Read Your Red Always for Free Online Page B

for this place.” Dave shoots up and snatches up his envelope. “I won’t work for a chain, you know that.” 
    I purse my lips, because I feel the same way.
    Harry lowers his head. “Guys, I’m sorry, but like I’ve said, my circumstances have changed.”
    “Well, now all of our circumstances have… haven’t they?” Dave charges through the shop and leaves.
    I glance around the table. Racheal doesn’t seem too bothered. She bites her thumbnail, not paying attention. And Shell, well, she has her hands into everything, three jobs she works. So I guess her losing one, isn’t such a big deal to her. Me on the other hand, I’m not sure what I’m going to do without this place. I look at Harry. He stares, waiting for me to speak out, but I can’t. Emotional, I rise from the chair, take my envelope, and go behind the counter to wait for customer one. 
    Harry kisses Ronda goodbye at the door. He walks over with his grey brow low. I don’t understand; this place is their nest egg. Another ten years, maybe then they could have sold to retire.
    “I’m sorry Liz.” He leans against the counter. “It’s been a difficult decision.” His eyes begin to water.
    I hate men crying. Can’t cope with it. Men only cry when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. I pull out a napkin from the stack below the counter. 
    “Harry, here.” I pass it to him. “Things will work out.” 
    I don’t know why I said that. I want to ask him what the hell am I supposed to do now; how do I pay my rent? But Harry’s been good to me, and I’m not as forward as Dave.
                                                                      ***
    I’ve worked under a big dark cloud all morning. Smiling and being polite hasn’t lifted my spirits. To know I only have two more shifts working here, is soul-destroying. So what, most would say. It’s just a coffee shop job, and there are hundreds more out there. But I bet none like this. I fit in well here.
    I take a quick break halfway through my shift, while Shell takes a delivery from Brown’s Bakery. I’m stood at the backdoor for some air. I really could do with a cigarette right now. To fill my lungs with catarrh, and experience that instant calming hit. But I’ll stick with a strong coffee. I can’t start now; not after being smoke-free for almost two years, no matter how shitty my day is. 
    I hold the envelope in my hand and stare at it. May as well open it to see what I have to live off until I find another job. I pull out a letter, stating when the shop closes, and when it will re-open. Also the possibility of internal interviews for existing staff. I laugh to myself. No one who works here should have to be interviewed for a job they already do. It’s a joke. I pull out a check for the amount of one-thousand pound. Enough to cover three week’s rent, but not food. I close my eyes, stuff the check into my pocket, and pour my cold coffee down the drain as I make my way inside.
    I serve my last customer of the day as Racheal gets ready to take over. I put on my jacket, when Nathan swaggers through the door, removing his grey scarf. I sigh, altering my collar.
    “Liz.” He notes my sombreness.
    I silently close the hatch, and with my head down, make my way out onto the street. I didn’t want cry in the shop, and knew the moment he asked me what was wrong, I’d end up blubbering in there.
    I hear Nathan’s breathing as he catches up with me. “Liz.” He takes my hand to stop me in my tracks. “What’s up?” His eyes crinkle with concern.
    “I have no job… as from next week.” I let out a tear.
    It’s knocked me in a big way, like the end of an era, and I’ll miss it. Given, it’s a messy job, and I often smell like a sweaty old man when I’ve finished my shift. But it’s my own bit of independence in this big city. It’s daunting to think I’ve got to start over.
    Nathan takes me in his arms,