“ Any question about the menu?”
“ Well, yes. I’ll try to help.”
“ Do you come here often?”
“ Yes. Here is the only coffee shop around here, so if someone wants to have a coffee he has to either come here to have one, or make one by himself. Well, I also know the owner so I don’t make it by myself. Not to mention that the coffee here is really good.”
As Raymond started to talk about the reason why he could help the girl, the girl observed him.
As he started talking he leaned back in the chair making his back straight and serious, just like how teachers would state the facts during the class, but his honest words at the end also gave him a little comical and naive air which was; I don’t know; cute maybe?
“ Alright then. I like the fact that you are honest with me. So please recommend me some of the best stuff here.” She passed the ball back to the boy to see how he would do it. Was everything till now a show or it was his true self?
‘ She likes my honesty? What does she mean? Anyway, she made it hard. Recommending things is way harder than it is to comment on stuff. What should I recommend? It is hard to decide…’ as Raymond thought of these points he started to remember everything on the menu; but as he thought more about which one to recommend, he became more troubled and a few lines started to appear on his forehead.
‘What if she is here to take a few pictures so she can post them? No, what if she is at that time of the month? Would it affect her body if I recommended something with more caffeine? Not to mention what if she likes light sweet ones rather than deep bitter ones? Is it better to have too much liquid or have a small amount of it?’
As Raymond got deeper and deeper into the overthinking world, so he wouldn’t displease the lady in front of him or make her hate his friend’s coffee shop his frown got more and more severe, to the point which, made the girl in front of him think that she has ordered something she shouldn’t have had.
‘there is no way to tell which one is better. Alright. Since I can’t prefer anything to another, I’ll recommend everything’
As if finally deciding what to recommend Raymond took a deep breath, sorted his thoughts out and started a bombing that would make anyone speechless.
“ If you have a sweet tooth and like to drink sweet coffee or stuff, the Caramel Macchiato or Vanilla Latte here might be just what you're looking for. They're both rich in flavour. They also can be made with milk, with dairy-free options. I don’t think you would be able to find it anywhere around. And this is just the start.
if you love your coffee to be strong and unadorned, the Espresso or Americano are the classics here that deliver a robust taste. Which also will keep you tuned till the middle of the night.
Or if you prefer a milky blend then the Cappuccino and Flat White are frothy delights, and you can choose from a variety of milk.
Also, if you are In the mood for something cold the Iced Coffee and Cold Brew are refreshing and invigorating, perfect for a warm day or when you need a cool pick-me-up. Actually, I don’t recommend you to drink those in the weather outside but the choice is yours.
And a gentle reminder If you are in a period for the caffeine-conscious: the Decaf Coffee options and Herbal Teas here are low in caffeine but full of flavour and love. Just pick what you want.”
And with that, he leans back with a tired look in his eyes. As if he has used all his energy to explain everything on the menu to her. but he forgot that sometimes telling everything isn’t the best choice. Especially out of nowhere to a stranger who doesn’t know him at all.
‘For the sake go god I don’t remember any of that. I wasn’t ready yet. Is it possible to replay the whole track? And also, what was the caffeine-conscious period he was talking about? Do girls have any period that they can’t drink a lot of coffee I don’t know? As far as I know, there is only one period that is difficult for girls; wait, does he imply that I’m at… no, how can he say it with such a straight face again?? is he a face-paralysed person or a shameless one?’
She hadn’t come out of the shock of the Previous information that Raymond rose up again as if he remembered something that he hadn’t mentioned before. His movement alerted the girl at once, who was trying hard to digest the menu’s drinks. She was about to tell him to hold on to his word so she could be ready but she was just a little late.
“ If you turn the menu around to the back of it you will see the deserts.
There you can Sweeten your day with the delightful dessert selection! Whether you're looking for a perfect pairing with your coffee or just a treat to indulge in, here we've got an array of choices.
If you are a classic dessert lover, the Tiramisu is a must-try. It's a heavenly blend of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder which mixing it with Caramel Macchiato is just right.
The creamy sweetness of the Caramel Macchiato pairs wonderfully with the rich, coffee-infused layers of the classic Tiramisu. It's a match made in heaven for those who love a deep coffee flavour in their desserts.
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Cheesecake enthusiasts will rejoice at the variety, from the timeless New York Style to seasonal fruit-topped creations here. This is the mix that I like very much. Espresso & New York Cheesecake.
The intense, concentrated flavour of espresso is a perfect match for the creamy and tangy notes of a classic New York Cheesecake. This pairing is ideal for those like me who appreciate the purity of flavours.
