Aloud

I stepped into the empty shop. A serious blond teenager addressed the chime in French. « Welcome. Please seat yourself anywhere. » I chose a corner table along the long window facing the streets, and sat with my back to the wall. A hint of cleaning fluid was in the smell of coffee permeating the small space. The worker came with a laminated menu. « Need time? »

« No thanks. Is the boss here? I hope to apply. »

« Apply for the job? » He twitched his eye, but replied: « One moment. Alain! »