Today's friday. Her turn to purchase the morning drinks. As she cradled the warm takeaway cups in her hands, she thought of how this little routine started, among the other routines. It seems to her, that they were routine-type people, never quite willing to admit that their life was a routine and consisted of routines, and yet seemingly comfortable with how things work out now, and not quite willing to disrupt the usual flow of things.
She smiled as she breathed in the sweet waft of air that rose up from the cups. Today's Dulce de Leche Crème day. Classic Latin American milk caramel, with freshly steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and a dusting of toffee sprinkles. A sweet, indulgent treat indeed.
It was a monday, she remembered. One of the first few mondays at work. Having just settled in, and not quite sure as of yet how things were done and not quite in her mode yet, she decided a cup of coffee was what she desperately needed to chase away the monday blues. She remembered it was a tall caramel macchiato. Coffee and caramel, one of the best combinations. Toffeenut syrup comes a close second. And as usual, when out of options to choose from, coffee and chocolate would always be something to count on for an instant pick-me-up.
Anyway, just as she was about to order her drink, she realised that it wouldn't harm her to call her partner and ask if he wanted anything. She expected him to be someone who doesn't really drink coffee, but if he did, it was bound to be something typical like straight black or double espresso. Nothing fanciful or creative. Well, at least she thought that was what his personality seemed like to her. Efficient work attitude, distant personality and looks that scream "Aristocrat!". She had absolutely no idea why he chose this career. But apparently, he was good at what he does. In fact, one of the best out on the field.
He picked up on the second ring, his smooth, aristocratic voice seemed pleasant enough over the phone. Pleasant enough for her to voice out her question, albeit hesitantly.
"hey,it's Ariel here, i'm just about to get my caffeine fix from the cafe just outside the office, and i was just wondering if you wanted anything."She smiled unconsciously, expecting to hear a "No, it's alright" or "If it's not too much of a problem, an espresso please."
His reply couldn't have been more surprising, "A vanilla latte would be nice. Thanks for the trouble and for asking."
She almost had a cramp from having to try contain her laughter that was just about to burst out from her. "A vanilla latte?" Now, she really couldn't help but grin widely, "Sure, i'll get you a tall?"
Even after hanging up and ordering, she was still chuckling to herself and muttering,"vanilla latte??". 'Now that was a surprise,' she thought to herself.
That day, the monday blues were indeed chased away, and Ariel did get to know her partner more. He was still distant and closed-up, but she could tell he wasn't that difficult afterall, it's just a harsh side to his overall personality.
She gathered this as at the end of the day, just as she was about to leave, her partner spoke up.
"hey Taylor(surnames at work), coffee's on me tomorrow. What do you prefer?" He said it in his usual off-hand way, as if he felt uncomfortable about doing the asking. He probably never had to do anyone a favour. But well, since he offered..
"Just get me whatever you're having tomorrow. Thanks Damien." She opted to use his first name seeing that she was already going off work. Smiling at him as she turned round the corner, she thought,"I could get used to this."
The next day, he got them both a raspberry mocha.
No comments:
Post a Comment