20 The True Taste of the Ultimate Cup of Joe (1/2)

Tom choked on the joke he was about to make about the price.

”I'm sorry,” Alan said.”At the moment I haven't figured out a way to properly ensure that the experience of drinking my coffee will maintain its quality as takeaway coffee.Please do understand.”

Alan had thought long and hard about this excuse ever since the system told him about the new rule.He was pretty proud of it actually, and he kept a straight face as he said it.

Tom suddenly felt like he'd made a bad decision helping Alan get his own cafe.

”Alan, come on, can't you make an exception?Think of how much I helped you.”Tom tried.

Alan hesitated, he really did owe Tom a lot.However, as he did so the system spoke up.”Host, as a reminder, the rules are non-negotiable.As the future owner of the world's most luxurious cafe you must be even handed in how you deal with all customers be they family, friends, or strangers.”

Alan sighed internally, but remained calm on the surface.”No can do Tom.You know how I am about my rules.”

Tom muttered something about him being a square under his breath before saying, ”Fine, just get me a coffee.”

He felt somewhat disgruntled at this point.

Alan went to make him his coffee.

When he came back, the smell hit Tom instantly and made his mouth water.It was like the best sip of coffee he ever had bottled and sprayed in the air.He stared at the steaming cup of coffee heading his way.

He chose to seat himself at the bar.If he was going to stick around he wanted to at least be able to talk to Alan while he did it.

He lifted the coffee to his mouth in anticipation, letting the wonderful smell waft upwards, stimulating his sense of smell and making his mouth water.

He carefully sipped at it.

The coffee was hot, and slightly burned his tongue, but Tom didn't care.If his first time tasting Alan's coffee had been an awakening to the difference between good and bad coffee, then this time was an awakening to how good coffee could be.

He couldn't restrain himself and lifted the coffee for another sip despite the pain on his tongue.

Alan watched, feeling satisfied by the look on Tom's face.”Well, it's worth $20 right?”

Tom didn't stop drinking the coffee and just nodded.