He turned the Corner onto Third Street and went up the block to Cup O'Joe. "Hey, Jack," said Marc, the barista, as he approached the Counter. "Latte?"
"Mmm... nah. Gimme a large Mocha with a shot of hazelnut, skim, no Whip."
"Okay." He rung up the sale. "By yourself tonight?"
"My better half is home asleep. Just got back from a two-week trip."
"Well, tell him I've got some 'regular goddamn coffee' here with his Name on it," Marc said, winking.

Auteur: Jane Seville