it was late afternoon, just that golden lull between the lunch and dinner rush, and your food spot had finally caught a breath. the low hum of the fridge, the click of the register, and the occasional shuffle of produce were the only sounds echoing in the tiled space. you stood behind the counter, typing something into the pos when you heard the familiar sound of renees shoes hitting tile

“there she is” you said without even looking up

she was already climbing onto the counter with her legs dangling over the edge in those loose jeans she loved, green jersey hanging off one shoulder, and a backwards cap barely containing her messy blonde bun. her face lit up as she spotted you just like it always did

“i had the weirdest audition today” she started, tugging at the rings on her fingers “this director kept saying ‘give it less but also somehow more.’ like what does that even mean?”

you grinned as you punched in a customers order, your eyes flicking up toward her as she swung her feet like a kid “sounds like theatre people doing theatre things”

“exactly!” she laughed “i said that and he blinked at me like id just spoken another language”

you slid the customer their change and leaned a hip against the register, finally giving renee your full attention “youre still gonna get the part though. you always do”

she smiled at that. it was a small, proud, and maybe a little shy “you think?”

“i know” you said, reaching over the counter to squeeze her ankle gently “now tell me the rest”

she launched back into her day, ranting about traffic, laughing about a guy who mistook her for someone from the voice, and mimicking the barista who gave her the wrong drink but flirted anyway

the whole time you kept working by wiping counters, restocking the lemon bins, and handing out orders but every chance you got, your eyes drifted back to her. her whole presence filled the shop in a way no playlist ever could

two years together and somehow this part never got old

renee glanced around the shop then back to you “i like watching you here. you get all bossy and hot with your apron and your ‘order up!’ voice”

you snorted “dont flirt with me while im counting cash”

“ill flirt with you whenever i want” she said with a smirk then added softer “this place feels like home you know? cause youre in it”

you looked at her, your heart thudding a little harder in your chest “thats the idea” and just as you turned back to ring up another customer, you heard her whisper under her breath like she wasnt sure if you were supposed to hear it 'i could sit up here and talk to you forever'