the wolverine

I work in a downtown coffee shop. My clientele: downtown business people and condo yuppies. Both groups are creatures of habit so we get a lot of customer repeats. Because we get so many regulars are generally recognized as – and referred to by their favorite morning caffeine boost. For instance at our little java spot we have “nonfat extrawater americano misto, soy nowater tazo chai, threepumphazelnut withroom boldcoffee, large nonfat nowhip cinnamon latte. Others are known more for their presence: creepy-reading-stare-a-lot guy, incredibly-awake-and-perky-for-the-early-am couple, ted-mosby: architect guy, and the wolverine.

Describing the wolverine is always met with “You mean like Hugh Jackman?” No, no. The Wolverine. As in, if they were to recast the movie he would be it. As in, if the marvel cartoon X-Man was looking for a morning pick me up he would order a 5shot large noroom Americano. It’s not just the perfect two-tone leather coat, it’s not just the facial hair wolverine chops, it’s not just the chunk of man presence that he is, it’s not even just the sweet almost southern way he says ‘thank you kindly’ – it’s definitely all of the above. I’m just saying.

And I am a complete fool in front of this man.
So, it’s a Saturday morning and I’m thinking that I am free from the embarrassment I face in front of this particular Monday-Friday regular. If only. He walks in early morning, taking me off guard and before I am able to filter my otherwise carefully guarded mouth...

“On a Saturday!?! It must be my birthday!”

Oh ya. Outloud. Now it was Saturday morning the cafe was practically empty but those who were leisurely enjoying the Saturday morning definitely heard. That three foot counter that otherwise protects me is unfortunately not sound proof.

Awesome.