35 Serving Coffee Cake (1/2)

Alan considered not opening the door, but it was Tom, his first and most loyal customer, so he opened the door and let him inside.

”I thought you were open.” Tom said immediately, dissatisfied.

Alan shook his head.”What gave you that idea?”

”I had my employee stand out here and call me when you opened.He said you had just opened.”Tom explained.He frowned as he said this.

Alan realized what had happened, and noticed the frown at the same time.”None of that.I really did just come back and unlock the cafe.Don't blame your employee for not realizing I was going to lock it back up.”

Tom shook his head, dismissing Alan.”In any case, why aren't you opening yet?”

Alan explained.”I had something to do this morning, and I just got back.Normally I would open right now, but I still need time to prepare today as I'm introducing coffee cake to the menu.”

The dissatisfied look on Tom's face washed away as he heard there would be food.”Well, don't let me stop you.Tell you what, just serve me a coffee and I'll sit over here quietly,” He said while gesturing to one of the leather armchairs.”I'll drink it while you make the cake.It's your normal opening hours anyways so it shouldn't break a rule right?”

Alan thought about it.If it was a different customer he wouldn't feel comfortable leaving them unattended in the cafe, but it was Tom.

Tom waited anxiously as Alan thought.

Finally, Alan nodded his head.”That should be fine.”He turned and went to make Tom a cup of coffee while Tom breathed a sigh of relief.

He already relied on Alan's coffee to start his day.Sitting down, he put his cash on the counter for Alan to collect when he got back.

When Alan came back with a cup of coffee, Tom spoke briefly.”It would probably be a good idea to make the coffee cake earlier so you could serve it first thing in the morning.”

Alan gave no reaction, but Tom didn't give up.”No, really, think about it.You'll be able to earn more money if you can serve it to customers who come in early to get coffee.It's just common sense.”

Alan waved him off.”Alright, I get it.That was my plan to begin with.I just had something to do this morning.Going forward there will be coffee cake available when the cafe opens at its usual hour.”

Tom nodded in satisfaction before sipping on his coffee.”Well, don't let me keep you.”He took his coffee and went to one of the leather armchairs.