If you're in the mood for something warm, the Cinnamon Rolls are baked fresh daily, oozing with sweet, spiced goodness. And with Americano, it is just right. The boldness of an Americano is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet and spicy flavours of freshly baked Cinnamon Rolls. This pairing is ideal for those who appreciate the contrast of flavours.
Cake aficionados can enjoy slices of decadence with options like Chocolate Fudge or Carrot Cake, perfect for those who love a moist and rich treat.
Don’t forget the Doughnut. The selection here includes classics like Glazed and Chocolate Sprinkled, as well as gourmet flavours that change weekly. I don’t know this week’s flavour since I don’t like the grassy feelings on the tip of my fingers after eating one.
And for those who prefer their desserts chilled, here offers a range of Ice Cream Bars and Mini Tiramisu Cups, providing a cool and creamy escape. You can mix the Iced Coffee and Mini Tiramisu Cups For a refreshing twist. The cold coffee complements the chilled, creamy dessert, making it a perfect choice for warmer days; But not now.
Oh, I almost forgot, and if you're looking for something light, here also has a variety of Biscotti and Macarons that pair wonderfully with any of the coffee offerings. if I’m not wrong there are also the ones with low calories which are the favourites with the lady club, over there.”
And he finally ended his long and profound speech by pointing at the head of coffee which a group of old ladies were having a great meeting about the rumors of the neighbourhood.
She was deeply speechless because of how he recommended the menu, even if someone already knew what to do would definitely forget about it.
“ So was it useful?”
But this question made her even more powerless. If she said it wasn’t she would be lying cause he explained everything and if she said it was she was lying once again cause she didn’t get even a little of it. It was pure chaos for her. In the end, she decided to let go and placed the menu down to not make her brain go through what it had heard to make a choice.
“ You said you ordered an espresso and cheesecake right? I’ll have those.”
“You sure? You didn’t think much about it though.”
‘How long should I hold on? Please just let me go.’
“ Yes, I’m sure.”
“ All right. That’s a good choice.”
‘ Of course, it is otherwise you wouldn’t have tried so many stuff and in the end, chose this.’
After making sure that he got the order right he stretched out his neck to the island and with a voice that wasn’t too loud but loud enough to be heard by the island said:
“ Jason, please bring a cup of espresso and a piece of New York cheesecake for lady, oh right I forgot, what was your name again?”
“ Oh, Diana, you can call me Diana.”
“ Yes, please bring a cup of espresso and a piece of New York cheesecake for Miss Diana.”
‘Did he just asked my name? And I told him just like that? Was it unintentional or was all of this planned and was a tactic? Nah, It should be an accident. It isn’t worth it to go to that length to ask for my name. But I should be a little careful about what I talk with him from now on, lest something slip through my lips that shouldn’t have.’
“ It would take about a few minutes for the order to be ready so please wait a little.”
“Hm, it’s alright. I can wait.”
“ Then I won’t bother you any more.” And with that, he returned to his computer to continue typing.
‘ That’s it? I thought he would start a conversation but he didn’t. Is he using reverse psychology to make me talk? Or he is just not interested? Hm. It’s hard to guess. Anyway, time will make it clear what’s going on. But I’m more cures at what he is doing, typing nonstop. Is he making a report or something? Should I ask? Will he tell the truth?’
As she was getting more and more cures about the boy in front of her the smartphone on the notebook made a ringing noise.
“Moshe Moshe? Hello, Mrs. Badbare. How may I help you? What? Right now? But it is raining out there. Sight. Alright, I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
After the call, he started to gather his laptop and notebook and as he placed them in his backpack, he gobbled the last remains of his cheesecake till he finished it and finally took an umbrella out.
“ Sorry Miss Diana, but I have to go. I’ll leave the table at your serves. Please enjoy yourself to the fullest and take care.”
With that, he stood up, grabbed his backpack and pushed the chairs back under the table. Placed his mug on the plate and grabbed it to take it to the counter.
“Oh, it’s alright. I’ll make sure to do so. You don’t need to worry.”
“That’s relieved me. I hope to See you again Miss Diana. Goodbye.”
Afterwards, he moved to the counter and had a small argument with the grumpy Jason over there. Then went to the cashier lady there at the door. Paid the money. Stood by the door. Opened his umbrella and then walked out. Made a turn and passed from front out the glass. By the time he almost was out of the coffee shop's front glass, he turned around and took one last look at the table he was sitting at.
He seemed a little surprised that Diana was still looking at him because he paused slightly but the mist on the glass prevented Diana from seeing his face clearly, it didn’t matter much because he started to walk again but before getting hidden from her line of sight by the wall he raised his hand and waved his hand at her as a sign of goodbye.