#paris:chat

In truth, he could have worn his usual attire. Perhaps, he could have chosen chinos and a nicer button up, he could have even gotten away with jeans and a nicer shirt, but no. It was a celebration for love and Saint Valentine, afterall. When he’d proposed the idea, Julieta’s eyeroll was something formidable, one he was sure could have caused an earthquake to tilt Paris off of its axis, But it was too good to pass up on and sure they weren’t near Hallow’s Eve, but what could he say? When he could, he’d play the part and swimmingly. Donned in his Cupid attire, Luca could feel the felt of the red wings laying across his back as he chose bushels of flowers for minute gifts. Though he wondered if it was too gimmicky, it was certainly drawing attention and any attention he could draw for the business was good in theory. With a brilliant smile, he thanked patrons as they supported the table, and just as he heard another person approaching, he carefully played around with his bow and arrow (also made from plastic and felt ) before he said, “Anyone I should strike on for you today?” 

Merde. He’d been muttering the phrase under his breath from the very moment he switched on to the lights to the shop. Luca braced himself for the onslaught of orders that Julieta had failed to give him a heads up on, something he probably deserved after the last time he’d taken a day to himself in the middle of the busiest season. If this was to be his comeuppance then so be it, but today he was certainly feeling how it came at a price. Being the primary floral arranger wasn’t an issue on their slower days, but having to be the arranger as well as the main barista after an employee of theirs had called in sick? That was the kicker. 

The colder days seemed to drive in business from those trying to remember what the warmth of spring felt like, and if it wasn’t the florals they were certainly excited to warm up with a coffee or two from the adjoining cafe’. The man juggled two mugs in one hand and secured a pot filled with fresh flowers that needed to be tended to in the other. The sound of the bell ringing from the front door, a sign that another occupant had entered had him counting quietly in his mind as he tried not to drop everything onto the floor. Moving with finesse he managed to set the pot down and get the mugs where they needed to be. He could survive this, and leave a wordy text to Julieta later. “Welcome!” He beamed, turning to the person who had entered, despite the rising stress, he knew he had to be open, charming even. “Please take a look around and I’ll help you with your order in a moment, unless this is a preorder?”