jaiden83 – You're making perfect sense! Little everyday things can often be a lot more romantic than grand gestures.
billu – Thank you so much :)
gg – Glad you liked it!
Tara was sitting on the couch, with Willow's legs in her lap, massaging her calves.
They were watching TV, though Willow was playing on her laptop too, so Tara had rare control of the remote. She was watching a period drama, which Willow would normally whine her way out of viewing.
It mildly annoyed Tara as she often sat through a lot of Willow's shows and movies she had little interest in, but not enough to argue the point and start a fight. Instead, she just became crafty at seizing the remote when Willow was distracted and watching what she wanted to watch.
She made the most of those times, like now, and was indulging in a tall glass of cold iced tea and a little bowl of peanuts to add to her viewing pleasure. She took a sip from her glass to wash down a handful of nuts, then had to dodge Willow's feet when they started kicking excitedly.
"Hey, hey, guess what?"
Tara left her glass back on the end table and stopped Willow's legs from causing a mess by gently holding her down and continuing the massage.
"Hmm?"
Willow closed her laptop and sat straight up.
"Do you remember Anderson?"
"Mabel's grandson?" Tara asked with a quirked eyebrow, "The one Becky made out with at our party?"
"Yeah we're friends on Facebook," Willow explained, leaving her laptop on the floor, "He made a status about getting into a grad school he applied to, but he didn't think he'd get to go because his boyfriend didn't want to move. But since they broke up, he took it and he's moving out west to settle himself before he starts."
"That's nice, I hope it works out for him," Tara replied with a friendly smile, "Mabel will miss him though."
Willow bounced up and down on the spot.
"The reason I'm telling you all this is because I messaged him to say well done and we got talking and he said he's leaving his job in Starbucks and that if I want he can get me an interview."
"You do love coffee," Tara grinned, reached over to tickle Willow's cheek affectionately, "That's great sweetheart."
Willow scooted her butt towards Tara.
"Hopefully they'll give me a call in the next few days," she said, voice slightly giddy with nerves, "I'm gonna read up on their menu!"
Tara reached out and held her wrist gently.
"It's late. Go into research mode in the morning; you'll retain it all better."
Willow checked her watch and considered her options, then reasoned Tara was right. She swung herself around so her head was in Tara's lap instead, but pouted when she saw what was on the screen.
"Why are we watching this crap?"
"It's half-way through, I'm not turning it off now," Tara argued, grabbing the remote from the arm rest before Willow could snatch it away, "I watch your sci-fi shows."
"Okay, okay," Willow grumbled, "But I get to pick after."
Tara said nothing, but had a trick up her sleeve.
She began playing with Willow's hair and brushing her fingertips gently against the back of her girlfriend's neck, until Willow was softly snoring.
Tara covered her with the blanket and kissed her forehead softly.
She sat back, smiled and settled in for another hour with control of the remote.
Tara came in the door after her day at work and had Willow jump on her almost straight away.
"Tara, I got it!"
Tara took a moment, but remembered Willow's interview almost right away.
"You got it?!" she checked, clutching Willow's shoulders.
"I got it!" Willow confirmed, twirling around and around with excitement, "I got the job! I'm a soon-to-be barista!"
Tara wrapped Willow in a big, warm hug.
"Well done honey. I'm so proud of you."
Willow clung to Tara, then stepped back with a bounce. Tara went to hang her jacket.
"What was it like?"
"They were really nice," Willow answered, animatedly bobbing her head as she recalled, "Weren't super impressed with my blank résumé but liked my knowledge of the company. It was just like a conversation, not an interview. And I got a free mocha."
"When do you start?" Tara enquired, delighted things were starting to look up for her girlfriend.
"Monday. Have to get in early to be trained through set-up and the machines. One month probationary period, which seems pretty standard," Willow replied, her hands fidgeting around the place, "I have an employee handbook to memorise. How to write up cups and milk ratios and things like that. I actually know most of the shorthand anyway."
"I know," Tara replied with a fond smile, "You mentioned it in your very first babble to me. After you spilled it all over me."
Willow blushed, and fidgeted some more.
"I'm nervous but I'm excited. My first real job."
Tara crossed her wrists behind Willow's neck.
