The milky foam in the pitcher bubbled over the side as Iris stared at the door. Someone who wasn’t supposed to walk back into her life strode through like a magnet had pulled them.

A jingle of bracelets and an annoyed tone broke her reverie, “Are you waiting for the milk police to show up?” Iris gawked at Alicia briefly before realizing the hot mess on her espresso bar.

“Oh! I didn’t mean to do that. I’ll clean it right up!” She kept her head down and wiped at the counter with a pungent sanitation rag. Careful not to look at the newcomer or Alicia. This wasn’t the place for the past to unravel. Iris listened to the click of leather heels approaching the counter.

“Welcome to Java Land, my name’s Alicia, what can I get started for you?” Even the way Alicia spoke had a sharp, plastic-wrapped shine to it. A Barbie doll done-up and sent off to a coffee shop to play for the holidays. The customer didn’t immediately reply. Iris heard the rustle of clothes and hoped she wasn’t being stared at. She kept cleaning the now non-existent milk on the counter.

“What’s a good espresso drink? You know, the ones with milk in them?” Iris knew she was being stared at. Please, please, please answer this, Alicia. Her cheeks felt like she’d spent a night caroling with hard cider. All puffy and red— she begged for a hole to open under her feet.

“Oooo our Christmas latte is to die for! But personally, I love the peppermint mocha. It’s the perfect amount of chocolatey and minty— almost like Christmas in a cup!” Iris saw a slow nod in her peripheral.

“How about a regular latte? Sugar before a run probably isn’t great.”

“That totally makes sense. I should have known. You look like you work out.”

Another nod, slower this time, “Ah, thanks. How much is it?”

“It’ll be four dollars,” Alicia said, sounding like a deflated hot dog, “What name can I put on it?”

“Vince,” He said as Iris stood stock still. She saw him walk two steps over to stand before her machine. “It’s been too long, Iris. I’ve missed you.”