Chapter Text
Most days at Beans in the Belfry were quiet. Not quiet in the bad no customers way but in the regular not much noise way or unexciting way. And if Carlos was to be honest with himself, he prefered his cafe that way. A peaceful place to curl up and enjoy good coffee in. He enjoyed seeing people from all walks of life come together to enjoy his brew. Especially this one woman, an RPD member called Jill Valentine. He remembered the day she first came through his door fondly.
Carlos was behind the counter drying up the mugs he just washed up. His charcoal coloured apron was somewhat damp from getting splashed running a spoon under the tap. The bell above the door rang out signalling a customer. He set down the dishtowel, placed the mug in its place above the espresso machine, and turned around to greet them only to be awestruck. There in front of him was the most beautiful woman head seen, clad in the city’s police uniform. Her mousy brown hair was chin-length, perfectly framing her face and highlighting her jawline with how it was tucked behind her ear on one side. Her lips were full and plump but what stole his attention were those pale blue eyes of hers.
She awkwardly cleared her throat. Shit, he’d been staring.
Carlos chuckled nervously, scratching his head, “Sorry ‘bout that, bonita, got lost in your eyes for a second. What can I get for you?”
She scoffed, “I’d like an americano to go, now that you’ve snapped out of it.”
“Would you like milk with that?”
She looked affronted, “Americanos are meant to be served without milk, you should know that. If I wanted a milk coffee I would’ve ordered something else.”
And with that, she had his heart.
Luckily, he hadn’t blown it that day and scared her off. She came back the very next day saying the coffee was the best she had. Carlos happily explained to her that his family back in Colombia owned some land and allowed him to rent it from them to grow his own beans, how he hired local troubled youths to tend to his crops to give them a second chance at life. It was on her third visit that he caught her name. It had been busier than usual, probably because it was valentine’s day so there was a lot of couples about, meaning he had multiple orders on the go.
“If you tell me your name I’ll call you over when your drink is ready.”
“It's Valentine. Jill Valentine.”
“How about you be my Valentine this year bonita?”
Jill snorted, “As if I haven’t heard that one before. Maybe next year if you come up with something more original?”
That was a year ago. As he prepared to set up shop, he put up decorations. Not too many, just a tasteful amount. Even got a new special made apron saying “Kiss The Barista”. He was going to shoot his shot and, hopefully, be successful unlike every other day she stopped by. He was used to her rejection at this point but he wasn’t going to give up because Carlos Oliveira was no quitter.
Like clockwork, Jill arrived at 8am on the dot to get sate her caffeine addiction.
“The usual, Carlos.”
“Of course mi amor.” Carlos made quick work of her order, remembering it off by heart and handed it to her, “Would you like a date with that? It’s a one day only offer because its the day of love.”
Jill shrugged, “Sure why not. As long as its free.”
Carlos grinned, “I’m free after 4 today. How does that sound for our date?”
Jill’s jaw dropped in astonishment as her eyebrows shot up. Carlos winked at her making her shake her head with a giggle.
“Well, when you put it that way I can’t say no. I don’t finish my shift until 6 so I’ll meet you outside the station then?”
It was Carlos’ turn to be shocked as red painted his cheeks and the tips of his ears, “Sssssure.”
Jill’s eyes darted down for a brief second before meeting his own with a smirk. Placing her hands on the counter she leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek.
“See you at 6, beau.”