Dirty Christmas
At twenty-eight, Benjamin had this quiet confidence, broad shoulders filling out his uniform, hazel eyes that crinkled when he smiled.
He'd come from a small town upstate, chasing city dreams after losing his parents young. We'd talked enough during slow shifts to know he poured his tips into night classes for business management. "You read my mind, Ben. Make it black, extra hot."
He nodded, already heading to the small kitchenette behind the desk. I managed the building, thirty-four and single after my fiancé bailed last year, citing my workaholic ways.
Holidays amplified the loneliness, especially with my family scattered across the country, too busy for a visit. Benjamin handed me the mug