“Oh, you passed it, but that’s okay. There’s another one coming up.”
“We’re not stopping. I had very expensive coffee brought in for you.” He signals and makes a turn.
“They ran out of the Cosmic Coconut cold brew the last time I was there. I need it before it leaves at the end of the month—you don’t understand,” I plead.
The dog rests her head on the steering wheel and howls.
“I’m in the office when you bring in those disgusting drinks.” His mouth twists. “I understand—I just don’t condone it.”
Pepper is acting like she’s dying.
“She wants her Puppuccino,” I tell him.
“Really? Because I think you just want your coffee slop.”
“It’s the high point of my day. You can just drop us off at the next Starbucks,” I offer, “and we can walk back to the office.”
Pepper tumbles off his lab as Salinger suddenly jerks the wheel, stealing a parking space in front of the Starbucks before a woman in a Porsche can park there.
“Asshole!” the driver yells out of the car window as we exist the vehicle.
Pepper, in my arms, barks.
“I’m sorry,” I call to her.
Salinger’s already at the door of the store, impatient.
The driver gives me the finger. Her poodle hangs out of the window to bark at Pepper.
I hurry over to him. “You stole that woman’s spot.”
“You said you wanted coffee.” He holds the door open for me and Pepper.
“Shoot, I should have done a mobile order.”
The line snakes around the store.
“At least we can look at the new merchandise while we wait. This cup warmer is cute. Salinger? Salinger!”
My boss is heading to the pick-up counter.
“Cosmic Coconut cold brew for Mac,” the overworked barista calls out.
“Here.” Salinger holds up his hand, cutting in front of a shorter man and wrapping his hands around the cold cup.
“That’s not your drink,” the man sputters as I rush up. “That’s my order.”
“I’m so sorry,” I say.
The man ignores me and focuses on Salinger, who is extremely amused by these events.
“Is that your drink?” The barista looks confused.
“The question you should be asking,” says my boss, leaning artfully against the pick-up counter, “is if that’shisdrink.” He gestures with the cup. “Is your name Mac?”
“Yes, that’s my drink.” The man puffs up.
“Let’s see some ID.” Salinger motions with the hand holding the coffee.
