Morning
Chris pushed the door open on the cafe and walked inside. He hadn't been joking when he said a bacon roll was likely to lure him in. He had gone in Friday morning but hadn't found Ellie working, to say he was disappointed was an understatement.
"Mornin'" Ellie beamed much wider than she meant to, catching sight of Chris.
"Morning," he returned her smile. "How are you?"
"Better now...I mean good," Ellie blushed
Chris frowned. "Now?"
"It's just good to see you,"
He smiled. "It's good to see you too. You weren't here Friday."
"It wasn't my day in. I was helping Art with something," Ellie replied
"Oh, right. So is that every Friday?"
"Yeah, Wednesday's too," Ellie replied
Chris nodded. "Good to know."
"The others do good bacon too," Ellie teased
Chris ducked his head with a faint chuckle. "I'm sure."
"But..." Ellie arched a white brow
"I like talking to you."
"I like talking to you too," Ellie smiled
Chris' smile widened. "Oh good. I don't suppose you could sit and have breakfast with me?" he asked hesitantly.
"Taking my break after this order," Ellie called over her shoulder
"I'll take that as a yes then?"
"What do you want? I'll make it and bring it over," Ellie replied
"Bacon roll and a coffee, I think."
"I'll be over in a minute," Ellie smiled at him, feeling a blush creep up her neck."
Chris nodded and moved away to sit at a table. He didn't know what possessed him to ask but he was glad she hadn't shot him down.
Ellie made the food and headed over, putting Chris' food down before settling opposite.
"Thanks. Also, hello."
"Hi," Ellie grinned
"So, tell me the truth, was I any good at teaching adults? And how have you been since?"
"You were, and I've been good. I'll be honest I prefer words to numbers."
"I'm not usually a maths teacher."
"What do you normally do?"
"Science."
"Soon I'll get there," she blushed.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of you know," he said gently.
"You say that because you got the education."
"I'd like to think I say it because it's true."
"I need to get back to my minimum wage job now."
"I didn't mean... Most people don't bother. The fact you are, you shouldn't be ashamed. I didn't mean to offend you."
"Things pushed me out of schooling, I want the chance not to be defined by those things," Ellie replied
Chris nodded. "Sounds like you're taking the chance." He glanced at the clock. "I should get going. See you tomorrow?"
"Mmm, but if you fancy swinging by at 5 I can show you around a bit?"
"Really? That would be great. Thank you."
"Yeah, I'll cya later."
He smiled and nodded. "Have a good day, Ellie," he said before he rose and left.