The Other Side of Tomorrow
I fill the cup with our house blend coffee, add a pump of caramel, and slap a lid on it before calling out the customer’s name.
Brushing an escaped hair behind my ear I pick up the next cup and start the order. It didn’t take me more than a week to learn the drinks. It felt overwhelming at first but now it’s a piece of cake.
An hour later things begin to slow enough that Tessa lets Jasper and me take our lunch break.
We head down the street to Monsterwiches, order our food, and sit outside.
“You know,” I begin, unable to stop myself from smiling, “this is where Harlow and I were the day Perry got loose. The first day I met you.”
“Everything’s come full circle. It’s funny, isn’t it?”
“Life’s weird.” I shrug and pick up my sandwich, taking a bite. “This place has the best sandwiches. Seriously, nothing tops it,” I say around a mouthful.
So ladylike.
“You’re right,” he agrees.nbsp;
“I can’t thank you enough for getting me a job, but I did not realize how chaotic a coffee shop is.”
“It’s nuts, but it makes the day go by faster.”
“That’s true.”
“Well, well, well look who we have here.” Meredith pulls up a chair from another table and sits down.nbsp;
“Hey, Mere,” I greet her with a smile, and then swat her hand when she makes a grab for the other half of my sandwich.
“Haven’t you heard of sharing?” she jokes.
“I’m starving. Get your own.”
“I was actually going to get coffee, but then I spotted you two losers here. Shouldn’t you be working?”
“We’re on our lunch break.”
“Right, of course. I knew that.” She waves a dismissive hand.nbsp;
“Do you want to get something to eat?” I ask her.
She shakes her head. “No, I better get my coffee. I’m on my way to the beach. Too bad you guys can’t come.”
“I know.” I frown. “I need more surfing lessons.”
Jasper chuckles. “That can be arranged.”
“Text me if you guys come to the beach after work. If I’m still there we can hang out.” Meredith stands and puts the chair back be
fore hugging me. “Bye.” She waves over her shoulder as she heads down the street.
“We can swing by my house after work to get the boards, if you want?” he suggests. “Then I can drop you off back at the shop to get your car after we’re done surfing.”
“I’m good with that. I have my swimsuit in my car so I can grab it before we go.”
We finish our lunch and head back to finish our shift. It’s after three when we’re done and I grab my beach bag from my car before getting into Jasper’s Jeep.
The drive to his house is familiar since I took it nearly three months ago on my quest to meet the potential family of my donor. Looking back, I don’t know what possessed me to do that. Now, I feel the furthest thing from brave when it comes to thinking about telling Jasper. But back then I didn’t know he was T.J.’s brother.
He pulls in the driveway of his parents’ house and pushes a button for the garage door to go up.