Harper was having a rough day. First her hair wouldn't cooperate this morning. Then her microwave broke. Plus she just blew a big interview. It looked like she wasn't going to get her dream job.
She looked down at her watch. It was only 10:30? All she wanted was to numb the pain with a few drinks, but no bar would be open at this hour. Coffee would have to do.
Harper crossed the street, narrowly avoiding being hit by a car, and entered the nearest Starbucks.
Of course it was packed to the brim. After awhile the line began to extend outside the door. Harper wondered if the coffee was even worth it until she remembered the glorious taste of a caramel macchiato. Then the barista came into view. Forget glorious taste, that glorious face was enough to keep her in line.
Finally she reached the counter. Dang the barista was even better looking up close, "what can I get for you?"
Harper practically melted at the sound of his deep sexy voice. His eyes they were entrancing her. Then his hands how she wondered what he could d-
She remembered that she was supposed to be ordering and snapped out of her fantasy. Clearing her throat awkwardly she replied, "I'll take a caramel macchiato."
"Alright that'll be 4.75." Ugh stupid over-priced coffee. I don't have the money for this.
She forked over her credit card and hot barista rang her up, "Harper, that's a pretty name."
Harper blushed and looked at the barista's name tag, "Grounder? That's…unique."
Grounder let out a low chuckle, "yeah I get that a lot."
Harper smiled and took back her credit card. Trying not to trip in her interview heels, she walked over to the seating area I wait for her coffee.
Secretly she watched Grounder work. He skillfully made the drinks whipping back and forth to find different ingredients. He had to lift down a new box of coffee beans for one of his co-workers and she got to see his muscles flex. When they get married he could make her coffee everyday and their kids. They would make beautiful babies. Woah Harper! She thought to herself. Kids and marriage? You don't even know the guy. You need to slow down there. But it was so easy to fantasize about him.
"Order for Harper!"
Harper scrambled over to the counter craving the taste of her beautiful coffee. She greedily grabbed the cup but she caught some writing.
Grounder Three: 867-5309 'your name isn't the only thing that's pretty'
Harper smiled and caught Grounder's eye. She almost didn't care that it had started raining outside. Something that would clearly ruin her suede skirt. Because, maybe even the worst days could improve.