19 First Day of Business (1/2)

Before the clock hit 7:30 AM a figure appeared at the door.It was Tom.

He looked at the board in the window and felt shocked.What was up with those hours?He was tempted to bang on the door, but he resisted the urge and just waited for the cafe to open.

The city was bustling as people passed by on the street.He drew some strange stares.Most people wouldn't stand around on the sidewalks in the city unless they were begging or asking people for a moment of their time to tell them about their 'cause'.To see a businessman in an expensive suit standing outside a cafe was very unusual.

Still, people didn't pay it too much mind and continued on their way.At 7:30 AM, Alan got up from the chair, put his cup on the bartop, and turned to unlock the door.He was surprised to see Tom there.

He opened the door and held it open for Tom.

”Good morning,” He greeted him.

”What's the deal with opening at 7:30?”Tom asked.”Most cafes in the area open way earli-” he cut off as he looked around, noticing the interior of the cafe.

The lighting was dim, not so much as to strain the eyes, but low enough that it felt more like ambient light.

The polished wood floors glistened in the sun filtering through the windows.The leather armchairs and the fireplace gave the room the ambience of a living room in the house of a well off person.

Along the wall, dark oak tables stood spaced out, with chairs at each and outlets built into the tables themselves, similarly covered in dark oak.

Tom had been in here less than a week ago, but walking in today, he barely recognized the place.

Alan smirked and said, ”This isn't most cafes.”

Tom was still shocked by the change, but he went ahead and ordered his coffee.

Rather than going to make it, Alan paused.

”What's the problem?” Tom asked impatiently.

”I'm happy to make you coffee, but...well you should check the prices.”He pointed to a chalkboard above the back of the bar.

Listed there was the price of a cup of coffee: $20.

Tom's mouth gaped open.

Alan watched, sympathetically, understanding his reaction.

He'd had a similar reaction just a short while ago.As he had gone to sit down and enjoy his coffee, the system had prompted him to remind him he needed to pay for the coffee.