California, smelly, busy, loud Los Angeles. Keith was not impressed with this city. He had traveled from New York for business and was pretty bias for the east coast. It was 6am and he was out of the door of his hotel on his way to his first business meeting. He fixed his tie as he rode the elevator down to the lobby. He exited the hotel and looked to each side looking for a coffee shop. He needed caffeine to get him going for the day. He headed down the sidewalk keeping an eye open for a shop. His meeting was only a few blocks down so he didn't mind the walking. He noticed a small shop across the street called "Black Lion Brew". He pressed the signal button for the crosswalk waiting impatiently then crossed the street at his signal. He entered the shop and the smell of coffee wafted over to him. It was busy for being so early so that must mean it was good coffee. Keith got in line reading the menu to decide what he was feeling that morning. There were three people behind the counter busy at work. One shorter then the others, shorter light brown hair and big round glasses. The other guy next to her was huge, tall and stocky but had a friendly aura about him. Keith couldn't see the other person well enough behind everyone. He got a better look as the line moved up. The boy at the cash register was tall, tan, and slender. He seemed the most friendly as he laughed with his customers while helping them. Next it was Keith's turn to order.
"Good morning! What can I get you?" The boy asked. How did this kid have so much energy this early?
"Just a Grande Caramel Macchiato please." Keith ordered pulling his wallet from his suit pocket.
"Iced or hot?" The boy replied his head tilted to the side a bit letting his soft brown hair swish to the side.
"Hot is fine. Thanks" Keith said swiping his card at the prompt. Keith noticed the name on his small tag attached to his apron. Lance. Keith moved down to the other end and waited for his drink. He watched everyone work behind the counter and saw Lance switch off to the kid with glasses so Lance could prepare his round of drinks. He kept up light conversation with people obviously enjoying his job. Kieth wished his job was more fun.
"Caramel Macchiato!" Lance called putting a sleeve on his cup. He smiled wide handing Keith his coffee.
"Have a great day!" Keith thanked him and went on his way. He made it to his meeting and sat through it bored out of his mind. Afterwards he decided to hit the coffee shop again for lunch. He saw the same crew of workers as he got into line again. This time he scoured the menu for something to eat.
"Hello again!" The familiar chipper voice from this morning. "Back for more huh?" He grinned waiting on Keith's order.
"I'm starved" Keith said still scanning the menu. He couldn't decide on what to eat.
"Well, I'll help you out a bit. Our Chicken Pesto panini is definitely our moms popular or if you want something lighter we have a turkey club that's super good " Keith was eyeing the pesto sandwich and with Lance's recommendation he decided he'd try it.
"Great! One Chicken Pesto coming up! Anything else?" Keith ordered an ice water as well.
"Your total is $8.75. Would you like this for here or to go?" Lance asked pushing a few buttons on the screen."Can I have your name?"
"Keith and here please" He answered swiping his card again. Lance handed him the receipt with a smile.
"I'll bring it out to you when it's ready" Keith thanked him before taking a seat by the window. He took out his phone and swiped through emails from work with a sigh. He was so involved in his reading he didn't notice the food was here until he saw Lance set down his glass of water and his plate of food.
"Enjoy!" He said before heading off back to work. Keith tucked into his sandwich and couldn't believe how good it was. He finished his water quickly and looked over and he made eye contact with Lance. Next thing he knew Lance was on his way over a pitcher of ice water in his hands.
"Thank you" Keith said while he was filling the glass. Keith grabbed out a twenty dollar bill and he tucked it into Lance's apron pocket.
"Oh my! Why thank you!" Lance said excitedly at the hefty tip. Keith smiled a bit watching him go again. Keith finished his food and drink watching out the window. Once he finished he threw away his garbage and sat his dishes in the dish bin. He waved a farewell to Lance who had called a farewell. He decided that would be his go to place in the mornings. He enjoyed the atmosphere.