Chapter 1
"I'd like a Caramel Ribbon Frappuccino, please," said a voice from the counter. "Venti."* Tessa spun around to take a look at the customer, and was almost breathless after she did so. The boy before her was perfect in practically every way, with high cheekbones and messy black hair and those violet eyes...
'Oh, snap out of it, Tessa,' she mentally chided herself. Tessa tore her eyes away, though not before noticing that the boy was smirking at her. He'd seen her reaction. But heck, he was probably used to it by now.
"Yes, of course," Tessa smiled cheerily, as she did with every customer. Inwardly, however, she felt exhausted. Working at Starbucks meant that Tessa could never get a break. There were customers in the morning, rushing to get a coffee before going to work. There were customers in the afternoon, ordering a quick coffee during lunch break. There were customers at night, buying smoothies to eat with their dinner on the way home. And there were customers every time in between, too. All of that, coupled with the fact that she found most people to be bland and boring...well, Tessa was ready for some excitement.
The boy laid a hand on her wrist.
"Can I get your number?" he asked, still smirking. "Because I like you a latte."
Tessa had the sudden urge to wipe the smirk off his face.
"Sorry, but I just can't feel anything brewing between the two of us," she retorted, giving him a smug look.
The boy let go of her hand.
"Impressive," he paused to glance down at her name tag. "Tessa."
"What's your name?" Tessa questioned.
"Ah. That, my dear, is something I can't reveal."
"It's only fair for me to know yours, seeing as you already know mine."
"Well. What can I say? I'm a man of many mysteries," he winked.
Tessa rolled her eyes, and resumed making the requested Frappuccino.
When she finished, Tessa set the Frappuccino on the counter.
"Four dollars and fifty-nine cents, please." The boy handed her a wrinkled five dollar bill before ducking his head slightly.
"Will," he said suddenly, accompanied by a small cough. Then he straightened. "My name is William Herondale. And I realize this is all very sudden, but would you care to join me tonight for dinner at Taki's?"
"...Sure," Tessa responded, her delicate features expressing what could only be interpreted as surprise.
Then, remembering what she was supposed to say, Tessa continued, "Enjoy your drink!"
"Thank you."
Then Will took his Frappuccino and his credit card and took off.
Tessa smiled to herself, watching him go.
[Six hours later.]
"I didn't expect you to come," Will said, by way of greeting.
"I'm somewhat confused myself," Tessa admitted, sitting across from him.
Will laughed.
"You see," he began. "I like you. You're different. And you're quick and witty-"
Tessa flipped her hair, interrupting him.
"Of course I am."
"Well, those are qualities not so often found amongst people nowadays, are they not?"
Tessa cast twinkling, stormy grey eyes upon his astonishing blue ones. "I should think so. It's truly a matter of concern if you're likely the most intelligent customer I've had the pleasure to come across today."
Will smirked. "How long have you worked at Starbucks?" he inquired, changing the subject.
"For about a month."
Will was quiet.
"You're not from around here, are you?" Tessa asked.
"Unfortunately for you, I am not. But you didn't even need to ask. To think that you'd not know a striking young gentleman such as myself existed if I were from around here."
Tessa rolled her eyes, all the while trying to suppress her disappointment.
"Are you not staying here permanently, then?" she questioned.
"No, but I hope to be a resident here soon."
Tessa raised her eyebrows.
"I've been looking at apartments recently. And I found one nearby that I really liked," Will clarified.
"So you are going to live here?"
"Well, that depends on if I can get the apartment. I'll know in three months."
It's was Tessa's turn to be silent now. 'That's quite a bit of time...'
"What's your favorite?" Will inquired suddenly.
"Hmm?" she replied absentmindedly.
"Your favorite Frappuccino flavor, Tessa. You know mine, so it only seems right that I should know yours."
Tessa laughed.
"Using my lines now, are we? Well, in that case, I'd have to say...Strawberries and Creme."
[Three months later.]
Tessa hadn't seen Will since that night at Taki's. But she often found herself wondering about him during the strangest times. Meaning, perhaps, all the time.
She had just woken up one morning and was in the middle of her breakfast, complete with Fruit Loops cereal (which she ate straight from the box) and a coffee, when strangely the doorbell rang.
'A visitor? At six o'clock in the morning?' she wondered groggily, rising out of her chair. She opened the door. There was no one outside. Looking down, however, Tessa saw, at her feet, a note reading "I'M STAYING" lying next to a Frappuccino. The flavor? Strawberries and Creme.
We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts are never broken
And time's forever frozen still...
So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holding me closer
'Till our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone
Wait for me to come home...**
~Fin~
*24-ounces.
**The last seven lines were taken from the song "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran.
Pie is good :)
Flour cakes are great :3
I like muffins too :D
