#loveislove

“You will like this one, Bret! It will make you look like a dog!” Jutta encouraged her brother’s best friend. As soon as he tried to slyly shuffle away from her, she tugged him back by the strap of his apron, slinging her arm around his neck in the mimicry of a very gentle chokehold, making it impossible to escape. Naturally, Bret was too sweet and kind to not oblige her which was why he humoured her and posed for her camera, the Snapchat filter she had chosen giving them dog ears and noses and big pink tongues.

“See, you look so cute!” she squealed, saving the photo to her camera roll before adding it to her story with a quick swipe of her thumb. With a knowing look at the man, she prodded him teasingly on his arm. “I’m sure that Dennis will agree as well.”

His answering blush was all it took for her to throw her head back and allow a tinkle of laughter to escape her. She still wasn’t sure if she liked Dennis Archer very much and thought that Rosy’s nickname of ‘Grumpy Dennis’ suited him well, but even the mere mention of him brought that same shy little smile to Bret’s face, which must mean he possessed some good qualities.

Eventually giving into Bret’s pleading when he insisted that they had to get back out to the shop floor and actually do their job, Jutta heaved a dramatic sigh. She liked her job as a barista for the sole reasoning of her being able to talk to lots of different people that came in and out of The Busy Bean. Plus, her outfit actually made her look kind of cute as proven by the amount of times she’d posted a selfie on Instagram while wearing it. What she couldn’t be doing with were all the demanding people that filed into the café during rush hour and demanded that their soy vanilla latte with a dash of cinnamon had to be ready soon or they would report ‘that lazy beanpole of a barista’ to the manager. Jutta let most of these insults roll off of her, simply returning her attention back to Candy Crush when shouty businessmen began raising their voices, but Bret had kindly attempted to tell her that she shouldn’t do that anymore.

Resigning herself to a day filled with people who did not understand basic manners, she was about to step out behind the counter after Bret when he let out a noise of surprise, having evidently bumped into someone. Jutta didn’t recognise the girl who was now apologising and, though she spent a lot of time giving her sole attention to her iPhone, she knew she hadn’t seen the stranger before.

Blanching a little when the girl asked for a Jutta, the blonde’s first reaction was to nudge Bret with her elbow in an attempt to keep quiet.

“Do I know a Jutta?” she pretended to muse, shuffling onto the shop floor and pretending to fiddle with the dials on one of the machines. She knew better than to fiddle too much however, as the last time she had done so had resulted in coffee grains spilling out everywhere. Upon hearing why the girl was looking for her, her head snapped up and she looked appalled.

“I’m meant to be a supervisor?” she asked, eyes wide. “What’s that?”

She directed her look of terror towards Bret and shook her head helplessly. The job sounded like far too much responsibility for her liking.

“Did I get promoted?” she quietly wondered.

Eyes skipping back and forth between the pretty, blonde girl and the tall, princely guy, Lucy chewed nervously on her inner cheek, trying to work out whether or not the two before her would be able to help her at all. If their aprons were anything to go by, she was positive that they had to work there – unless they were just two weird people cosplaying as Busy Bean baristas in the backroom, which she was pretty sure was not the case – and so surely one of them must know who the elusive Jutta was.

When the girl before her had simply looked bemused, while pondering over whether or not she knew a Jutta, Lucy scowled. Now, she knew she was no expert, but she was pretty sure that Jutta sounded vaguely German, and if the girl's accent was anything to go by then surely she had to be her? Of course, that was going off of the vague assumption that she was the only German person in New York, which was a pretty ignorant assumption to make – especially given that she already knew two other Germans in the form of Wilhelm and Rosy.

“How can you not know if you know a Jutta?” Lucy quietly mused, muttering the words in confusion under her breath.

Following the Pretty and Princely out onto the shop floor, she twirled the strings of her apron around her finger, fidgeting all the while. Awkwardly lingering just a few feet behind them, not wanting to play around with anything or even touch any of the machines for fear of sending coffee exploding over a customer or releasing a fountain of creamer, she waited until the girl finally stopped short, Lucy's words catching up with her.

If the look on her face was anything to go by, the girl – who Lucy could now safely assume was Jutta – wasn't entirely happy about the task she'd been appointed. Furrowing her brow and shrugging her shoulders lightly, Lucy offered her up an apologetic smile – though, in fairness, she wasn't sure what she had to be sorry for.

Watching as the Pretty – or rather Jutta – and Princely – whose name she had yet to decipher – stared at each other in bewilderment, sharing silent exchanges while Lucy loitered nearby, she wondered if perhaps she should just buck up the courage to say something. It was her first day, so she really didn't want to overstep, but she also didn't wanna hang around all day doing nothing and risk getting fired on her first frigging day.

“Um, I dunno so much about the promotion,” she started, edging forward nervously and stealing a quick glance up at the tall man. He really was tall, and she cocked her head to the side and wondered if Scotty would consider dating him. She was pretty sure that, as far as guys went, he was probably kinda handsome.

Not keen on letting her self get distracted – and by a man, no less – she darted her eyes back to Jutta and pouted.

“So, I think it's... kinda your job to, well, supervise me,” she stated, offering a meek smile in the process. “Y'know, show me the ropes. Like, how everything works around here... Basically, just... show me what it is you do every day, I guess?”

I think Nadia is much to sensible to live with all of us and our chaos! That’s who Mellie is! Not that she’s a b*tch but that’s what Indy calls her in a nice way. And yes, that’s Indy and Nathaniel’s nickname for Che and it always makes him blush. Oh, well… my spring break would mostly be spent down at the beach anyway but not for partying… So I’ll probably end up hanging out at the aquarium while everyone else parties, because I like going there too. Three seal pups were born last week!

