Café Doux

Café Doux

    Lucy perked up slightly as she heard the bell above the café door ring. She quickly finished wiping off the counter, and then walked over to assist the new customer. He was a tall fellow, with windblown ginger hair, freckles, and a sheepish grin. He glanced at the menu, raising an eyebrow as he surveyed his options.

    Tucking a strand of chocolate brown hair behind her ear, Lucy smiled as she approached him, pulling her pad and a pencil out of the pocket of her light grey apron.

    “Hullo! How can I help you this afternoon? Love your shirt, by the way.” She said, nodding to his white t-shirt, flecked in pale blue and dark green dots, somewhat hidden under a pale green and black flannel.

    “Oh, thank.” He smiled; glancing down at his shirt for a moment, then back up at her. “Um, just stopped in for a cup of tea—”

    “Earl grey, perhaps with a bit of tangerine?” Lucy cut him off, smirking slightly. His eyes widen slightly.

    “Y-Yeah, actually…I’ve heard it’s good— I’m sorry, how did you know?” He asked, tiling his head slightly, a quizzical look on his face.

    “You’re ginger, love. It’s what they all order.” She laughed, as she scribbled something down on her pad. He leaned back, smirking, his eyebrows raised.

    “Is it now?” He chuckled. “I’m impressed. Well, I’ll take a cup of that then. And perhaps a slice of pie as well— what do you recommend?”

    “Well, let’s see…” Lucy paused for a moment, tapping the end of her pencil against her pad. “Today is Tuesday, correct? That means that Mark is working the desserts— his pies are to die for; especially the apple. But if you’re having tangerine in your tea, I suggest the pecan over the apple; the cinnamon and the tangerine don’t mix well. However, the apple goes great with English rose tea, if you’re ever in the mood for something a bit lighter.” She tilted her head slightly, as if she had forgotten something, the smiled. “Oh! And if you’re having the blueberry pie, just forget the tea all together and have yourself a cup of coffee; the two complement each other very nicely!”

    She grinned at the ginger, who seemed a bit overwhelmed. He blinked for a moment, then finally realized that he ought to say something.

    “Right…well, I guess I’ll have a slice of pecan then!” He chuckled, smirking up at her. “Say, you’ve really got this stuff down pat, don’t you…hah, I don’t actually know you’re name.” He said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

    “It’s my job, love.” She said, laughing softly. “My name’s Lucy. And you are..?”

    “Oh, Ivan.” He said, smiling brightly. “Ivan Peterson.”

    “Well, in that case…” She turned towards the window behind her and hollered to the people in the kitchen. “Slice of pecan, cup of earl with tangerine for a Mr. Peterson!”