Playing for Keeps

My stomach is in knots as I make my way up the winding road for campus parking. Today is my first day at Minnesota State. I know only one person on campus— my dad, who I am carpooling with.

The day is bright and the breeze is warm. Hopefully this is a sign that I made the right choice to come here instead of the community college. I left a place that was comfortable, familiar, and where my best friends were because a school like this is a place that future employers will take seriously.

I take a deep breath, grabbing my bag, and make my way towards the main campus area. It’s abuzz with students who are excited to start a new year. I have about half an hour to spare so I meander around until I spot Maverick Mug, the campus coffee shop.

I am surprised as I try to shuffle through the door. There’s barely any room to squeeze in. The line is long enough that it reaches almost to the door. Even though the line is long, the wait isn’t. Whoever the barista is must be good. I smile at the thought. A good barista is always in short supply.

The girl in front of me turns and smiles politely before spouting off her order. I glance up to see who is behind the counter and have to keep my mouth from dropping open. The guy is at least six feet tall and so muscular that I am wondering how he keeps from crushing the paper cups.

He smiles at each customer, listens attentively, and makes the order without hesitation. His dark hair stands up on his head, defying gravity. The jersey with the ugly yellow M sticks out like a neon sign. I groan internally. A jock is filling the coffee orders? My heart sinks and all hope is lost. There’s no way a guy—especially a jock is going to get my coffee right!

His electric blue eyes find mine and instead of the condescending attitude I would expect from a guy like this, he smiles kindly. His eyes crinkle as he grabs a cup and the sharpie.

“Hey, what can I get you this morning?”

“Uh, I am not sure.” I am mortified.

I have spent the whole time in line judging the guy instead of looking at the menu.

“Are you new to campus?” He raises a thick brow in question, still smiling.

I let out a breathy laugh. “Yeah, is it obvious?”

He shakes his head and lets out a small laugh.

“Just a little. What do you normally get?”

“Back home I usually go for something organic. Not too dark, I don’t like feeling jittery. I just need a little boost. I don’t like coffee that is already ground. It tastes awful. I’m sorry, I sound like a total snob.” I nervously wrap up my rambling.

“I got you. We have a medium roast organic coffee that is shipped in from Panama. I grind it fresh every day. It’s one of my favorites.”

“That sounds great. I’ll try it with three pumps of honey, no cream please.”

“And I don’t think you’re a snob. You know good coffee. Between you and me it’s harder to come by than most people think,” He winks and eases my nerves. I smile up at him, grateful.

I hand him my campus discount card—a perk of my dad’s job, and the cash. He eyes the card and writes my name on the cup.

“Welcome to campus, Briar. I hope you have a great first day,” His bright smile is alarmingly infectious.

“Thanks, uh, Caleb,” I quickly find his name on his tag.

He heads over to the grinder, freshly grinds the coffee and puts in the honey, swirling it through the hot liquid so it doesn’t settle to the bottom. Our hands brush as he hands it to me and he smiles down at me shyly.

“Let me know if it’s up to your standards,” He waves goodbye and I head out the door toward my first class of the day.

As I sip the coffee I am pleasantly surprised. It’s some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Smooth, light, and not too sweet. Caleb does know good coffee. Suddenly I feel very guilty for judging him without giving him a chance.

I make my way across the campus to find my first class of the day. Digital Curation. It’s surprisingly not too far from the coffee shop—total win! I look around and see the class isn’t very full. There’s only about twenty students and class starts in five minutes. I make my way to a seat on the end of the back row.

I pull out my MacBook and take a deep breath. My hand rests on my coffee cup and I think about my friends. I miss them already. Every Thursday we would hang out at Common Grounds, a little cafe— the only one in our town— to cram for tests and catch up with each other.

Through a program at our school all of us were able to graduate with an associates degree and last year I went to the community college my dad worked at. This is technically my senior year but I’ll be one of the youngest students in my class.

I decide to send them a message in the group chat while I wait for the professor to show up. They are both still two hours away probably in class at the place I know like the back of my hand. My dad worked there over six years before we moved here this summer.

I miss you both already :(

Sam instantly responds.

Come see us Saturday! I want to hear all about MSU!

Dani is right behind her in response.

Don’t get lost. I hear that campus in five times bigger than ours. Miss you, xx

The professor finally walks in and I put my phone away. She has us open up a link to the syllabus and my ears perk up when she mentions an opportunity.

“I will be reviewing your portfolios. Students who can keep up, have a history of good grades, and have a good reputation will be considered for the position in the campus library. Two students will have the opportunity to work together for credit towards this class as archivists in the library. This kind of internship will look very good on your future resumes. If you’re interested please sign up after class.”

I can’t hide my smile. This job would be perfect for me! Things are already looking up around here, I think as I sip my coffee. I might just really like it here after all.