Tired and with sore feet, Mary was cleaning the last two tables. The clock chimed for 10pm, meaning she had one more hour until closing time. She could probably clean up now and close the cafe on time, since everyone had already left. Working as a part-time waitress was not easy money, especially when she had to come in on school days. Like today. But she figured it was worth it. Having her own money. Being able to buy nice things for herself. She tied her ombre-styled hair in a ponytail and got to work.
Just as she finished cleaning the last table, she heard the door open. She grit her teeth, annoyed. Looking up, she realized it was Jamie, a sweet man in his 50s. Her jaw relaxed. Jamie would often come here for a cup of coffee in the evenings. He had a bit of weight on him, but besides that, he was in pretty good shape. Even though it was nearly closing time, she didn't have the heart to turn him away.
"Good evening, young lady."
"Hey, Jamie! Out for a quick cup before bedtime?"
"You know it," he said, casually winking at her. After bringing him his coffee to the bar where he sat, they struck up a conversation. She had already cleaned most of the stuff, leaving her with nothing better to do.
"Thanks, dear," he said, taking a quick sip. "You're quite the cleaning fiend, aren't ya, ha-ha? I can see my reflection in these," he said, pointing at the marbled surface he was leaning on.
"You know me," she chuckled. "Well, it was empty so I cleaned up before closing time. Everyone else left, so I figured I could close early..."
"Ah, my apologies, Mary. I completely lost track of time, and, had I known you were getting ready to go home..."
"Oh, no no no. I didn't mean it like that, Jamie. You know I always treat you special," she winked back. "I was feeling lonely in this empty cafe anyways!"
"You're golden, girl," he smiled, warmly. Like he usually did. He just had this likeable, charismatic, almost hypnotic way about him. One could listen to him speak for hours.
"Say, have I ever told you about this beautiful cafe in Paris? To tell you the truth, it wasn't unlike this one. The nature of my business sometimes called for me to stay at the city of love for weeks on end... And I would start every day in this lovely little spot at the back - just like that one," he pointed at the nearby booth. "Oh, the croissants and latte's they would make... Marvelous. But I'll be honest, my dearest - they weren't the reason I kept coming. This young lady that worked as a waitress enchanted me. The way she spoke, the way her hands moved - so elegant and feminine," he took a dramatic pause. Sipped his coffee, as he looked at the distance.
"Love at first sight, was it? I assume your wife wasn't too happy about that though," she said, teasing him a little bit.
"Oh, no no, my dear. It was a very long time ago. I had yet to meet my wife back then."
"So - what happened? Did you... You know - approach her?"
"I really had no choice, did I? When the heart burns with such desire - what can one do but follow it? I would leave a red rose on top of my empty cup. I was showering her with compliments each opportunity I got. Leaving love notes, asking her out on a nice dinner date, wine tastings, art exhibits... And nothing," he shook his head slightly, as if reliving it all over again.
"Oh, you are so sweet," she said, placing her hand on top of his, comforting him.
He cupped her hand warmly. "And so I departed from France, eventually. I met my wife, not too long after that. And... I never saw that girl again." He stared at his cup for a while, still holding her hand. Smiling slightly and nodding. He snapped out of it. Giving her a friendly tap, he released her hand. "Enough of the past woes of the heart - did I tell you about that one time I smuggled cigarettes into Germany?"
"Oh, I love that one!"
"So, me and my buddy Oliver," Jamie started. It was so mesmerizing hearing him talk. No wonder he got out of so many sticky situations... The conversation was unsurprisingly interesting and pleasant. As it always was with Jamie. She poured herself some filtered coffee as well. As they spoke, his hands seemed to find ways to engage in physical contact with her. Whether it be brushing her thigh through her jeans, or softly grabbing her slender shoulders. She has gotten to know Jamie quite well these past few months. And his physicality was part of his story telling. She had gotten accustomed to it fairly quickly. Truthfully, she was enjoying it a little bit. Maybe more than a bit. He was a lovely fellow, and she liked attention. What was the harm in that? His eyes would wander down her white blouse as he talked. They lingered a bit longer each time they found their way there. While not the biggest breasts, Mary definitely packed a beautiful pair. Soft and pliable to the touch, yet firm and beautifully shaped. Noticing this, she squeezed them together. Not so subtly - providing him with a better view. Jamie was fidgeting on his barstool. His bald head slightly red from excitement. From time to time, he would try to unnoticeably adjust the bulge that was growing in his jeans. It was, in fact, noticeable. His shape was clearly outlined through the thin fabric of his brown pants. A considerably large outline, painting Mary's cheeks a subtle red.