Chapter5
Katelyn
As I push into the bustling coffee shop, my nerves are at an all-time high.I’d prayed about it last night, though, and this place popped into my mind.And after walking past it three different times this morning, I finally have the courage to come inside.
She’d offered me a coffee, but I’m coming here for a job.
Heart in my throat, I move up to the counter.Anastasia is smiling and taking the order of someone in line.There’s a thin coat of sweat on her forehead, but she doesn’t look the least bit overwhelmed despite there not being a second barista working alongside her.
That’s good, right?Is that why You wanted me here, Lord?Because she needs help?
Anastasia’s gaze lands on mine, and her grin widens.“Hey, Katelyn!Give me just a second.”She takes payment then starts prepping the order.All while another five customers remain in line.
“Need a hand?”I ask.
She laughs softly.“If you are open to working the register, I’ll owe you a lot more than a coffee,” she replies.
“I can do that.I worked at a coffee shop all through college.So I can help with whatever you need.”I move around the counter and wash my hands in the tiny employees-only sink just inside the room.
“Seriously?”Anastasia asks.“What perfect timing!”After embracing me quickly, she tops two paper cups with foam, then puts lids on top.“You grab the next order, and I’ll get prepping it.”
“You’ve got it.”The anxiety eases as I step up to the register.Maybe I won’t have to beg her for a second job after all.“What can I get for you?”
“A lavender honey latte, please,” the woman replies.“Hey, I’ve seen you at the diner, right?”
“You have,” I reply with a friendly smile.“That will be four-seventy-five.”
The woman holds up a card and taps it to the reader.
“Thanks so much.We’ll get right on that.”
“Thank you so much!”she says happily, then moves down the counter to wait.
I glance over at Anastasia, who is already working on the latte, happily humming as she works.So, I turn back to the next customer, an aging man I’ve never seen before.“What can I get you?”
“A black coffee and a caramel macchiato with nonfat milk.”
I ring him up, seriously hoping that Anastasia’s comment yesterday about being the only employee was the cry for help I took it as.“You’ve got it.”
“You saved me today,” Anastasia says as she drops down in a chair and slides a muffin toward me.“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
I smile.“You are so welcome.”I could honestly see being friends with someone like Anastasia.She’s unbelievably kind and seems to carry this air of positivity around her.A light that cannot be stifled.Which is something I can seriously appreciate after spending so many years in the dark.
“So, I owe you a lot more than a coffee.And as soon as I get to my feet, I will make good on that.”She yawns.
“Actually,” I start, then clear my throat as I shift my gaze down to the muffin I’ve yet to touch.“Maybe we can consider today a trial run.”
Anastasia turns to me, expression curious.“A trial run?”
You’re in it now, Katelyn.Finish it out.“Sure.I’m working nights at the diner right now, but I’m looking for a job during the day.If you’d like an extra set of hands, I can?—”
“You’re hired.”Anastasia slaps her hand on the table.
I jump, my heart racing.Not in danger,I remind myself as I take a deep breath.Most days, my fight or flight is weighted heavily in flight.Today seems to be no different.
“Sorry,” Anastasia says with a laugh.“I’m just super excited.I was literally praying during prep this morning because my second set of hands had the audacity to move away last week, and I was about to start interviewing.Instead of letting me go through that nightmare, God sent me you.”She beams at me as she gets to her feet, leaving me sitting there shocked.
Was it seriously that easy?