"Be friendly. Listen. Don't be afraid to ask questions and never do something unless you're 100% sure you know the way to do it."
Willow breathed that information in and out.
"That's good advice."
Tara pressed a kiss squarely onto Willow's forehead.
"You'll be okay. The interview is the biggest hurdle. Once your first day is over it will be a breeze."
Willow closed her arms around Tara again and nuzzled into her chest.
"Thanks for always being there for me," she said, slightly choked up.
Tara inhaled softly from the top of Willow's head and smiled.
"I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Tara rolled over in bed, half-awake already. She could hear Willow creeping around the bedroom.
It was a different disturbance to the tossing and turning that had gone on all night, but still audible. Her sleepy eyes blinked in the darkness to find the red lights of the alarm clock. She grimaced at the early hour.
"Sweetie, have you slept at all?" she asked softly.
Willow was busy affixing her new black shoes to her feet, to match the black shirt and pants she was wearing.
"It's way early, baby," she replied quietly, "Go back to sleep."
She stood into the shoes and twisted her ankles to make sure they were on properly. She then glanced over to Tara who was beckoning her over. She went and sat by Tara, who took her hand and held it to her face.
"You better avail of some of their services if you're going to stay awake."
Willow had already downed a coffee or three but wouldn't refuse any if offered by her new employers.
"I'll be okay," she said with little conviction.
Tara leaned forwards and left a soft kiss on Willow's cheek.
"Lots of luck, sweetheart."
"Go back to sleep," Willow commanded, tucking in the blanket around Tara.
She tiptoed into the bathroom and made sure she had no awkwardly sticking out hair or toothpaste on her mouth, then donned a rain jacket and headed outside with it zipped up to the top.
The roads were quiet, with just cafes and bakeries beginning to open up. Though spring had landed and brought with it some warmth, the early hours were still bitterly cold and on that particular morning, drizzly.
The Starbucks was on the other side of the neighbourhood, but Willow would have taken whatever kind of public transport she had needed to, to land a job. She actually felt quite lucky to have gotten Anderson's spot somewhere so close by and in walking distance.
She'd visited the store in question a few times since her interview, wearing a hat as a disguise and keeping to herself in the corner so she could observe. It all looked very fast-paced and with her, fast-paced usually meant spaz-inducing.
She'd taken extra care to memorise every page of the employee handbook to offset any potential klutziness.
She had a bit of a panicked moment when she walked through a shortcut that landed her in the middle of the street and realised it was topped and tailed with a Starbucks on either end. In the disorientating darkness and with little sleep behind her, she couldn't remember which was which.
Finally, she remembered she had an email on her phone with the exact address. She hovered under a fire escape and held her phone under her jacket so it wouldn't get wet, and noted the building number.
It was the one at the farthest end of the street, so she gently jogged there, but it was still all locked up. She pressed her hand against the metal gate, but it was pitch black inside as well, so she guessed no one was there.
She leaned back against the wall and hung her head down to stop the rain from hitting her face. After a few minutes, a guy came up, dangling keys. Willow straightened up and he looked at her.
"Are you the new girl?"
"Yes," Willow nodded, swallowing a nervous lump, "It's—I'm Willow."
He pulled up the rolling shutters and searched for the door key.
"Brian, I'm the shift supervisor," he greeted pleasantly, "Nice to meet you."
"You too," Willow replied, stepping inside after him.
Brian walked through the store, flicking on all the lights.
"Sorry you were waiting. Newbies usually swan in, in the middle of set-up with no clue."
Willow followed him around, a little bit like a lost puppy.
"I don't like being late."
They walked into the break room and Brian showed her a place to hang her rain jacket.
"Have you ever been a barista before?"
Willow was worried about people finding out it was her first job.
"Well…no. No, I haven't."
Brian grabbed something and held it out to her with a smile.
"Your apron."
Willow took it, looked at it for a moment, then starting tying it around her as Brain did the same. He motioned for her to follow her out and started to turn on everything behind the counter.
"The machines look scary, but they're not that bad. The cranky customers who haven't gotten their caffeine fix yet are the real trouble."
Willow was very gradually losing her nerves, her new co-worker's ease encouraging her own.
"I've dealt with prof—customers like that."
