Merde. Delphine really shouldn't have waited so long to finish this paper. It's due at midnight and she still has two bodies and a conclusion to write. At least the shop was surprisingly empty for the afternoon shift. Sitting at one of the tables closest to the register her fingers hovered over her keyboard. The occasional sigh passing through her lips. Scott was helping someone at the counter. Though Delphine gets the feeling he's more of a friend than a customer. Scott was being awfully chatty, and not rushing to make an order, robbing Delphine of her quiet atmosphere. Chimes hit the door. "You're late," Scott throws out.
"I know, I know. But look who I dragged with me," Cosima replies smile beaming on her face.
"She does mean that literally. Honesty Cosima, it's not like I could get lost coming here."
"I'm not worried about you getting lost. I'm making sure you actually come." Cosima eyes Delphine, who was still trying to focus on her laptop screen. Hand tangled in golden strands. Face scrunched in concentration. Her nose was adorably wrinkled and begging for a nose boop. "I can't just not come. I need to know how much I should bake for you tonight. I cannot be the reason you guys can't provide for your customers."
"And we thank you," Cosima grins, patting her friend on the shoulder. Cosima strides over to Delphine. Boots clicking the whole way. "Hey, Delphine," she says tapping a sweater covered shoulder. It takes a moment but Delphine looks up into Cosima's eyes. "Bonsoir Cosima. Finally decided to show up?"
"Shut up," Cosima grins, "I want to introduce you to Alison. Alison this is Delphine. Delphine, this is Alison."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Delphine," Alison says holding out her hand.
"De même, eh, likewise," Delphine replies taking Alison's hand and giving it a light shake.
"So, Alison is the mastermind behind all our goodies. Especially those awesome little cake pop thingies, which we need more of by the way. I think I mentioned her to you the other day, right?"
"Oui. Your cooking is very good," Delphine smiles closing her laptop. Not like she can work anymore with Cosima here. "Thank you. It's one of my many hobbies. Cosima please tell me you remembered to write down your inventory for once," Alison says. Turning to Cosima, a hand raises from crossed arms to her cheek. A disapproving shake of her head begins before Cosima even opens her mouth. With a guilty smile and a shrug Cosima says, "Sorry. I forgot again. But next time. For sure, I'm gunna do it." Cosima gives Alison a meaningful point of her fingers as she walks backwards towards the counter. Shaking her head Alison looks back at Delphine. "Since you're here can I entrust you with making a pastries inventory list. She's been telling me she'll do it since the shop opened."
"Yeah. Of course," Delphine nods.
"Thank you. Cosima, I need a piece of paper and a pencil please," Alison requests walking over to the counter. A group of four enters the shop. Picking up her laptop Delphine heads to the back room. "Hey Delphine! While you're back there can you get more of the coffee beans that are in that bag with the green label?" Cosima yells while Scott takes the first customer's order. Delphine nods her head even though she isn't sure Cosima can see her. Quickly she tucks her laptop away in her bag. Delphine pulls her hair back into a ponytail while walking over to the supply closet.
Opening the door she turns to the right, looking straight at the extra coffee bean bags. She grabs two, just in case, before walking to Cosima. Classes must have just ended because Delphine is hit suddenly with the sound of indistinguishable chatter. Plus, a substantial line has formed. Sighing Delphine tries to accept the fact her paper isn't going to get written anytime soon. "Thanks," Cosima says grabbing the bags then setting them down, "Mind filling this up with lemonade please," Cosima says shaking a cup, already filled with ice, in front of Delphine.
"Okay," Delphine replies. She would like to think that the smile on her face wasn't caused by Cosima's toothy grin. But Delphine has determined that it's impossible to not smile when Cosima smiles any sort of way, at any person. Increasingly familiar butterflies take flight in Delphine's stomach. How a smile and a simple graze of fingers stirs them up she doesn't have a clue. This is ridiculous. Think of Stéphane. Stéphane should be the source of these feelings. Not. Not this beautiful girl. Shit. Stéphane. Stéphane. Delphine passes the covered lemonade to Scott. Eyes sliding over to Cosima, who is fiddling with a coffee machine. Coffee beans about to be on their way to the floor. "Here, let me help," Delphine rushes. Hands catching the bag at the last second. With small, repetitive clacks a few beans clutter the floor. "Nice catch," Cosima says. She takes the bag from Delphine. Pours the beans into the top. The comforting scent rising to Delphine's nostrils. "You're extra helpful today," Cosima grins, "One might think you want something from me."
"Non. No, I eh, I—"
"It's okay, I'm just teasing you," Cosima laughs. With a wink she continues, "I'm going to get a broom for what I spilled. Feel free to stand there and be cute, or, help Scott with the rest of the line." There was no way of hiding her red face, yet Delphine ducks her head down anyways. She turns away from Cosima. Stands by Scott. And waits for him to tell her the next order. All the while thinking, What have I gotten myself into. Cosima's giggles behind her do nothing to cool the heat on her cheeks or the tickle of warmth in her abdomen.