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"One vanilla latte coming right up – whoops! Excuse me!"
Eliana gracefully maneuvered around a customer engrossed in his newspaper, deftly delivering a steaming drink to an elderly lady seated at a corner table. The café, Morris' Café, bustled with its usual mix of regulars and curious newcomers.
"Thank you, dear," smiled the lady, momentarily pausing her nimble knitting fingers.
"You're very welcome, Ma'am," beamed Eliana, affectionately known as 'El' by those who frequented the café. She swiftly made her way back to the counter, ready to assist the next customer.
El worked part-time at Morris' Café in the quaint town of Brommesville. With her slender, athletic frame, cascading wavy brown hair, and piercing icy blue eyes, she possessed an allure that was difficult to ignore. Yet, her seemingly stoic demeanor often overshadowed her girl-next-door charm, creating an air of mystery around her. Only those who dared to venture beyond her exterior discovered her warm-hearted nature, occasionally accompanied by a friendly smile.
Steve, her boss, frequently reminded her to smile more, believing it would enhance her customer service skills.
Although her position at the family-owned café didn't offer the most lucrative paycheck, El recognized it as a stepping stone toward her future. At 18 years old, she was in her final year of high school, eagerly anticipating the prospects of attending college to pursue a degree in Liberal Studies. She understood the importance of establishing a solid foundation for her future, leaving no room for hasty decisions. A degree would broaden her horizons and provide opportunities across various career paths.
But before embarking on her collegiate journey, El needed to ensure she could support herself financially.
Aware of her inherent clumsiness, resulting in occasional coffee spills, and her limited knowledge and appreciation for the beverage—save for the occasional caffeine-fueled cramming session—El felt grateful for the chance to work in close proximity to the café's premises.
As customers sipped their drinks and delved into books, laptops, or various crafts, a sudden comment about the weather captured their attention.
"Oh no, it's going to rain, isn't it?" a customer remarked, prompting others to look up, their eyes searching the skies.
"That's peculiar," a girl furrowed her brow, turning to her friends. "It was sunny just moments ago."
El glanced outside the café window, witnessing the emergence of gray clouds that swiftly veiled the once-clear blue sky. The first droplets of rain splattered against the glass, mere seconds after the girl's observation.
"September weather can be quite unpredictable," she shrugged, her hands efficiently collecting the remnants of a departed customer's litter.
The rain intensified throughout the afternoon, ceasing only as the café prepared to close its doors. The final customers departed, expressing gratitude for the shelter provided against the downpour. Steve, facing the window, arranged signs and displays while El swept the floor, completing their end-of-day routine.
"We're fortunate," Steve remarked with a grin, nodding toward the residual puddles draining into the sewers outside. "Any plans for the evening?"
El leaned on her broom, concealed behind the counter, and slung her bag over her shoulder. "None for me," she replied. "How about you and the missus?"
"We're heading to the cinema," he answered, meeting her gaze. Steve and his wife were known for their affinity for the cheesiest movies, often becoming the subjects of good-natured jests. "It's a horror movie. You should join us."
"Nah, I'll pass, thanks," she smiled, zipping up her jacket. "
