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It’s a windy day in the streets, cold gusts blowing, a nice palette in the skies, air flowing through the petals of the plants of the flower beds, taking in the air and bathing in what sunlight lingers.
News has spread like a wildfire that Mountain Blues and Ivory Bloom are Collaborating, bringing traction to this once small yet homely cafe. Norman helps Jack out whilst his assistant, Alistair, works back at the flower shop. He assists the barista through serving customers their warm beverage and tending to the flowers when he can.
Everything that’s happened has brought some life to Jack, the florist taking internal pride in being able to aid the previously downtrodden barista, observations confirming that his help has loosened Jack a little, giving the barista a breather, in turn allowing the charming and easygoing demeanour to sow and bloom into something entirely new, which improved the number in frequent visitors and similar customers. After all, the personalised conversations and the charm of the place always is apart of the order; or at least that’s how Norman interpreted it, being a frequent visitor himself.
Jack’s easygoing and friendly personality always made the coffee taste better, knowing the person who served it.
February has reached, therefore it has been 2 months since Ivory Bloom and Mountain Blues have formed a deal, the flowers at a stage of growth and the two business owners bonding through Norman’s trivial facts as well as advice on flower care and gardening in general, on the other hand Jack tells his steps on brewing a good cup whilst maintaining a charming demeanour, brightening every room he entered.
Jack approached Norman, a face as bright as a sunflower whilst the florist was applying fertiliser mixed with water to the seedlings preparing to bloom whilst adapting to the late phase of the winter weather.
“Ah, Norman! I was looking for you. Anyhoo, since Valentine’s is coming up..
(“Shit, Valentine’s? That slipped past my mind. Is he gonna..? No, no! It’s probably just somethin’ business related, knowing him. Then again, it buys time to ask the man, so..”)
“Yeah? What about it?” Norman replied calmly, in contrast to his lively mind thinking ahead.
“I’ve got an idea we can try out for our collaboration.”
(“Jesus, Jack. Did anyone ever tell you that you’re very predictable?”)
“Lay it on me.” The florist responded, diverting his attention on the feeding of the plants to focus on what the buzzing barista has to say.
Jack fiddles with his hands as he speaks, tapping his fingers together as he thinks of how to word it.
“So.. what if, for Valentine’s, any couple, or anyone, even; comes in and orders, gets a small bouquet of roses with your card on it? If the customers like the roses, then they’ll check your shop out and potentially buy more. It helps your shop, it helps my cafe; its a win-win situation. What do ya think?” The barista proposes, gesturing his hands in front and waving them as to connote ‘ta-daa!!’ His enthusiastic hazel eyes awaiting the answer of the composed and cold-green eyed florist.
Norman nods after some thinking, his fingers interlocking in thought, as if instinctual.
“I think I can go along with that.” Norman accepted.
“Great! I’ll try and get things prepped, even if it’s a wee bit early. But hey, early bird catches the worm, right?” The barista remarks, glad that the florist accepts.
Norman simply replies with a nod and a shrug, his focus shifting back to the flowers in need of fertilisation whilst Jack heads back in the prepare today’s shift.
February 13th
Norman was beginning to close up shop, loading the key into the lock and rotating a full circumference as he watched the shutter slowly and time consumingly descend. In that time of wait, his phone goes off in his pocket and upon discovering the source of the vibration, found that Jack was calling him.
The florist taps his finger on the screen briskly. “Hello?” He answered, his voice more enthusiastic than his usual.
“Ah, Norman. I hope I’m not interrupting anything? I’d hate to take your time when it could be invested into something better.” The barista replied.
“Oh no, no, I was just about to close up for the night. You need anythin’?”
“I forgot to tell you beforehand, so I thought maybe the day before tomorrow could be a good time since we could make early arrangements before the rush comes. It’s got something to do with the event. The valentine’s promotion.”
“Ah. What about it?”
“I need to know if you’d be okay wearing a bear costume. Like a mascot. It’s to help with engagement and promotion. I understand if you don’t feel comfortable to wear one. I figured it’d be optimum if I got your say now, than last minute.” Reilly proposed.
