Sam tilted his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The guy—Luca, his name tag read—was clearly genuine, the kind of person who couldn’t stop himself from offering help even when he wasn’t sure it’d be taken. There was something endearing about it, and Sam couldn’t help but feel a little lighter.
“Well, thanks,” Sam said, leaning one arm on the counter. “It’s been a hell of a week, so I appreciate the offer. Might take you up on it one day, though. Never know when a stranger-turned-barista might be the hero I need.” He grinned, his tone teasing but not dismissive.
When Luca mentioned the sugar, Sam chuckled, shaking his head. “See, that’s the thing—black coffee’s not my usual either, but today? It’s like I need it to match my mood: bitter but functional.” His grin widened slightly. “Don’t let it fool you, though. I’ve got a sweet tooth like you wouldn’t believe. Next time, I’ll let you show off your skills with something fancy.”
Sam glanced around the café, following Luca’s gaze to the patrons scattered throughout. He liked the vibe here—quiet, calm, and a good mix of people minding their business or chatting in low tones. Turning back to Luca, he smirked at the “Karen” comment.
“Better than a Karen, huh? High praise. I’ll take it,” he said with a playful wink. “Though I bet you handle them like a pro. You seem like the type who could charm their way out of anything. Or at least keep smiling while imagining dumping the drink on their head.”
He straightened, grabbing his coffee from the counter. “Alright, I’ll leave you to it, but hey, thanks for the coffee—and the offer. Don’t be surprised if I’m back to talk your ear off one of these days.” Sam lifted the cup in a casual salute. “Catch you later, Luca.”
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