Monday Morning Coffee

Yet again, you stop by the coffee shop on your way into the office. The coffee was a hit with Alex last time, and you intend to take advantage. You arrive at the shop to be welcomed by the bitter fragrance of roasting coffee and a familiar face behind the cash register - Mia. She's wearing the black and green colors of the coffee shop, and her hair is wound up in a flowing ponytail. Her face lights up when your eyes meet.

"Lev!" she gushes, a broad grin on her face. "Back for more coffee?"

"Unfortunately yes, but it is still for someone else." You think for a moment. "Make that two, actually. Might as well maximize my efforts, I think."

Mia rolls her eyes and says, "Oh, because coming to see me in the morning is so much like work, isn't it?"

"No, Mia, that's not what I -"

"I'm kidding, Lev. Two coffees, coming up. Go stand in line over there, and I'll bring them out to you." She points to a counter on the other side of the coffee shop where some other customers are waiting.

You nod at your daughter's friend and depart. Another customer steps forward to take your place, already spewing out a paragraph long order to the poor girl. She bears it well - that broad grin still on her face.

You watch her while you wait. The black and grey uniform hangs loosely from her lithe frame in a rather unflattering way, but you can't help but find her attractive in it. She's kind, and she's a hard worker. Maybe there is something in there that is pulling you in. Then a memory overlays the girl before you, and your imagination supplants the sight of her in that red teddy. The vision of her on her knees, between your legs.

Your mind is still adrift when she pokes you on the chest. "Lev, hello? Do you want your coffee?" She's standing in front of you now, a bemused expression on her face. A drink carrier with two large cups of coffee is in her hands.

"Sorry, Mia. I was somewhere else." You take the coffee from her hands and rest it on the counter behind you. Your eyes meet. "Remembering a certain red garment I saw you in."

Mia blushes a deep red, and you begin to feel bad. You're surprised when she wraps her arms around you in a hug, drawing herself into you. She murmurs into your chest, "You’re not the only one remembering that time." She steps away, her eyes meeting yours once more, her cheeks still beet red. "Maybe you'll see it again one day," she says. "Back to work. Bye, Lev." With an awkwardly blown kiss, she turns away and returns to the register.

"These girls will be the **** of me," you murmur. You can't help but feel that you've been saying that a lot more recently. With a sigh, you grab the coffees from the counter and continue to your office.