Kurt needed a break.
The coffeehouse was always busy, but today was ridiculous. He'd been working since eight, restocking before they opened at nine. Usually, he would leave that to the shop owner and arrive just in time to grab his own grande non-fat mocha before the stream of customers began flooding in. Today, however, Ada was away, visiting her family in Maine and had left the coffee shop in the hands of her most trusted employee.
At first, Kurt had been pleased that she'd trusted him that much, perhaps even a little bit excited. But after almost seven hours without a break, he was beginning to regret the decision. It was a Tuesday, and usually Tuesdays were their idlest days. If they were lucky, they'd get near on eighty customers in the seven hours they were open. Today, however… well, Kurt had lost count.
The suddenly onslaught of customers had caused him, although working with two others, to miss his lunch break so come four o'clock, his stomach was rumbling. He had little time to think about it, as his tired body kept moving. The process a routine now, a route his feet knew off by heart – including the dodging of his fellow co-workers.
"Busy day?"
"Mmm," Kurt replied mindlessly, jotting something down before looking up to his next customer.
He took him by surprise.
His hair was dark and curled, ruffled from a busy day himself. He wore glasses, hiding his hazel eyes but accelerating his wide, warm smile. He was small and broad, a physique that reminded Kurt dimly of someone else although he couldn't pinpoint who or why.
"Medium drip, please," the customer requested, adding, "And whatever you want. I think you need it."
Kurt smiled, cashing up his order. "I would love a coffee – unfortunately, I don't think I have time right now. Thanks, though."
He shrugged, smiling back. "I guess I'll just have to come in when you're less busy and buy you one."
Kurt grinned. "I'll hold you to that."