Late Nights At The Counter

Every night at work feels like a lonely stretch of road with no end. I’m just here waiting for someone to come along and make it worthwhile, but the only bodies that walk through the door are too busy, too distracted, or not looking for what’s right in front of them. Tonight, there was this guy, tall, dark hair slicked back, every muscle in his body like a sculptor had chiseled him out of stone. He ordered an espresso and leaned on the counter with this intensity that made my heart race. I told myself he was just another customer, but when he paid, leaving the most generous tip I’ve ever gotten and flashed me a wink as he left, it felt like more than just a cup of coffee transaction. I wish I had someone to share the quiet and loneliness with here at night. Would you? What do you do on those nights when no one’s around?