Everything began to whirr and Brain leaned back against the counter as they waited for lights to flicker green.
"You knew Anderson, right?"
Willow shrugged one shoulder.
"Not super closely, but yeah. We volunteered together."
"We were in college together, studied business," Brian replied, casually folding his arms across his chest, "I'm applying to start a master's program, but gotta pay the bills."
Willow considered how much to say, but reasoned she could be honest without being completely revealing.
"I'm…sort of in limbo land, career wise. Exploring my options at the moment."
Brian nodded.
"Not a bad place to explore. Good pay and free coffee, at least on breaks. You get one before and after your shift too. What's your poison? I'll show you how to make it."
"I like a mocha," Willow admitted.
Brian looked like he was about to tease her, but just smiled and pushed himself off the counter instead.
"Mocha it is."
They had to go through a lot of set-up before the test brew occurred; grinding beans, filling containers with milks and syrups and others with the many, many other ingredients to cover the extensive drinks menu.
Brian took Willow step by step through the pouring, mixing, foaming and presenting of a mocha, giving her the warm cup when he was done. He made himself up a latte and brought Willow back to the break room.
"Have you been learning all our codes?" Brian asked, drinking his latte with the lid off. When Willow nodded, he sat up straighter, "Pop quiz."
He fixed her with a stare and one-sided grin that reminded Willow of Tara and made her smile.
"A," Brian shot out.
It took Willow a minute to understand what they were doing, but she caught on quickly.
"Americano."
"CM," Brian challenged.
"Caramel Macchiato," Willow answered diligently.
Brian quirked an eyebrow.
"M."
Willow held up her drink.
"Mocha. Which is really good, by the way."
"PM," Brian said fast, trying to catch her.
"Peppermint Mocha," Willow replied, grinning.
Brian pointed at Willow challengingly.
"Curveball; syrups – SFH."
"Sugar free hazelnut," Willow replied coolly.
Brian's eyes narrowed.
"What does 'wet' mean?"
"Less foam, more beverage," Willow said knowledgably.
Brian smiled.
"Well, alright. I'm impressed," he said, settling back in his seat and downing half of his latte, "Let's finish these and go set up the pastry display. I want you to show me everything in there that you can't touch while it's on too. That's a big health and safety thing. The other staff will be getting here in fifteen or so."
Willow finished her mocha on the spot and took Brian's advice to run to the bathroom before the rush started.
She'd burned herself enough times at home to pay careful attention to the boiling hot beverage machines and where was a no-go area, so passed Brian's test with only one mistake, the foamer.
"Of course," she said, nodding to confirm it was committed to memory, "I'll be extra careful."
The other staff began to filter in quickly, all of them fast in donning their aprons and getting to work, taking chairs off tables and preparing the sugars and creamers. Everyone had a wave and a welcome for Willow and she was put even more at ease by their friendliness.
Willow was given the task of opening the door to the public, some of whom were already waiting and pushed past her to get in. Brian shot her a 'told you so' look and grin and Willow smiled back. She dusted herself off and jogged back over behind the counter.
She witnessed how the line worked and admired the speed from up close.
She closed the lid on a cup and presented to the customer with a big smile, who grabbed it and marched off.
"You're welcome," she muttered under her breath, then blushed and hoped no one heard her.
She heard Brian chuckle and kept her head down, but couldn't resist a small smile in his direction to show her appreciation for the camaraderie. When the first few early risers weeded their way out, Brian taught Willow the cash register, which with her computer and math skills she really excelled at.
The 'big' rush came about 7:30 and lasted two hours, during which time Willow could barely keep up with the orders and got sent to look after tables, something she was extremely grateful for.
She cleaned them all diligently, restocked sugars and replenished the pastries as breakfast eaters cleaned them out. There wasn't much she could mess up and when the line reduced to a more manageable length, Brian put her onto the register.
She found her niche there, so much that she was asked to slow down slightly so there wasn't an overcrowding of people waiting at the drinks pass to collect.
By mid-morning there was a lull and no line.
Two people were on break so it was just Willow and Brian, who were having a friendly chat.
A single customer came to order and Brian nodded for Willow to take it. Willow approached with a smile.
"Good morning. Welcome to Starbucks. What can I get for you?"
