In the End

1 │New Day Cafe

"Ida! Refill on table 12!" The cook shouted from the back. "And take this plate over with you!"

"Got it, boss!" I replied, immediately grabbing the freshly steeped coffee pot in one hand and the plate of heavily-dressed salad, heading over towards table 12.

"Afternoon guys, I just have the coffee refill and the Chicken Ceasar," I cheered politely, cocking my hip slightly as I situated myself at the table. As I said, a hand was raised, gesturing for the salad and at least three cups were pushed in my direction.

With a smile, I poured the black liquid over their cups, filling it to the brim.

"You just call me back if you guys need anything else," I offered, my voice as sweet as honey. "Enjoy your drinks!"

As I turned away, I let the harsh expression on my face droop a little, easing the muscles in the side of my face. New Day Cafe was practically the most popular joint on the street. Most people did anything for a decent coffee, seemingly, we must all be relatively good brewers. I spared a look at the watch that remained on my wrist, still another two hours until the store closed, and still another two hours until I was able to leave.

I'd worked at this cafe since I moved to New York. I mean, who wouldn't? I lived in the apartments that rested on the top of the building and I was pretty desperate for cash.

Unfortunately, having worked here for the better part of five years meant that not only was i one of the most experienced in the building, but I knew practically everyone who walked through that door.

"Ida!" Someone said, breaking me from the reality as I picked up a few plates of cake and cheesecake slices, "Darling, how are you?"

A kind smiling face met my gaze as I turned to see a familiar face. "Unreasonably busy, Mr Wilmett, give me one moment and I'll have a fresh flat white, ready to go."

Mr Wilmett was one of the regulars that I had gotten to know fairly well. For the most part, my shifts would span most of the day, usually from eleven to closing. Apparently, he had been coming here for years before I started working, but even now, with a polished, wood walking stick in hand and tufts of grey hair across his ears, he still turned up at 4 o'clock, practically begging me for a coffee.

His face dropped slightly, "Oh I know, what do all these people think they're doing? Coming to New Day right when I come in for my coffee,"

I only laughed in response before hurrying back off, not able to waste any time. Presumably, it was just an afternoon rush, but no matter how many of these I worked through, they never got any more tolerable.

I placed myself in front of the coffee machine, fiddling with the screws as I made an attempt to catch up on all the particular coffee orders.

"Anyway, Mr Wilmett, I haven't seen you in ages, what's been happening?" I asked as Mr Wilmett moved from where he was standing to take a seat right next to the coffee machine. "I was starting to get worried."

He just waved his hand in dismissal, "Oh please. The wife decided we should visit her cousins in Vermont, and I said, 'Well there's no Ida in Vermont to make my coffee!'. She said that wasn't an excuse so I've been up in the middle of nowhere making friendly conversation with all her batty cousins."

I held back a laugh, "Surely they couldn't have been that bad,"

He rolled his eyes, "Oh please, I never want to hear anyone talk about the Hermit Thrush again."

Just as I finished pouring the love heart milk design onto the coffee, I pushed the mug over to Mr Wilmetts eagerly awaiting hands.

He gave me a wink, "Thank you, darling. Now, off you pop, not sure how but it seems you're even busier."