Page 20 of Quarterback Sneak

“What can I get for you?”

“I’ll take a large, iced coffee with just a little cream.”

“Got it.” I grab a cup and write his name on it.

“What time are you done today?”

“One,” I tell him without looking up. I put the cup in the lineup and take his card to swipe it, but he pulls back, keeping it out of my reach. I raise an eyebrow at him. “Go on a date with me.”

I stare at him. “Seriously?” I whisper. “There’s a line, Jace.”

He doesn’t move his hand. “And they’re going to get awfully impatient if you don’t keep things moving.”

I realize there’s no getting out of this, at least not without making a huge scene. “Fine. When did you want to go?” I look up at him and catch his look of satisfaction.

“Saturday night. Eight-o’clock. I’ll pick you up outside your dorm.” He leans down, and I give him my cheek.

“What kind of car do you drive?”

He grins devilishly at me as Stacy passes him his drink. “You won’t be able to miss it.”

I don’t have a chance to dwell on the Jace issue, thankfully, because of the line. My stomach growls, and I remember I didn’t eat last night and didn’t eat breakfast this morning. I look up into a smiling face for my next customer.

“Hey, Evie.”

“Hey, Tessa.” I’m so happy to see a friendly face.

“How’s the shop this morning?”

“Busy.”

“Yeah, I get that.” She pauses a moment. “You okay?” Her voice is soft, so just she and I can hear.

“I’m good.” She looks skeptical, but I move past it. “What can I get you?”

“Mmm, I’m thinking an iced coffee—something with lots of sugar and caffeine to get me through my study session.”

“Do you like caramel?”

“What kind of a question is that?” she asks.

I smile. “How about a salted caramel iced coffee with caramel drizzle and whipped cream.”

She closes her eyes dramatically. “I think I can already taste it.” I laugh and grab a cup and label it.

She tries to hand me her card, but I shake my head. “This one’s on me.” I already put it in as my free drink for today’s shift.

She frowns at me. “Evie, you don’t need to do that.”

“I know. Call it a bonus for being my friend and suitemate.”

“Thank you,” she says gratefully.

“I’m happy to do it.” And I am. It’s nice to see a familiar face. She hasn’t been in here since I started, and I know it has to do with money. Some of us don’t have extra money to spend on things like a six-dollar cup of coffee, no matter how good it is. I make her drink personally, making sure it’s made just right.

When I carry it back over to her, her eyes go wide. “That looks so good.” She takes the paper off the straw and takes a long sip, closing her eyes as she does. She lets out a low moan. “Ohhh, that is so good.” I can’t help the laugh that slips out. She grins at me. “You make a mean cup of coffee, Evie.”

I give her a mock bow. “I try.”