The sun shined brightly through the store front, a comforting glow that brought a smile to Savannah's face and a spring to her step. The smell of fresh coffee and warm pastries swam in the air. The first customers of the morning, most of them regulars, bid hello to her as she dashed around behind the counter of one of New Orleans's busiest coffee houses. The French Press was Savannah's haven. She had worked her ass of to open this place and to make it warm and inviting. And in the last five years, she had built a thriving business. Something that was no east task in the French Quarter.
Turning her attention away from the store front, she began filling orders with a proficiency that only comes from years of practice. Hours passed as the orders kept coming. Hardly noticing the passage of time, Savannah was shocked to look at the clock and she that nearly five hours had passed, and it was well past break time for her cashier.
"Take a break, Nikki. I can handle she smiled sweetly at her barista. The girl was a hard worker and never once complained when Savannah lost track of time.
Standing at the register, Savannah glanced up when she heard the bell over the door chime. As she looked at the man that just walked into her shop, he felt her face flush. He was the most handsome man that she had ever laid eyes on. Tall, dark and handsome didn't do this guy justice. He had deep chocolate eyes and thick dark hair that she was itching to touch. Dressed in what appeared to be a very expensive suit, he was the total package.
"Hello. I'm Savannah. What can I get for you?"
"Hello. Can I please have a large dark roast coffee?"
"Sure. Haven't seen you in here before. Are you new to the area or did you just decide to give this place a shot?" What was she doing?! Savannah scolded herself as she turned to pour the stranger his cup of coffee. She did not hit on the customers. It was the golden rule to business ownership.
"My family and I just moved here a few weeks ago actually. We lived here when we were children before being sent away for school. It feels great to be back. One of my friends mention this place and how the coffee was amazing. So, I thought I see for myself." A hint of a smile played on his mouth. He seemed genuinely friendly.
"Oh really? And what friend might this be, if you don't mind me asking?" Placing his coffee on the counter, Savannah worried that she might be pushing her luck. She didn't want to intrude on his privacy.
"Marcel Gerard. He certainly sings this establishment's praises. I'm Elijah, by the way. Elijah Mikelson." Taking a tentative sip of his coffee, Savannah sees his eyes as he takes in the flavor and she can immediately tell that he likes it. "And he was right. This is amazing"
Savannah smiles, "I'm glad you think so. I'm Savannah Spade. I'm the owner. Nice to meet you, Elijah."
"How much do I owe you?" he asks smiling.
"On the house. Consider it a welcome home gift."
"You're welcome." She says. "Have a good day and be sure to visit again."
"You can count on it." Elijah says as he's walking to the door. "It was nice to meet you Savannah. I'm sure ill be seeing you again." With that he leaves. And Savannah is left trying to figure out what in the world just happened!