The woman looked at Willow and clearly noticed she was new. Her nose turned up slightly.
"Venti, non-fat, no foam, no water, 6 pump, extra hot, chai tea latte."
Willow ran it through her brain once, then twice and lodged it.
"Venti, non-fat, no foam, no water, 6 pump, extra hot, chai tea latte. Will that be all?"
The woman nodded curtly, and Willow went about preparing it. She was going at a moderate speed and heard a sigh or two but tried to put it out of her mind and stay accurate. She presented the cup with a smile and it was taken, sniffed, then sipped. The woman made a gagging motion and held the cup at arm's length.
"This is disgusting! I demand it's remade."
Willow stood there, mouth hanging open, so Brian grabbed the cup.
"Right away ma'am," he said, then nudged Willow and brought her back to the machine with their backs to the customer, "Don't worry about it."
"I-I kept to the recipe," Willow replied, ashamed to have messed up.
"She's notorious around here. Just likes to complain," Brian whispered with the secret grin they'd seemed to have concocted together, "Watch this."
He discreetly poured the same drink into a new cup and presented it to her.
"Here you are, ma'am."
The woman went through the same sniff and sip routine, then nodded with narrowed eyes.
"Better."
She turned on her heels and marched out, triumphant. Willow stared after her, wide-eyed and Brian laughed.
"You get all kinds in here. Just smile and nod. "
"I see that," Willow replied, shaking her head, "Thanks for helping out."
Brian put her hand on Willow's shoulder and patted it.
"Anytime."
Willow didn't notice him linger.
The rest of the shift was thankfully calm and Willow was able to check out before the serious lunch rush began. She left via the back door, but just before it slammed she heard a shout.
"Hey newbie," Brian said, pulling the door open, "Great first day."
"Really?" Willow asked, absolutely thrilled at the compliment.
"Really," Brian assured, "I think we're on shift together again tomorrow."
"That's great," Willow replied with a smile, "I really appreciate your help."
Brian dismissed it with a hand wave.
"Hey, just my job."
"No, really, you've been so kind," Willow said, gushing slightly from her gratitude, "I was so nervous and…just, thanks."
Brian's hand hovered for a moment, then he squeezed Willow's shoulder, a bit more intimately than before.
"See you tomorrow. Have a nice evening… with your boyfriend or whatever."
"I don't have a boyfriend, I have…apparently a load of new messages," Willow replied absently as she was in the middle of turning her phone back on again and it began beeping incessantly with email notifications, "So, yes, thanks again. You were a huge help."
Brian smiled and lifted his hand in a wave.
"Bye Willow."
"Bye Brian," Willow returned, then set off for home with her free frappuccino.
It was half gone by the time she got there, and she sucked up a significant portion in surprise when she walked through the door and saw Tara sitting on the couch.
"Baby!" she said, swallowing the icy drink, "What are you doing home?"
Tara stood up.
"I took a late lunch to come see how you got on."
Willow was truly touched and went over to give Tara a hug.
"You're the best. Thank you."
Tara sat back down and tapped the spot next to her for Willow to sit.
"How'd it go?"
"Well…I get free drinks on breaks and before and after shift," Willow said, shaking the plastic cup, "And a 30% discount other times."
Tara smiled good-naturedly but prompted again.
"And?"
Willow sat back into the couch and sighed.
"It's exhausting being on your feet all day and everything is so fast," she said, kicking the dress shoes off, "The other staff seem nice. There was some brushing off to do menial tasks, but I can do menial! The guy who trained me in was super patient and kind. And I didn't drop a single thing! The register is my favourite. I can do the math quicker than it can."
"Of course you can, my brainy box," Tara replied, tapping Willow's head affectionately.
Tara offered Willow some of her drink.
"Did you know there's more than 87,000 different ways to order a drink?"
Tara coughed slightly as she swallowed.
"That's insane."
Willow nodded and began rubbing her cheek.
"They're big on the smiling with customers. Gotta smile, all the time. My face hurts."
Tara reached over and took over the task.
"I'm so proud of you."
Willow shrugged modestly.
"I only made one whole drink. I added some foam and a couple of shots to others and put lots and lots of lids on though."
"I bet you're the best lidder they ever had," Tara complimented with utter sincerity.
