Love over a Latte

"Layla, we need a four cappuccino's, a pumpkin spice latte, two regular latte's with goats milk and a black coffee. Did you get all that?"

William was always calling out long orders for Layla. Luckily she had them all written down. Thank God for paper and pencils. She was quite forgetful when it came to long lists and numbers.

"Sure thing Will. I'll be there in a minute."

In an instant, the expresso machines whizzed on and she got to work. Layla had been working at Will's Coffee shop for almost two years. It wasn't her dream job but at least it kept her off the streets and put a little money in her pocket. She had a degree in Business Administration from Stanford but getting a job as a minority group was really hard in New York and America in general. But she loved working for Will and she also loved properly made coffee and made latte's like a pro. Before long, all the orders were ready. She put them on a tray and set them out.

"Carmen! Orders are ready." Carmen was Layla's best friend, probably because they were both Hispanic. But Carmen always had Layla's back.

"Alright. Oooh! This latte looks delicious. Make one for me for break, okay?"said Carmen with a smile.

"Of course,"chuckled Layla, "just get these orders to the tables." Work was always blissful and fun with Carmen around and William always gave them extra favours and pay. He was the best and almost like a father to Layla. The day went on. Orders of coffee's and tea's with a variety of cakes and pastries were served. It was a typical day.

"Hey Layla, see that guy on table four? He looks way hot." Carmen was always oogling the guys that came to the coffee shop. Crushing was like a hobby to her but it made work all the more fun for Layla.

"Carmen, that's the fifth guy today,"said Layla with a smirk, "you seriously need to calm down. You can't have them all you know."

" I know. Pero es tan guapo." She said dreamily. She looked like a silly school girl.

"Ai caramba! "said Layla, shaking her head, smiling. "Carmen you..."

"Oh my god! He's walking this way," said Carmen nervously. She hurriedly straightened her hair and tried to look cool and cute.

"Hey...uhmm...thanks for the coffee. Was great. What's your name?"

"You're welcome. I'm Carmen and this is my best friend Layla." She was really trying to look good.

"Cool, I'm Mike. Well, I was hoping you'd like to hangout this weekend. I don't know. Like watch a movie or something? Star Wars is in the cinema this weekend."

"Sure. I'd love to go. I get off at 7pm. Here's my phone number." Layla watched Carmen and the cute guy exchange digits. It was all so adorable yet so funny.

"Awesome. I'll pick you up." And he smiled and left.

Carmen was still acting dreamy after the whole conversation. She fanned herself with her hand like she was a posh white lady scared of the tiniest bit of perspiration.

"I thought you hated Star Wars?" asked Layla with a tease.

"I do but I'm definitely not going to turn down a date with a hottie over the fact that I hate the galaxy far far away." Carmen was crazy and Layla loved it.

Luckily, no more cute or hot guys came to the coffee shop that day so all was quiet except Carmen getting all excited about her date. She watched way too much romance.

Soon closing hours came and they got ready to leave.

"Layla, please give these to Azaera when you get home," said William as he handed her a box.

"Sure thing Will. And thanks so much."

"No problem. You two better get going. It's getting late." And with that, they both left. They lived quite close to each other so they walked home together. The New York breeze was sharp and refreshing, the city was lit up and a beautiful full moon was shining above. As they walked, the chatted gleefully. Life seemed perfect.

"It is here we must part ways dear sister," said Layla, trying to act all formal like the Victorians.

Carmen played along.

"Tis true dear sister. Alas, till we meet again."

There was silence, then the two ladies burst out laughing. They said their final goodbyes and went their separate ways. Layla soon got home. She took a deep, calming breath and opened the door. The house smelled strongly of beer and loud voices could be heard from the living room. She found Azaera, her blue eyed, white cat curled up near the stairs. She was, apparently, not in a good mood. As soon as she saw. Layla, she leapt into her arms.

"Daddy bothering you again?" she cooed softly.

"Meow!" said Azaera angrily. That's was unarguably a yes.

"I know." She scratched behind her ear and she relaxed and let out a low, gentle purr.

They walked into the living room. It was a mess. Beer bottles and bits of pizza were everywhere. She found her father sitting on the sofa with his friends, Adam and Santiago, watching football.

"Buenas noches, papa. Hello Adam, Santiago", she said politely.

He waved his hand in reply, not looking away from the TV. Adam and Santiago waved to her politely and continued watching along with Dario Hernandez, Layla's father.

Layla sighed and headed to the kitchen. She made a quick dinner for herself and took it upstairs to her room along with Azaera. She looked like she had quite a stressful day. She ate and gave Azaera the biscuits that Will gave her. They really needed some peace and quiet. Soon the blare of the TV couldn't be heard.

"Layla!" her dad called out, "I'm going out with the boys. I won't be back till tomorrow!" then the door was slammed shut. Layla thought she would jump for joy. She hurriedly went downstairs and cleaned up the living room. Azaera, had of course, tailed her and settled into her favorite spot on the sofa that Santiago had taken up. She meowed in dignified satisfaction.

Cleaning the living didn't take long and Layla, after a well deserved shower, settled onto the sofa, next to Azaera. She was just in time for her favorite show, Sex in the City. The gods had definitely heard her and made her dad go away at the perfect moment. After a few hours, she turned off the TV and went to bed.

She always thought about her dad. He was an ex-convict accused of robbery. He was never really a likeable person. She wondered how her mother had put up with him or how she even married or better still, why she even married him. It had been three years since she, Mrs. Larissa Hernandez, passed away and her dad had still not changed. If anything, he got worse. He barely noticed Layla's existence and even if he did, he never cared. Layla wasn't too bothered about it anymore. She was different from her dad. She had a good job, was well paid and would soon move out. She was 25 and she was old enough to take care of herself. She would have moved out long ago but the death of her mum made her stay to look after her dad. Her death didn't make any meaning to him though. He even missed her burial. She was tired of daddy-sitting. She wasn't going to waste her energy on someone who didn't truly care about her. It was harsh thought but it was true nonetheless. Azaera soon came in and nestled on Layla's laps. Thoughts, however, continued to whirl in her head but soon enough, as nature would have it, her eyes were blanketed in tranquil sleep.