And what I could do about it.
When I stepped from the bitter cold breeze of the street into the warm crush of the shop, I noticed him at the counter working the cash register again. Unlike the day before, he’d get this small, tentative smile on his face periodically as he took people’s orders— like he was testing the waters. But as soon as he handled the money and register tablet, his face pinched with nervous focus again to make sure he was getting everything right. Then as soon as he handed someone their change or drink, that little smile would sneak out, along with a quiet thanks and a greeting for the next customer in line.
I watched him do that with five or six customers until it was my turn. When I stepped forward, prepared to greet him with my most charming smile, his face seemed to freeze in recognition. He obviously remembered me from the day before but he quickly dropped his eyes, shuttering himself off from me. Gone was the soft smile. Gone was the slight brightness in his eyes. In its place was a neutral customer service bot who asked me for my order.
Emily saw me and brightened. “Morning, doll.”
I smiled and nodded at her before glancing back at Ashton. “Good morning, Ashton.”
“It’s Ash,” Emily interjected, and my eyes briefly slid to her. I saw a hint of something in her gaze— a silent message not to comment on the change. I glanced at the name tag on Ash’s apron and saw that it had been changed.
“Ash,” I murmured softly, testing the name. Yes, it most definitely fit him. “Morning, Ash. How are you today?”
“Fine, thank you,” he replied, his eyes still on the tablet.
“Have you come to your senses?”
My question did as I’d intended because his eyes snapped up. “What?” There was a hint of fear in his eyes, which made no sense to me, and I instantly felt bad, though I didn’t even really know why.
“Have you realized your folly about mentioning a certain Death Star on hallowed ground?” I quickly said as I motioned to the interior of the shop.
“Oh,” he said, marginally relaxing. He managed to hold my gaze for a few seconds as he said, “Um, I guess I like to live dangerously.” A little twinkle lit up his eyes for a moment before he seemed to remember himself and once again dropped his eyes. “What can I get for you, Mr. Vale?” he asked. He wasn’t unfriendly or cold by any means, just distant and perfunctory.
“Large Americano, no room,” I repeated by rote before thinking of something. “What’s good today from the pastry cabinet?”
As Ash typed in my order on the tablet, he looked up in surprise. “What? Oh, um… I don’t know, really.”
“Have you tried the scones yet?” I asked with a grin. “They’re worth the extra time at the gym.”
“I’m… more of a yogurt and fruit person,” he said with hesitation. “Would you like a scone?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, why don’t you give me two blueberry ones and put them in separate bags for me. Thanks.”
I studied him as he nodded and retrieved the pastries from the stacked tray in the cabinet. He seemed to be moving a little more gracefully this morning— not as flustered as he’d been the day before. But I still caught him checking his surroundings regularly. Whenever the chime would sound as the front door opened, he tensed for the briefest of moments, looking to see who’d come in.
He returned with the pastries and handed me both bags before I promptly handed one back to him. Our fingers brushed briefly, and I felt a spark of electricity shoot up my arm. The sensation didn’t surprise me at all since I’d recognized my attraction to Ash almost instantly. But Ash wasn’t as prepared because he let out a little whoosh of air as his eyes shot to mine in confusion. I hadn’t been entirely certain if he was gay or not, but I was pretty sure he’d just answered that question for me.
“For you. Surely, you’ll get a break at some point this morning. Try it and tomorrow you can let me know what you think,” I suggested with a smile. His face flushed deep pink while his eyes darted to Emily and then swept the entire store quickly before returning to me.
“Th-thanks. That’s unnecessary, though. I can’t accept it,” he said, holding it back out to me.
I placed my cash on the counter between us and grabbed the cup Emily passed me before winking at Ash. “No take-backs. If you don’t want it, throw it away. And then hope Emily doesn’t come after you with her rolling pin. See you tomorrow, Ash.”
By the time I left the shop, his face was full-blown red, but I saw him sneak a peek inside the bag before sliding it under the counter by the cash register with a small smile.