28 April 2012
"Natalie," Dandre points a black, manicured (and accusatory) finger at me from behind the coffee counter. "You must find yourself a boy to fall in love with."
"Dandre," I groan, "again with this. You know I've got a perfect guy waiting."
"So, where is he?" he motions around the modern, comfy coffee shop, as if this is the whole world.
"I said, he's waiting." I give him a look as I lean on my broom. "Okay?"
Dandre holds up his hands, proclaiming innocence. "I'm just sayin'..."
I sigh and survey the twenty-four year old native San Franciscan. He's not exactly the biggest guy, but he's got slightly showy muscles, though hidden under his cashmere sweater. Rumor has it at night he works at a burlesque club, complete with eyeliner and open-chested vests. I'm not saying I believe it, but I wouldn't put it past Dandre. He's black in every part of his skin, but his eyes are a light brown. He proclaims it's because his mom had bright, bright blue eyes. Maybe that's where he got his bowler hat gene from. That's right - he wears those things, 24-7.
The bell rings, signaling that we have a customer. I look up to find a young guy staring at me.
He's kind of cute, in a hillbilly way. He's even complete with the big belt buckle, cowboy hat, and cowboy boots. Lose all that stuff, and maybe gain a sense of fashion, and you would find yourself a nice looking man right there.
God. What is wrong with me?
"Hello," Dandre flashes a smile at him, glancing at me.
I know that look. It takes all my strength not to scream out at him, no, no, no, NO!
"What can I get you?"
I abandon my broom to go around the counter with Dandre. He hip-butts me and I do it right back to him.
"Caramel latte with whipped cream, please." Cowboy-Hillbilly says evenly, obviously not noticing Dandre and I.
"Excellent choice," Dandre says as he begins to make the latte. "That's one of Natalie here's favorites."
This, of course, is a lie. I happen to despise lattes. Or any form of caffeine, actually. Which is what is so ironic about me, Natalie Leblanc, working in a coffee shop. Who would've guessed.
"Then you're Natalie Leblanc."
Stranger In The Coffee Shop, Part 1 • Opuss № I