Willow caught Tara's wrist and kissed her fingers delicately.
"Thank you for all the encouragement. I mean that."
Tara smiled, tickled Willow's cheek one last time, then rubbed her tummy.
"Have you eaten?"
"I had a lunch break but dumb me forgot to pack food or bring my wallet," Willow replied, glad she had the very calorific coffee to keep her going, "I had a couple of granola bars stashed."
"What kind of sandwich do you want?" Tara asked, standing up again.
"Ham, tomato, cheese?" Willow asked hopefully.
Tara walked into the kitchen and took everything out of the fridge.
"Relish or mustard?" she called out.
"Any of your tomato chutney left?" Willow called back.
Tara made an affirmative noise, made up three sandwiches; one for her and two for Willow, then put a handful of chips on each plate and a pickle on Willow's. She brought them over at sat by Willow again, cross-legged.
Willow gratefully dug in, taking a huge bite of her first sandwich.
"So you're happy with everything?" she asked Willow, who was drinking down her sandwich with the last of her frappuccino.
Willow nodded surely.
"Yes. It feels good to be a working girl."
"Well, I'm cooking dinner tonight and you're getting a foot rub," Tara stated, eating more demurely but hungrily too as it was late for lunch.
"Damn, why didn't I get a job months ago?" Willow joked, "Seriously, I'll be home all afternoon, I'll cook."
"No, you'll have a nap and play on your computer and relax like us working people do on our down time," Tara replied firmly, "We'll work out a cooking rota if we need to, okay?"
Willow didn't think they would; Tara always did her fair share of cooking and chores when Willow hadn't been working, even when Willow tried to stop her.
Willow had been shown time and time again how much Tara respected her and treated her as an equal no matter what her financial contributions to their household had been. She put her sandwich down on the arm rest and took one of Tara's hands.
"I used to think partner was such an informal term, but it's true. You're my partner in everything. I know everything will be okay as long as you're by my side."
Tara looked moved, then broke out her half-smile.
"Okay, okay. You get a massage too."
Willow threw her head back and laughed, then picked her plate back up again. They both finished their meal and sat together with their feet up. Willow had her arm around Tara's shoulders and brushed her fingers against her girlfriend's arm. She turned her head in and pressed kisses into Tara's neck.
"How long's your lunch break?"
Tara held Willow's head against her neck, encouraging her.
"Not long enough…"
Willow extended her tongue and tasted Tara's creamy skin.
"Are you sure?"
Tara absolutely had to pull away then; that was far too dangerous territory.
"Unfortunately," she said regrettably and briefly squeezed Willow's knee, "I'll make it up to you."
Willow nodded understandingly.
"It's okay. It was a bonus to see you anyway."
"Promise you'll chill out today?" Tara asked, "Let's get take-out later. It's a celebratory kind day. Working girl's pick."
Willow decided that seemed like a good compromise on who cooked that evening. Plus they'd be getting in the extra cash to cover occasional treats like that.
"I want burritos…and stuff."
"I'll pick some up on the way home," Tara suggested.
Willow shook her head.
"I'll order online."
Tara grinned.
"Your order will be too big for me to carry, won't it?"
Willow leaned over and kissed Tara's lips.
"My partner in everything, including nachos. I'll share."
Tara pulled Willow's lips back to hers momentarily, then stood up.
"I better head back. I have a meeting."
"Okay," Willow replied softly, "Thank you so much for coming home."
Tara leaned down and kissed Willow's forehead.
"I'm so proud of you. And I promise I'll stop saying it now."
Willow inhaled softly from Tara's neck.
"It's always nice to hear."
They met for one last lingering kiss.
"I love you," Tara whispered.
"I love you too, Tare-bear," Willow answered.
Tara gathered up her satchel and keys.
"See you in a couple of hours for our tex-mex fiesta."
"I can't wait," Willow replied, "I'm having visions of melty cheesy goodness and soft tacos."
"You know how much I love tacos," Tara replied with a sly wink, "Bye, darling."
Willow blew a kiss, watched Tara leave and sighed happily. She fell on her side and curled up with a cushion against her chest, closing her eyes.
She welcomed the nap; dreaming of hot salsa, cool queso and Tara's shaking maracas.