(“Don’t tell me it’s gonna be a pre-owned one.”)
The mental picture of being stuck in a smelly, sweaty used mascot suit made Norman grimace in disgust, his body shuddering in response.
“Norm? You there?”
“Yeah. Yeah I’m there. Yeah. I’ll take the job. I’ll wear the costume.” Norman accepts reluctantly.
“That’s great! I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”
“Mhm.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
February 14th has found its way onto the calendar’s landing spot; 90% of dinner spots booked up, flowers, plushies and chocolates on sale, the freshly tended and bloomed ones selling fast, leaving only the closed and the growing.
Word has gone around faster than a beehive being built about mountain blues offering a promotion of coffee as well as handing succulent bouquets of roses to those who order as to celebrate the day of romance.
Things are going perfect. To Norman’s relief, the costume turned out to be brand new; so thankfully, no traces of foul odour.
Jack had explained to him that he had conjured up the idea of a mascot ever since he started the place, but never exactly had the money and kept the idea aside.
Fortunately, thanks to some commission work, he was able to put the idea into execution.
A felt brown bear with beady black eyes, a black nose and an endearing smile to go with it, dawning a navy apron with the logo composed in the centre; a hot coffee cup with steam forming the silhouette of mountains. He was able to scrounge up the extra few bucks to add some variety to the aprons for the sake of special occasions;
In this case, a light pink apron with some slight differences; instead of the mountainous silhouette, petite hearts came out of the cup, for valentine’s; the one in which the bear is going to dawn for the current occasion.
Norman, bearing the character of the mascot bear, stands stationed near the entrance, taking the names of who enters; helping to retain the memory of who got given the small bouquets.
When he isn’t stationed, he’s bringing orders to customers sitting in, making a humble character of the hearty bear.
Things are going well, customers are satisfied with their cordial beverage. That is, until what is presumed to be a family of three through Norman’s observation; a woman with short fair brown hair, brown irises, a black coat with a collar, complimenting the dark purple shirt she sports underneath; an equitably tall, well shaven man with grey eyes sporting a hunter green sweater and a dark brown coat, and who Norman assumes to be their son, who has dark short hair, like his father, and brown eyes, like his mother, wearing a black coat and some trousers and boots to go with it.
“Hi. Table for 3? We booked a reservation.”
The father spoke, his voice calm and well-mannered.
“Reservation? I’ll check that out…” Norman replied.
It was really not his style to be over the top, so he instinctually cringed at himself in embarrassment. Anything to stay in character, I guess. If anything, he thought Jack did the conversational parts better, but unfortunately the barista can’t trust himself outside of the counter, with his perfectionistic tendencies.
“Ah! Ethan Mars, is it? Table for 3, Wednesday the 14th of February?” Norman asked, looking at the three waiting ever so patiently to be led.
“Yep. That’s us.” Ethan answered, exchanging a respectable smile to the florist in costume.
“Right this way, sir! And what’s the name of your kid?”
Ethan turns to the spaced out and curious 10 year old and gives his shoulder a soft tap.
“Hey bud, why don’t you introduce yourself?”
The kid looks at the mascot curiously and in awe, probably because of how adorable it looks. Who couldn’t resist a beady eyed smiling animal?
“I’m Shaun.” The kid introduces himself.
“Nice to meet you, Shaun. You have very nice parents. I’m sure you’re in good hands.” Norman replied, offering a paw with the costume, to which the kid shakes it with glee.
Norman faces the presumed couple.
“You two are very good parents. You’re doing a great job.” He remarked, handing the small bouquet of roses to the two.
Eventually the chatter between the two settled into an awkward chuckle, the tense silence lingering for a few seconds.
“A.. uh, anyway, let’s get you to your table. Don’t want to keep you standing here all cold and in need of a warm cup, yeah?” Norman spoke to break the silence, unaware of his stammering. the three followed as he led them to their table.
He gets the three to a table and after they’ve settled, a heavy sigh of relief paints Norman’s face, even if it goes unnoticed by those who just see a mascot costume.
