Alex's coffee

Oatmilk. Not regular, it makes her stomach hurt and almond milk leaves a weird taste in her mouth. She likes it sweet, not too sweet but just the right amount; so she can still taste the bitterness of the espresso. Two shots of espresso, three gives her the jitters. Sweet foam on top, she loves having a small white mustache. She will want it iced, no matter the seasons. It's 7:45 am. She will be here soon. Her drink is ready. The door chimes.

"Welcome!" I turn and there she is. Her wild red curly hair. Each piece curls perfectly around her face. Her face is covered in freckles from being in the sun. Every step she took was made with a graceful bounce. Her large smile brightens the room. The smell of fresh laundry fills my nose as she comes closer. She doesn't wear anything scented. It hurts her cat's nose.

"Hi! It's me again!" she gave a small wave as her honey brown eyes ran over the menu. She will ask about the new flavors and ask which I like best before ordering her usual.

"Oooh Lavender. Is that the new summer flavor?" Her eyes sparkle with excitement. She doesn't like lavender, it tastes like hand soap. I nod.

"Do you like that flavor?" I shake my head. I don’t like coffee.

"Hmm, maybe I should get my usual?" I slid her the premade drink.

"Oh! Thank you!" Her giggle was soft.

The price was always the same, $6.58. She doesn't tip but that's okay.

"I have a 10 today!" She held the bill out proudly. She still likes to pay in cash. She likes to know how much she is spending. Real money for real situations.

"Can I have a scone too please?" She will change her mind and then apologize.

"Oh wait- no. They're gonna give us donuts at work." I smile, not moving from the register.

"I'm sorry. I forgot." she chews on her bottom lip, her eyes looking down at her worn out shoes. They were once white. She wears them everyday.

I gave her $3.42 back. The coins drop softly in her hands. She will give her change to the homeless man that sits in front of her job.

"You know me so well." she whispers as she gently places the money into her pocket. I did, more than she could imagine.

"Do you know there is a new coffee shop? It's just beside my job." She took a long sip from her drink. She will debate on trying it out because it is closer to her job.

"I could never give this place up." she sighs. She will never try the new place she hates change. “Hmm but maybe a break…too much sweets will go to my hips.”

She isn’t thin but a fuller figure. Curves that aligned perfectly with the summer waves. She radiated such warmth that a hug from her would probably fix many world problems.

"Well thank you Alex- bye now." she gave a smile wave. It's 7:50 am. It takes her 10 minutes to walk to her job. She will be late because she will talk to the homeless man and then apologize to her boss for being late. The door chimes again as she walks out.

"Why do you let her call you Alex?"

"Her name is Alex." I stare at the window watching her skip down the street. A smile still stuck on her face.

"Well, why do you let Alex- call you Alex?" Sam came from around the counter, walking towards the door.

“She thinks we have the same name.” My eyes move from the door to Sam.

"Also please stop letting her come in before we open." Sam flips the sign from closed to open. Sam is older, his grey hair covers the majority of his head. Wrinkles around his mouth from years of smiling.

"She is used to your old hours." I wipe the counter, not bothering to look at Sam. His eyebrow will be raised and his hand on his chin, rubbing it in small circular motions. Sam change the hours of his coffee shop 2 years ago.

"So are my other customers but I don't see you letting them in." Sam's laughter echoes in the small coffee shop.

“You should just tell her your real name and that you like her. “

“I don’t like her.” I place a fresh batch of coffee on the counter. I didn’t like her but I knew about her. She was a dream I couldn’t touch. To only watch and love from afar. She was the ray of sun that would start my day. I didn’t deserve to be a part of her perfect world but only to serve. I know what she likes, what she does and when she does it. She always follows the same routine. How could I change that?

“Sure, because you make all of our usual drinks before they walk through the door and let them in 10 minutes early. “ Sam likes to tease. It helps him pass time.

“I could.” I didn’t want to. They didn’t enjoy my drinks like she did. Sam will say no. It wouldn’t change anything, they will still come back again and we will still be here.

“No. If you make it or not they would be back and you still wouldn’t get a tip.” I don’t care about the tips. Sam always pays me well and seeing Alex was enough for me.

“But seriously tell her your name. I mean it’s on your name tag.” Sam taps on the worn out name tag. The letters have faded but the A was still visible alongside three other scribbles. Why should I correct her? I will be Alex forever, if I need to.

“Look son, it is okay to want something or someone. There is more to life than this small coffee shop.” I didn’t want anyone or anything. I am fine with my life.

The door chimes.

Time to make coffee.

“Welcome, my name is Axel. What can I get for you?”