[2] Customer of table no.8

◔ Maze ◔

I quickly prepared the coffee and went to attend to the customer of table no. 8.

I slowly and very carefully opened the wisp-silver textured glass door and stepped out of the kitchen section, and pulled the door close behind me.

I was cautiously measuring every step I took, because I had a pair of very expensive black insulated coffee mugs in my hand.. If one of them breaks down, I don't think I will be able to pay it back with my full month's salary.

I've already broken a set of handpainted cups a while ago and I don't want to add up to my errors, not for now at least.

As I stepped out, all the eyes were on me. Not because I am beautiful or my charm overpowered them. Rather it was because of my dirty and rumpled state.

Coffee stains were on my dress, my hair was uncombed and cream was on my cheek. I was looking like a perfect garbage bin.

Avoiding Fred's threatening glare and the customer's sarcastic chuckle, I slowly moved towards the intending table. The table was taken over by an old couple.

I placed one of the coffee mugs on the table and bowed my head. I let out a sigh of relief as I was able to deliver the order without any fuss, at least I didn't break anything this time.

The old man smiled staring at the cup of coffee curving his dry lips up, it seemed like he didn't notice me at all. But the old woman shifted her head to accept my greetings.

I started at them before moving to the next table. It was really unusual for two people to order one coffee.

They seemed poor to me and maybe they were celebrating their golden jubilee of being together. I guessed that seeing the wishing line they asked me to write on their coffee.

*Love me fifty years more*

I placed another cup of coffee on the next table and deliberately stand a bit longer near their table to eavesdrop on the old couple's word. The wife was refusing to have the coffee as it was really expensive. But the man held her hand and persuaded her with love to accept and drink the coffee.

I secretly peeped at them, the woman was having the coffee with tears in her eyes, while the man was staring at her with adoration.

They were really cute couples. I was startled seeing their love towards each other even at this age.

The lady at the other table, dressed in neat clothes, got very angry because she had to wait over half an hour for her ordered coffee.

I continuously apologized bowing my head. But she was still reprimanding me as my apology was not enough sincere for her to consider. Because my mind was lingering over the old couple of table no.8. Something inside me was urging me to help them to celebrate their happy moment pompously.

After scolding me for over ten more minutes finally, she calmed down and was about to add a spoon of sugar to her cup, but I hastily picked up the cup without letting her a chance to complain, bowing my head, apologized before walking back to the table no. 8.

She was staring at me with her wide-open perplexed eyes. But I chose to ignore her gawking as something electrifying rushed through me, inspiring me to go on.

I whispered to my colleague Jesha's ear to ask her to do something and moved to table no. 8. She stared at me for a while before acting on what I had asked her to do. I gave her an assuring look stating "I know what I was doing." She sighed and patted my shoulder before moving out of my way.

I placed another cup of coffee on the table no.8, the old couples gave me a confused look, which I replied with a soft smile and said, "Sir, it was a gift from us to your 50th anniversary"

The old lady seemed to board my thought and before they could say anything, the melodious song that was flooding over the speaker got replaced by a jolly female voice of Jesha.

"I apologize for the inconvenience.

Ladies and gentlemen, a very loving couple present among us has entered their 50th year of love. Everyone will kindly clap to greet the couple present at table number eight."

As soon as the sound from the speaker stopped, in an instance, the sound of applause began to resonate throughout the room. The whole cafe was clapping for them.

That couple along with my boss Fred got confused as they weren't understanding what and why was all this happening.

"And now this song is dedicated to their long time of love..Enjoy the song," Jesha added. Though I couldn't see her from where I was standing yet, I know she was smiling through her voice.

Some along with the lady of table no.9 whom I offended a while ago, asked the old couple to dance.

Even I requested them to dance.

Eventually, the old man got up holding his wife's hand, and danced, lightly shaking themselves to the beat of the song.

The blush spread on the old lady's face couldn't escape my eyes.

They look lovely together. Even age couldn't decrease the radiance of their love.

"PERFECT" by Ed Sheeran was overwhelming the whole cafe.

|| I found a love for me

Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favorite song

When you said you looked a mess

I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it,

Darling, you look perfect tonight ||

I didn't notice some customers went live on Instagram which was going to make me a social media sensation over a few minutes.

As they were finished dancing the whole cafe got flooded with whistles, clapping, and cheering for them.

The couple sat on their chair for a while to catch on their breath. They were panting heavily.

And after gasping for few more times they stood and turned to me with tears in their eyes and took me in a warm hug.

The old woman helped me to clean my face with a paper napkin and bless me to be happy in my life.

I got to know that the old man was a poor driver and they never wished to celebrate their anniversary like this. And because of me, his wish to give an expensive treat to his wife has been fulfilled today.*

I smiled and bowed politely.

I even refused to accept any money from them. They hugged me again before leaving.

And the other lady customer I annoyed before, smiled at me as our eyes met.

She even paid for the coffee she couldn't have, and tipped me so liberally that Fred hoped she would come again often.

As all were calmed down, my side face got hit by a burning glare from Fred.

I lowered my head while moving to the counter preparing myself to bear the blow I was about to get.

Jesha moved by my side and patted me" You are a dead beef" She groaned with her hand moving to her throat motioning me

Despite apprehending ‘that’s the ultimate truth…’ I whispered to myself, ‘yeah, I know. I was really dead this time".

I sighed and paid the coffee bills with the tip I got. Fred eyed me through the corner of his eyes.

I don't mind getting scold a bit, after all, it's worth it.