A few minutes of inviting customers and seating them, he begins to hand out orders, going from bustling table to composed; the last thing he’d expect was to find he had to serve that same family their coffee and pastry next. That lump in his throat that was building up and his heart rate came back from the grave to haunt him as he headed over to that table, taking deep breaths as he approached them.
He humbly reached their table, handing Ethan, Madison (whom he had learned the name from eavesdropping whilst leading them to their table) and Shaun, handing the kid his hot cocoa and pain au chocolat, Ethan and Madison their cups.
They all each shared their gratitude to the mascot unassumingly, and just as he was going to pick up another order, his ears catch a conversation.
“That’s the third time we’ve been confused for a couple this week. I kind of expected something.. quiet. Just two friends catching up for the week, but hey, it’s amusing.” Madison remarked, a chuckle following afterwards.
(“Fuck! There you go again Norman, making everything awkward for everyone like you always do! God knows what other friendships I confused for a couple! They’re probably laughing at that fact, ‘wow, that bear is so stupid! Wow! Ahahaha!’”)
The walk back to the counter was gruelling. Each step his eyes scoured each surrounding, each table he passed by and heard giggling, especially from two new visitors.
“Jeez, Gavin, you remember this time too?!”
(“You remember this time that this brainless bear confused us for a couple?”)
“Ellie, you were so beat on it too!”
(“Like.. how could this bear be so dense for jumping to conclusions?”)
Every little conversation that he passed, blanks filled with nothing but people laughing at him, picking at him. All over one common mistake. Eventually reaching the counter, Reilly spots Norman.
Unfortunately, his distress is unseen. He’s usually used to people seeing his distress and reading his body language, but unfortunately that isn’t possible when you’re stuck in a stuffy mascot costume.
All Norman could muster up is: “I need a break.. you mind takin’ over, Jack?” He pleaded, his voice cracking, desperate to get away from the noise so he won’t have to hear the laughter of the customers in the cafe.
Fortunately, Jack picks up on it and with a nod, he allows Norman to come through and take a breather.
The florist in costume scampers to the staff restroom, taking off the headpiece, intaking heavy breaths at once, his chest heaving and hands shaking tremulously. He turns on the tap of the sink, watching the cold water flow down like a miniature waterfall and onto his hands, splashing the water onto himself to wake him up. Nothing seems to work, so he rotates the tap anti-clockwise, his hands running down his face and covering it, leaning against a wall and attempting to gather his bearings.
Norman stands up and faces his disheveled self in the mirror.
“Norman, you need to get your shit together, your ACT together.” He scowled under his breath, pacing around the empty bathroom.
“Fuck! So you confuse two people’s relationship because you’re so overwhelmed by a special occasion that you didn’t bother thinking that they could be friends! They’re chortling at you, at how vacuous you are, everyone’s laughing at you! If I hadn’t have been aware that this would happen, I’d have never taken the fuckin’ offer in the first place! But then Jack’ll be upset at me and will PROBABLY try to guilt trip me into doing it! I applaud whoever works as a mascot, because these suits are so stuffy, and it’s just-“
He grinds his teeth, cutting himself off as he goes back to lean against the wall, cornered.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
What Norman didn’t know was that the barista had been hearing it from outside the door, catching a few words, but enough to understand the situation. His expression abates, eyes staring down at the ground with a solemn frown painting his face. He understood the situation Norman was in. He knew it too well.
(“How could I get this across to him? I know the situation he’s in. I’ve made mistakes like this, too, and maybe even acted out like that, as well. But how can I tell this in an understanding way, a way that helps reassure him that I relate and understand, without coming off as self centred? Fuck. Think, Jack. Think. I know me ma told me not to think too much, but I’m at fault. Nonono. It’s not my fault, is it? Norm just.. has trouble expressing boundaries. Or his feelings in general. I mean, i’ve had trouble too, but he’s more closed off about it. That aside, there’s maybe other factors that play into this. Maybe it has something to do with the customers.”)
