I went to my coffee shop at 5 in the morning as always, knowing that the constant rain wouldn't keep people away, but have them double in number. I had everything almost set, and was about to sit down for a quick cappuccino myself before I opened the door, and began what would be a hectic day. Just as I was sitting down, I saw someone trying to open the door. Normally, I would shoo them away, telling them I wasn't open until 6:30. But today, seeing someone out there getting rain dumped on him by the bucket, my compassion wouldn't allow me to let him drown out there any longer. I opened the door and quickly shut it behind him. His baseball cap and trench coat, and shoes were drenched. "Thanks," he said. I couldn't quite place his voice but I knew it was familiar. "Good morning," I smiled. "Why don't you hang your coat and hat up over there?" I suggested. He hung his soaked things on the rack in the corner. My mouth gaped open slightly when he turned to face me again, heading for the counter. Of course his voice sounded familiar to me. He was John Cusack; I'd seen all of his movies countless times and owned most of them on DVD or video. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before I asked him what he would like. He asked me what I recommended, and I suggested a hazelnut latte and a slice of banana bread or a carrot nut muffin. "That sounds great," he said, having a seat and leaving me to get his breakfast.
As I prepared his coffee and warmed his muffin and bread, I kept telling myself that if I would just breathe and concentrate on the task at hand, my hands would stop shaking. I brought John his breakfast, and hurried away before he noticed how flushed I was or that my hands were shaking. I busied myself arranging a display of gift baskets of teas and coffees. I couldn't stop thinking about what his lips tasted like, and I knew I would kick myself later if I didn't at least get his autograph. I knew he lived here in the city, but Id never seen him before, and wouldn't likely see him again. I had forgotten about the time, and a couple of people were outside trying to get in for their daily fix. I hurried to the door and apologized to my loyal caffeine junkies for leaving them out in the freezing rain. I was behind the counter making espressos and toasting bagels etc. for an hour at least by the time I had a chance to look up.
Once I did finally have a moment, I glanced over to the table where John was sitting and he was still there, and maybe it was my imagination, but was he watching me? Impossible. I went over to his table. "Your breakfast is on the house if I can have an autographed pic of you to put on the wall," I smiled. "Oh you're a fan?" he smiled back. I admitted that I was a huge fan, ever since the days of Better Off Dead and The Sure Thing. He said he'd be glad to give me a pic, but insisted on paying for his breakfast. He glanced outside, where the rain was still pouring down. I offered to get him another cup of coffee while he waited for the rain to let up a bit. "Too bad you can't join me," he said, as I set his mug down on his table. "I wish I could," I answered as I glanced over at the counter where there were a couple of people waiting for me. One after another, more and more people streamed in, and before I knew it, there wasn't an empty table in the whole place. For two hours, I barely had time to grab a sip of water in between customers, delegating responsibilities to my 2 assistants and a delivery of baked goods. By the time it was 10:30, the shop had quieted down, but the rain was still coming strong. I glanced at the table where he had been, and couldn't believe that he was still there. I asked him if he'd like a cup of tea, as I was making one for myself. He agreed. Finally, with 3 employees in the shop, and the crowd lightened up, I was able to have a break. John mentioned that he'd never noticed my shop before. It was easy to miss, with all of the Starbucks and Dean and Deluca's around. We talked for a little while before I noticed that the rain was letting up. I mentioned to him that now was his chance to escape. He tried to insist on paying his check, but I refused. "Then you leave me with no choice," he answered, "I'm taking you out for dinner." I couldn't believe my ears, or my luck. "Well if you insist," I replied. "A girl's got to do what a girls got to do" I gave him my phone number and he said he'd call.