Today on Sunday, June 17th, 2018, at Common Grounds, the shop was especially busy. For whatever reason, there was a line when Rafael opened the doors.
HARRISON EXLEY bought all of the remaining cookies, much to the dismay of
BLAZE WOLFE. By the time
HUGH CHRISTIAN made it to the counter to order, the espresso machine had broken.
As news of the lack of food and the broken espresso machine made it to the back of the line,
VOLUNTEER FOUR had had enough. What were they waiting for? Why were they being treated with so little regard for their time and their money? It may have been the exhaustion--it could also have been the wait or that the line was full of river tourists, but they decide to recruit as many people as possible to boycott until Common Grounds can start treating its customers with respect.
GUS ARQUETTE quickly calls Rafael to let him know that chaos is reigning at the store and he needs to get back from wherever he is ASAP.
When Rafael returns shortly before noon, he has pastries from La Vie en Brioche which are offered to every customer with any purchase. He fixes the espresso machine and makes note to buy a new one within the week. But most notably, he sits to have coffee with
Serena Park. (Anyone close enough to their table is welcome to have overheard this awkward conversation.)
After she leaves, Rafael does not smile the rest of the afternoon and looks pained during any interaction or exchange with customers/staff.