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April 15th 2024, the mundane date of an average spring early morning drifts through my mind as I write the date in the top line of the cash book. Like a drone I complete my tasks to open the store, I’ve done them a hundred times over and will do them hundred times again. After completing the sequence of tasks I throw on my apron tying it as I briskly approach the door. My eye catches the clock, 5:58am, two minutes early, at least the regulars will be happy. The regulars are already looming, as to be expected. I unlatch the lock on the door and use my foot to assist it opening; a wave of fresh morning air already turning dry by the LA heat passes the doorway’s threshold.
I start assembling the first few drinks, living the same daily routine, I have them memorized. Although I work fast, a line has already formed. I whip through the first couple regulars making my complimentary small talk, like everything, as always. The door opens to continue the line and a couple of two women walk in.
One of two; a middle aged beautiful black lady slightly leads her companion into the store. She has blonde hair, curly and free but controlled. Her companion, a lover, also a tall blonde but white and with more of a wavy hair, is also around the same age. Like the first lover, she rocks a leather jacket. Both of them carry themselves as if they’ve seen some things, extraordinary and painful things. The strange part is she’s wearing a giant floppy sun hat which scoops to cover more of her left eye along with a giant pair of sunglasses. The large hat does not entirely match the rest of her outfit, but the clash isn’t enough to stick out like a sore thumb. As they quietly latch onto themselves I think how it’s nice to see times have changed where this is normal; I’m briefly reminded by the long way to go but comforted by the progress made.
The couple approaches and finally stops, idling to read the menu preparing the order. The one that is leading rapidly reaches her hand across to untuck the other’s hair out of their right shoulder. The other then grabs it from her and tucks her hair much further down her face than what would be interpreted as normal, unless you were trying to hide your face… Although fast, she was not fast enough to stop me from noticing the giant shiny piece of metal on her cheek. It was only a moment but something was there, those must be some wild earrings, though I’m not entirely sure why one would wear them but be so concerned about covering them. “Hello, what can I get you ladies today” I cheerfully ask, as I always do. “I’ll get a uh grande Chai latte. I’ll need the caffeine for the trip home” she turns and tells her girlfriend the latter. “What’s your name?” I already have the Sharpie ready to go with the cup. “Raffi.” she replies as I scribble it on the cup. “Honey, what would you like?” “Uh, a green tea latte sounds interesting.” Her girlfriend replies. “Alright my girlfriend will get one of those.” Raffi tells me. “What’s your name?” I inquired to her girlfriend. “ Sev- Savannah. ” She catches herself. Raffi looks at her with a moment of fear flashing in her eyes before Savannah catches herself. “Alright, I’ll get that right up for ya.” I state as I start whipping up the orders.
While I’m whisking through the stations conjuring their orders, I of course, am eavesdropping on their conversations. It’s funny how the customers always think I’m just out of earshot. “Don’t worry, nobody saw anything. Just try to enjoy the experience of this vintage place, you gotta admit it’s kinda cool.” Raffi extends to Savannah . Vintage place? I know this is an older Starbucks store but I wouldn’t go as far to call it vintage! “It is an interesting establishment, similar to the col-” damn, I had to move out of earshot momentarily to grab the extra stock. “-people in their jobs come everyday stopping here daily as part of their routine to serve the wealthy. Everyday is the same, it’s like being a drone except here there is belief of individuality.” Savannah remarks. “I always love your observations, Seven .” Raffi warmly says and squeezes her shoulders while I approach with the drinks. Seven , that’s a weird pet name but couples nowadays do come up with weirder stuff. “Thank you.” Raffi says in her calm but warm voice.
“Come on, let’s go before we destroy time again.” Savannah or “Seven” with her left hand in her pocket and the other on her drink leaning into Raffi quietly said. Discrete, but not discrete enough for me to catch it as they turn to head out. Well that’s another strange customer to add to the list, it was almost like they were from another time . I would have pondered more had there not been another customer eagerly waiting to be served. My previous interaction with the peculiar couple is dropped from my mind as I reset to serve the next customer.