21 The First Cappuccino (2/2)
Alan nodded.”I get tired of explaining them everytime.This way I can just point to the board.”
Tom looked bemused as he read the rules.
”Each customer can only have one coffee every 6 hours.Takeaway coffee is not offered at this time.Cappuccino is only served in the afternoon.”He read them aloud.”In that case, I better take advantage of this opportunity to order a cappuccino.”
”One cappuccino, coming right up.”Alan confirmed his order, accepted his payment, and went to make him the cappuccino.
He went with the classic leaf again for the froth art.He'd need to practice different images.He hoped to be able to change it daily eventually.
He served the cappuccino to Tom, who chose to sit at the same seat at the bartop.
Tom admired the leaf drawn artfully in the froth.”Did you really make this yourself?”He asked in disbelief.
Alan smiled smugly.”I'm a man of many talents.The woman who marries me will be very lucky to have such a talented husband.”
Tom snorted before sipping on the cappuccino.
It was Alan's first time getting to observe the effects of the cappuccino up close.Interestingly, he could actually see Tom's body relaxing, his perpetual frown from stress receding.
He may complain about the system and its rules, but there was no arguing that the effects of its drinks were truly unparalleled.
Tom took his time drinking the cappuccino, unlike the coffee in the morning.As he did, he and Alan chatted.
”I'm telling you, there's no way you can rely on your 'froth art' to get a date.”Tom argued.”What matters most are looks and money.That's why I get offers all the time.”
Alan shook his head, smirking.”Well, you definitely at least have money.As for looks, how could you compare to this glorious specimen before you.”
Tom looked at him.”You killed my appetite, thanks.I'm just saying, if you want to date someone you should focus on growing your business, expanding.You need money to treat a woman properly.”
”The ideal woman, in my mind, is one who prefers a good bargain to an expensive dinner.That's why our first date will be fast food.”Alan said.Tom looked at him to see if he was kidding before realizing he actually had such a warped image of the perfect woman.
”In any case,” Alan changed the topic.”In order to pay off the bank loan I need to make money, but to do that I need to get more customers.”
Tom thought about it.”You could always take out some sort of advertisement.”
”With what money?” Alan asked sarcastically.
Tom shook his head.”It'll have to be through word of mouth then.I'll tell some people I know about this place, but the number of people I know who can afford your place and would still take the time to sit here and drink coffee is few.Even if I try to explain how good it is, they'll just think I'm exaggerating, or lying to help out a friend.”
Alan nodded.”I appreciate it either way.The business will take off once it starts building up momentum.I just have to stay afloat until then.”He paused, then continued.”That's just another reason why the perfect woman will be just as cost conscious as me.”
Tom and Alan continued arguing about their own versions of the ideal woman right up until Tom left.
Alan flipped the sign on the window to closed and locked the door.Then he went upstairs, got ready for bed, and went to sleep.