Man, must be cool having a sister, huh? I mean, I have two brothers but... Must be pretty great for them having me! Has anyone ever told you how sweet you are? I feel like most people wouldn’t clarify that she’s not actually a bitch, but it can be a pretty derogatory term and it’s just about the sweetest that you’re ready to defend her! Oh, well, In that case you’re gonna wanna be able enjoy your spring break some place clean! Oh, does Indy get you a whole load of discount at the aquarium? Finn says Amy does for him, so I think I need more of those kind of friends. Or a buddy who works at the zoo. Three seal pups? Wow! Sorry, I actually know nothing about seals, but it’s hella cute. 

Benji is my cousin! So are Nathaniel and Jacob. I only have one sister and her name is Nadia but she doesn’t live with us. Che and Mellie do though, but I don’t know if you’ve met them yet. He did follow me! That was really nice of him. If your friend is willing to help, that’s amazing. The more the merrier! With more of us, it won’t take long to help!

Oh! I’m with you now, nice. Where’s Nadia at? Join the fray, boo! Your family needs you! Che and Mellie? I haven’t met them, no, but I totally know who Mellie is. Asides for Indy’s ‘main bitch’, that is - her words, not mine. And if I’m putting 2 + 2 together, Che is the ‘tall glass of sexy with the oceanic eyes’? I’d apologise for exposing Indy but I kinda doubt she cares. Yeah! I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, I’ll talk to him for you. You’re doing a really great thing, y’know. Seems unjust that you’ve gotta miss out on so much of your Spring Break because of the incompetence of others, though. 

Oh… I don’t think I should tell you any of my secrets, especially because we’re on the internet and anyone can read what we’re saying… But yes, it’s more peaceful to stay out of their arguments. Benji thinks so too. Oh, Scotty is reading our conversation? Your brother Scotty? Hello, Scotty Carter! :D Your sister is really nice and thank you both for helping out. 

I was kidding, you’re totally good. No secrets must be spilled, promise. Is Benji your... brother? Sorry, I’ve actually heard Indy talk about you guys but... I mean, she talks a lot so, I dunno. Yeah, he is! He just texted back and said ‘yo’, so I told him to follow you. Let me know if he follows you so I can kick his ass if he doesn’t! You’re really nice, man. We’re both happy to help, though. I'll ask my buddy James if he wants to help out too. The kid loves to clean.

They don’t do anything to me, exactly. But they’re all really loud. Even Hadley and she’s just a baby. So it’s hard to be heard sometimes and eventually I don’t bother speaking up. It’s not worth it when Nathaniel and Jacob are already arguing with each other. I suppose it will be nice to talk to him face to face, but I know he must have lots of other things on… It’s nice to meet you too!

Oh. That’s kinda sad, dude. You deserve to be heard! I’m here, i’m all ears. Tell me your deepest, darkest secrets. It’s fine, it’s only the internet, nobody could possibly find out. Alright, but for real, sometimes it’s better just keeping your head low and letting everyone else go at it, huh? Scotty? I mean, sure, but he’ll make time. Oh, hey! He just texted back, said he’s reading our conversation right now, which means I’ve gotta say all nice things - Hey brother bear! - and that he’ll do it. I mean, it’s Scotty, so he sorta said it in fewer words, but hey, the sentiment is there!

Oh, you must be pretty brave. I back down a lot. Even when it’s with my own cousins. Indy is my roommate! And I know she cares about spring break a lot but she’s like me and cares about the ocean too. I know who he is, but I’ve never talked to him before. He’s really popular. So are his friends. It would be really amazing if they helped out! Oh, I’m Dean, by the way.

Nah, i’m not brave. He’s just not as slick as he thinks he is. Your cousins? Why, what do they do to you? Oh! Dude, that’s cool. And true, she’s gotta care about the ocean and the beach, right? It’s, like, her number one spot. Oh my God, please. Scotty ain’t all that, he’s a total kitten at heart. I’ll text him now, and I bet he’ll say yes! But hey, Dean. Nice to virtually-meet-ya! 

That’s what I think too. What do you mean I’m more sensible? Do you keep in Grant’s way? You’re the only one that’s helping me so far, Lucy. Although I think that Indiana will help me. And I’ll convince Nathaniel and Benji, I’m sure. And if Nathaniel does it, then maybe Will and Laurel will as well. Is your brother… Scotty Carter? Do you really think that he would join in? Wow.

Eh, not quite. I try to avoid any contact with vermin, but y’know. I don’t back down, and he doesn’t like that, so. Wait, for real? That’s dumb. Oh, you know Indiana? You’ve gotta be pretty tight if she’s willing to end her Spring Break helping you clean up, wow. Good for you guys, though. Uh, yeah, that’s him! You know him? He’d totally help if I asked, though. I’m positive. And, hey, ya never know! He might ask a few of his football buddies to come along, too? 

Exactly! The animals shouldn’t have to deal with all that. That doesn’t mean that people should stop having fun, but they can have fun and be environmentally friendly too, right? It’s okay about Grant, I usually just keep out of his way. That’s great that you want to help out though! Can I put your name down?

No, totally. You can have fun without being an ass! You wanna get drunk on the beach? Toss your empty cans into the trash, it’s easy. You’re more sensible than I am, I guess. Yeah, totally! Lucy Carter, jot it down, man. You got many people offering to help out? I could ask my brother, he might consider it?