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but please don’t talk to me kind of way. Sarika leaned
over her countertop, staring at everyone, and Leila smiled
at the sight. Her best friend, intimidating a room full of
people, leaning over the wooden countertop like a beau
tiful gargoyle.
h, the man started.
No, Sarika interrupted, pointing at him. He wouldn’t.
You do the best business while I’m here. She smacked the
machine and it let out a loud whee e. And you know it.
Okay, okay, Mr. Hathaway said, waving a hand at her
from inside the kitchen. o your thing.
When the crowd died down, Leila slid out of her fa
vorite corner and headed up towards the barista station.
So, like I was saying, Sarika continued. She glanced
up at Leila quickly before smacking the machine while
she cranked at levers and adjusted values, like a mad sci
entist behind a doomsday device. “I’m not here to judge.
You’re my best friend and I love you. But is this really the
way you want to spend your last day before everything
starts up? I know it’s only summer programing, but really?
Here This caf
I can hear you over there, Mr. Hathaway grumbled.
Leila and Sarika laughed.
It’s either here or at home on the boards, Leila said,
shrugging. “Or wandering around the neighborhood alone.
I promise, I’ll get out more when enrichment or summer
school or whatever it’s called starts. I’ll make some new
friends from a different school or something.
Eee Sarika let out a squeal that rivaled even the
loudest noises the espresso machine could possibly make.

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