Page 6 of Our Final Game

The coffee shop I frequent is buzzing with customers; it used to be my secret spot before some fucker spread it all over social media. And that’s great for them that they’re getting business, but that means I have to stand in long-ass lines every morning now just for an americano. It’s fine. They’re making their money, and I’m happy for them.

I make it to the register and patiently wait for my usual barista to finish up the other drinks on the bar. I check my phone to see if my dad has sent his daily barrage of texts about how I’m wasting time working for his brother instead of our family business. And thank God there’s nothing.

“Hey, Ty! Sorry for the wait, getting your usual?” The barista beams.

“Nah, you’re good, no rush. I know you guys are busy. But yeah, my usual.”

“Yeah, it’s been a little crazy lately. I’ll get right on it.” She says and rings my order up. I tap my phone against the screen and tip before I walk over to the handoff station.

“How’s work going?” she asks.

“It’s going okay. My boss is useless as ever.”

“Ha! Tell me about it. Ours has yet to adjust the schedule to accommodate the uptick in business.”

“Yeah, I see that.” I chuckle, grabbing the iced drink from her as she passes it my way.

“Wait, why is yours useless?”

“Because the game we’re testing apparently only works here and there according to my co-workers. I mean it’s working fine for me, but we need it to be working for everyone, all the time. Not sometimes. And he’s not sounding super concerned about it.”

“Hmnn, he does sound kind of useless.” She chuckles.

“Yeah, and he should probably look into it, but whatever. It’s his job, and he’s the boss.” I shrug, taking a sip of the bitter liquid.

“Well, as long as you’re getting paid.” She laughs as she hands me Carter’s sugary-ass latte, if you can even call it that. Looks like syrupy milk with a side of espresso. I roll my eyes.

“Yeah, exactly. But alright, gotta head back. Thanks for the coffee.”

“Of course, see you tomorrow!” She smiles, and I give her a little nod.

Just as I’m making my way back to the path that leads to our office, my phone pings from my pocket. I sigh, knowing exactly what I might find; it’s always been the same bullshit with my family. I balance the drink tray in one hand, fishing my phone out to check the new messages.

Little One

ty! dad froze my fucking cards again :(

Me

shit ok, I’ll talk to him, don’t say anything.

Little One

ok thanks,, sorry for bothering you i know you’re busy at work :(

Me

it’s ok, you’re not bothering me, get to class

Little One

I’m going! let’s hang out! miss you!

Me

yeah miss you too, i’ll set something up

Little One