The Regular

Chapter 2: The Regular

Lena stifled a yawn as she finished stacking the last of the canned goods, her fingers brushing off a fine layer of dust. The morning sun hadn't even fully risen yet, casting a soft, amber glow through the shop's windows. She glanced at the clock and sighed—it was shaping up to be another slow, quiet day. Business hadn't been good lately, and no matter how much effort she poured into the shop, it felt like the universe was set against her.

Just as she leaned against the counter, wondering how she'd get through another day, the door chimed. In walked Jace, the red-haired customer she'd met only yesterday. He was grinning, as though he hadn't a care in the world, and the sight of him somehow made the store feel a little brighter.

"Morning, Ms. Shop Owner!" he greeted, giving her a mock salute.

Lena raised an eyebrow, biting back a smile at the nickname he'd given her. "Back again so soon?"

"What can I say? You've got the best canned coffee in town," he said, eyes twinkling with humor. He strolled through the aisles, taking his time as he examined various snacks and drinks with exaggerated seriousness. Finally, he grabbed a can of coffee and made his way back to the counter.

"Just the coffee?" Lena asked, her fingers brushing her hair back as she tried to suppress another yawn.

Jace tilted his head, observing her with a slightly concerned look. "You look like you could use one of these yourself," he said, holding up the coffee can. Without waiting for her response, he grabbed a second can off the display next to the counter and placed it in front of her.

Lena blinked, a bit taken aback. "Oh, I'm fine. You don't have to—"

"On me, Ms. Shop Owner," he insisted with a grin. "Consider it my contribution to keep you awake. Wouldn't want the town's best store closing because the owner dozed off."

She laughed, shaking her head as she rang up his purchase. "You're awfully generous, you know that?"

He shrugged, looking a little bashful but still playful. "I've got a soft spot for hard workers."

When she opened the register and looked up to tell him the total, Jace surprised her by slipping a hundred-dollar bill onto the counter. Lena's eyes widened as she looked at the bill, and then back at him, completely stunned.

"Jace, this is way too much!" she exclaimed, trying to hand the bill back.

"Hey, keep it," he replied with a casual wave, his grin softening into something more genuine. "Consider it an advance on my next hundred coffees or so. And besides," he leaned in a little, "I don't think you're charging nearly enough for the customer service."

Lena rolled her eyes but couldn't help the warmth that spread across her face. She glanced at the tip jar, where a few lonely coins were scattered at the bottom. It had been a long time since anyone had tipped her, let alone like this. 

"Thank you… really," she said, her voice soft. "But don't feel like you have to keep tipping. I'm not a charity case."

Jace held up his hands in mock defense. "Not charity, I swear. Just appreciation for my favorite Ms. Shop Owner." His eyes sparkled with sincerity, and despite the lighthearted tone, Lena sensed he genuinely meant it. The small gesture, though unnecessary, touched her in a way she hadn't anticipated.

As he cracked open his coffee, he leaned casually against the counter. "Besides, I've got a feeling this place is about to become my new go-to."

"Is that so?" she asked, arching an eyebrow, though she felt a flutter of excitement at the thought. "Careful, or I might start charging extra for your daily 'dose of banter,' as you call it."

"Fair enough," he replied, laughing as he took a sip of his coffee. "Just keep it under five bucks, yeah?"

They both chuckled, and for a moment, Lena forgot about her worries. Jace had this easy charm that made her feel lighter, as if the store's creaky floors and half-empty shelves weren't her entire world. His confidence, his humor—it was refreshing, a stark contrast to the isolation she often felt in her daily grind.

"Well, Ms. Shop Owner, I've got places to be," he said finally, straightening up. "Don't miss me too much."

"Oh, I'll try to manage," she replied, rolling her eyes playfully. 

As he turned to leave, he called over his shoulder, "And make sure you drink that coffee. Wouldn't want you passing out before I come back tomorrow."

She held up the can he'd bought for her, giving it a little salute. "Don't worry, I'll put it to good use."

Jace shot her one last smile before disappearing out the door. Lena watched him go, feeling a surprising pang of disappointment that the encounter was over so soon. She looked down at the hundred-dollar bill, still resting on the counter, and carefully tucked it into the tip jar. 

For the rest of the day, Lena felt an unusual spring in her step. Every now and then, she'd catch herself glancing at the door, wondering when Jace would pop in again with his easygoing grin and playful nicknames. She wasn't sure why, but his presence had breathed a bit of life into the store. And as she closed up that evening, sipping the coffee he'd bought her, she realized she was actually looking forward to tomorrow.