He’s just going to hang out with me while I work, if that’s okay.”
With any other boss, they might say it’snotokay. But Mel has always been extra cool about this kind of stuff.
She’s actually pretty great as far as bosses—and people—go.
She just shrugs. “Sure thing. Just be sure not to do anything that would get me in any legal liability, and that’s all good.”
Maybe it’s because she used to work here as a barista herself before she bought the place.
“Oh! Speaking of your birthday!” She ducks under the counter, pulling a small, wrapped rectangular box out from a shelf. “I know it’s not much, but I got you a little something just to say happy birthday and thank you for being such an awesome employee.”
You smile, grateful, but a little embarrassed. You don’t make big bucks at the cafe, but little gestures like this always make you feel appreciated.
Ziros half-watches all this from a few feet away, a distant look on his face. And something tells you he’s not really paying attention.
That’s fine.
It’s not like he needs to.
But—
“Open it!” Mel urges, practically bouncing on her feet. Despite being a good decade older than you, sometimes she feels way too young to be your boss.
