"Half-caff, two pump, no whip," The woman said. I scrutinized her carefully from behind my counter. She was pleasant looking enough, with a bob of dark brown hair, fair skin, and a smile that would make any man's heart melt. She was eighteen or nineteen, by the looks of it, and her face was free of the wrinkles growing older would make her. I know better than most.
"One moment, please," I told her. I was aware that my voice sounded a bit monotonous, and as I was at work, it wasn't the best for business. But today I really didn't care. I called into the back room for her order. It wasn't a busy day, even nearing the height of the Christmas season, so the woman stood there to wait.
"So, how are you doing today?" The woman said conversationally.
"Fine," I said curtly. "That will be two pounds exactly, ma'am."
She passed over the money. "Isn't it gorgeous out?" She said.
I half-glanced out the window. The lightest snow was beginning to trickle down from the heavens, blanketing the London streets with a thin layer of white.
"I suppose," I told her. "But I don't care much for the winter season."
"I love winter," The woman smiled. "It's just so gorgeous and beautiful."
"Except in blizzards," I said, and she laughed. I didn't mean to be funny, but she took it that way.
"My name is Alice," she said smiling. "What's yours?"
Odd girl to be associating with the coffee counter lady. "Brenda."
"That's pretty," Alice said, cocking her head. "If I have a baby girl I'd like to name it Brenda."
"Are you pregnant?" I asked her, shocked. She wasn't nearly old enough for that kind of life.
She gave another laugh. "No, I'm not even married," she grinned. "I have a boyfriend, though, and we've been going out a long time. I wish that he'd propose to me," she added wistfully.
"Don't expect anything from men," I said darkly, recalling old . "They only bring you heartache."
The girl was unfazed. "Maybe the men you know. But Frank is…different."
"For your sake, I hope he is," I said. Nora, my coworker, came over and handed be Alice's order. I held it out to her. "Enjoy, and have a merry Christmas."
"Thanks," Alice smiled, taking her coffee. "You, too."
As she turned away from me, the main door opened, letting in a breath of cold air. A man walked in. He had light brown wavy hair and clear blue eyes.
"Frank!" I heard Alice call out a squeal of delight as she rushed to greet who I assumed was her boyfriend she had spoken of before.
"H-hi, Alice," the man said, staring at his shoes. I frowned. He was being nervous, and insecure. Why would he be that way around his long-time girlfriend?
Apparently, Alice had the same thought I did. "What's the matter, Frank?" She said concernedly. "Is it – you know…"
"No, no," the man assured her. "Nothing like that. It's only…sit down, Alice."
He led her over to a table by the window. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I really didn't, but everyone in the coffee shop heard the next words said and the whoop of delight that came out after them.
"Alice – will you marry me?"
I couldn't help smiling at the happy couple as they kissed and the people surrounding them applauded. I even put my hands together once or twice.
"Isn't that sweet?" Nora said, wiping off her hands on a towel next to the coffee machine.
"Yeah," I said, frowning slightly. "Yeah, it sure is."