Misunderstanding
DATE
FEBRUARY 1, 2039
TIME
AM 09:23:17
Connor stepped
through the door of the Cup and a Half Café which was nearly full of customers.
He spied Haley at the back and straightened his tie before he proceeded to the
L-shaped counter.
Haley spun around
and placed two full paper coffee cups in a drink holder. She saw him
approaching and smiled. “Hey Connor.”
He enjoyed her
smile. More than any other human’s. Why did something so simple make him
feel…good? “Good morning Miss Haley.”
“Give me just a
few more minutes, the order is almost ready.”
“No rush. I’m
sorry for the trouble. Hank has been complaining about the coffee at the
station. He asked if I’d get some from you and a few of the other guys jumped on
board.”
Haley paused for
a second, smiling at him again, very sincerely. “It’s no problem. I’m happy to
do it.” She returned to her coffee crafting, moving with efficiency and familiarity.
Impressive.
Connor leaned on
the counter, watching her work. “So how did you come to own Cup and a Half
Café?”
“My dad was
actually the one who opened it.” Haley faced the counter, snapping two lids on
the last two coffee cups. “I’ve never known anyone with more of a love for
coffee. I pretty much grew up here.”
Connor’s gaze
followed her as she rounded the corner and reached into the bakery display with
a napkin. She plucked out two croissants, two scones, and two muffins. She
boxed them up, then stacked them neatly inside a paper bag.
Connor came to
meet her at the register with the coffees.
“I think I
probably started drinking coffee when the rest of the kids were still on juice
boxes.” Haley rang in all the items on the resister.
Connor chuckled
and the sound of Haley laughing as well made something in him…stir. He placed
his palm on the scanner to confirm payment.
Haley stared at
him a moment, with a curious expression. “You’re not as serious as I thought.”
“What do you
mean?”
“Well, not too
long ago, you were the ‘deviant hunter.’ I know androids are programmed to fit
in social situations and all, but…I don’t know.” Haley shook her head.
Connor blinked at
her.
“David was free
but, even he seemed…stiff sometimes.” She shrugged. “Guess I expected a
high-tech criminal investigative android to be more…”
“Robotic?”
Haley stared into
his eyes. “Yeah…” Her lips remained parted. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t--“
Connor gave her a
crooked smirk and shook his head slightly. “I should get back to the office.”
He cradled the drinks in one arm and grabbed the bag of baked goods with the
other. “Thanks for the coffee.” He turned and headed for the front of the café.
Haley stood behind
the counter, watching the door swing shut behind the android. Her heart had
fluttered when Connor had leaned in close the other night at the bar.
She let out a long
sigh and cursed herself.
