“Welcome to The Brew Station, I’m Tensanne. I’ll be your barista today. What can I get for you?” I ask, using the line Leah told me to use. My blood bubbling in my veins at having to be nice to this asshole. Smiling when I hear You’re So Vain coming through the sound system, a perfect soundtrack for this moment.
“A smile. You like the thought of polishing my knob, don’t you? I’ve got time, I would hate to deny you of something that makes you smile,” he teases with a smug smile that makes me want to smack him.
I hate this man. With every fiber of my being, I despise him. I rack my brain for a clever retort. “I got this one, Tensanne. Go help Leah with the cups, “Archer growls from behind me.
“But I don’t think-”
“I said, I got this one. Go,” Archer orders.
Scurrying over to Leah, who doesn’t need any help with the cups, “What was that about?” I ask pointing to Archer and Chase facing off at the counter.
“Watch,” Leah says with a smile and her wide eyes glued to the guys.
“What do you want, Masters? Besides harassing my barista.” Archer says clenching his jaw.
“I want a cup of coffee and maybe some of Ten,” Chase cocks off with a nod in my direction.
Archer braces himself with his hands on the counter, leaning right into Chase’s face, “You’re not getting any of either today. Get the hell out of here.”
“You can’t kick me out, I’ll call your corporate manager,” Chase spats crossing his arms over his chest.
“Oh, boo fucking hoo, go ahead. I call him Dad but you might want to call him Mr. Boyd. Give him a call,” Archer chortles.
“Whatever, man, you’ll regret this. Hey, Ten. I’m not done with you, yet.”
“Yes, you are. Now leave,” Archer glares, pointing to the door.
Turning to Jackson and Austin who are standing behind him, Chase says, “Let’s go, this place is a joke anyway,” heading to the door. Jackson remains behind while Austin follows Chase.
“Come on, Raines, I said let’s go,” Chase demands, stomping his foot.
Shrugging his shoulders, “He told you to leave, not me,” Jacksons mumbles turning back to place his order.
I slap my hand over my mouth when a snicker escapes my lips. Archer gives me a wink and the corners of Jackson’s mouth turns up a little while Chase huffs out of the store with Austin trailing behind him.
Jackson reaches out his fist to Archer. Archer bumps it while Leah sets Jackson’s regular order on the counter. “On the house,” Archer smiles. Jackson grabs the cup and gives a silent nod of thanks.
Walking to me, “You alright, Tensanne?”
“That was wonderful. Holy crap. You didn’t have to do that, but thank you, I’m fine,” I gush. I’ve never had anyone stand-up for me, especially to someone like Chase. Seeing him get thrown out was a thing of beauty. Seeing him on the receiving end this time was magical. Someday maybe I’ll be able to stand-up for myself.
“I don’t need him in my business,” he fumes walking to his office.
The rest of my shift is slow, cleaning up to close for the night, I wonder about Archer’s comment on the owner being his dad.
“The Brew Station is owned by Archer’s family?”
Scrubbing the expresso machine, Leah responds, “Yes, he doesn’t like having to work here while he goes to school, but his father insists he’s a part of the business. He expects Archer to take over once he finishes school, but I’m not sure it’s what Archer wants.”
“He’s getting a degree in business?”
“No, he’s a drama major. He has an amazing voice and is magic on the stage. You should watch him sometime. He has an uncanny ability to bring his characters to life,” she beams.
“He’s drool worthy enough to be on the big screen. He’s got that whole Hollywood heartthrob vibe about him. I’ll have to find out what his next production is and check him out.”
“He’s a fine piece of man,” she sighs, “Too bad he bats for the other team.”
Eyes wide, I gasp, “He’s gay?”
Her voice quivers, “Oh shit,” grabbing my hands nervously, “That wasn’t supposed to slip out. The only reason I know is that I came on too strong when I started here and he told me to get me to back off, instead of having to fire me. No one knows. You can’t tell anyone.”
Taking my hand to my lips I mimic turning a key. “My lips are sealed. His secret is safe with me. If we’re done here, I think I’m going to go workout for a while before I head back to the dorm. I drank too much coffee and after seeing Chase put in his place earlier, I’m feeling wired. See you tomorrow?”
“You did great today. Better than I did on my first day. Plus, you look amazing; I meant to tell you earlier and I forgot.”
Thanking her, I grab my coat and purse, leaving her to lock up.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Ten,” she waves.
Walking across campus to the fitness center, Kohl gave me his access card, I feel jittery from all the coffee but great about my first day. I’m stunned and sadden that Archer is gay but it makes sense because the man is pretty. I guess that spark I felt when he shook my hand was only static electricity.
Working up a sweat for an hour drains the caffeine buzz out of my body. When I get back to the dorm, I plop on my bed falling into a blissful sleep full of dreams of Kohl.
Chapter Thirteen
Kids look forward to a fat man in a suit that delivers presents down our chimney but these same kids still make fun of you if your
