Coffee Exercise

Sounds of blenders buzzing fill the air. It is late in the afternoon and Starbucks is almost empty. Three employees, one woman and two men, are behind the counter busily cleaning and stocking for the next rush. People slowly stride in and out, leaving immediately after receiving their beverages. The female employee begins to vacuum the pastry counter. Because of the loud noise the employees resort to yelling. Almost as soon as she is finished, a man approaches the counter. “Hello! What can I get you?” He asks for an espresso drink, upon request, he tells her his name is Mike. After ordering his drink, Mike stares at the pastry counter, wondering if the cake is worthwhile. She tells him it is a low-fat cake, but that it is tasty. Mike tells her if he's going to be bad, he might as well eat badly. She suggests he try a snicker doodle cookie, "they are really good," she tells him. Mike says alright, he'll try one and she coaxes him into trying it heated up. He pays, receives his espresso and leaves, warm cookie in hand. With Mike’s departure, only the employees remain. Containers are clanking and cabinets are being opened and closed. A couple enters the café. The man, who is a Starbucks employee at another location, and the employees begin to discuss how their hours have been reduced. Apparently, it isn’t a happy topic. It appears that the female employee and one of the male employees have some sort of romantic relationship. He jokes that he is mad at her and she whines that he has no reason to be. It is a kind of teasing that they both seem to enjoy. Because there are no customers, the employees continue their preparation for later hours.

Word Count: 297