With a sigh and a plan, Jack goes to the entrance, outside of the counter and outside of his comfort zone.
Customers come in and out, thanks to thinking too deep, he takes note to make a dash to grab dishes.
(“Yeah, maybe mum might’ve been a wee bit right when she said not to think too much.”)
Chuckling to himself, and with time on his hands, he approaches table by table, conversing with customers when he can. Eventually reaching Ethan’s table.
“Afternoon, I really apologise for the long service and wait. Have you all finished?” Reilly asks the three.
“No need to apologise. All that matters is your drinks and food were great. I can tell a lot of love was put into it.”
Ethan replies politely.
“Can’t forget the bear, too! He was really nice!” Shaun chimed in.
“Where is he? Did something happen?” The kid adds, his head tilting in curiosity.
“Ah, he’s taking a little break after all the hard work he’s been doing. A good bear needs his break to eat and gain back his energy, after all.” The barista answers.
“Can I see him? Pleasee?” Shaun pleaded.
“After his break, kiddo. I’ll put a wee word in and i promise—”
“..can assure you that he’ll come over and bid you goodbye. ‘kay, bud?”
“Okay! Dad, can we wait a little longerr? I want to see the bear!”
“Okay, Shaun. Mads, you wouldn’t mind chatting for a little longer? Shaun’s just as ecstatic as a lightbulb and wanting to see the bear that served us again.” Ethan asks Madison.
“I think I can stay longer. I’m not really busy today, anyway. I was just going to workout afterwards and then head home and write.” She replies.
Shaun really was all over the moon. He was beaming like the sun. Quite infectious, too. It got a grin painted onto Jack’s face when he saw it, as he went on to grab more dishes to bring to the kitchen.
He approaches another table.
“Hey! Waiter! Where’s the bear? Doesn’t he usually serve the dishes?” Ellie chimed in.
“Jesus, quiet down, El.” Gavin intervened.
“The bear’s on a break. He needs to energise for the next rush of orders, y’know? Every bear needs a wee break to energise.” The barista replied, taking the two plates and empty cups, bringing them back to the kitchen and setting them carefully on a desk.
(“I think that should be just enough for me to reassure him. The people like his character as a bear. I love the way he characterises the bear as well. Maybe it’d make him feel better knowing that.”)
Jack takes a glass and fills a quarter of it with water, before going to the staff bathroom and knocking.
“Norm?”
The door creaked open to norman, as downtrodden as the barista was on the day norman offered the proposition.
“You need a listener? I’m here.” Reilly reassured, leaning on the wall next to Norman.
“I made a mistake, and god, I think I’ve made it so much and it’s just- it’s just eating away at me. It doesn’t help that I’m stuck in some stuffy suit as well! The customers probably hate me! I can’t seem to maintain an easygoing personality as much as you do!”
“You know, it’s not about an easygoing personality all of the time. Sometimes, people need someone to relate to. And through this.. modest, well-spoken character that you’ve created through bearing the mascot bear, who I, haven’t even come up with a name for, funnily enough. But that aside, people liked it. The customers loved this somewhat clumsy, modest and well-speaking personality that you put into this bear. They don’t hate you. In fact, people were asking about you, y’know?”
“I made a mistake though! I literally assumed Two friends and their kid to be a couple, a family!”
“That’s a common mistake. We all make mistakes, Norm. Even I do. I’ve made big mistakes. Some that maybe even have me pondering just as much as you do..” Jack countered.
“But the incident with the confusion isn’t gonna go through their minds in a day. It’s just gonna be something that happened, and then they’ll forget about it.” He continues.
“I understand how you feel. I was just as bad as you. I took every small mistake too far, and over thought it a lot. It just takes closure and reassurance to stop thinking about it. And sure, while it may not help entirely, it’ll help alleviate the stress about it, and it’ll just be a memory you can look back on when you’re old and retired.” The barista assured.
The florist looked to the barista with a teary-eyed expression.
“You do?”
Norman looks away from the barista, sniffling and Rubbing his face with his hands. U
pon being offered the glass of water by Jack, he took the offer and sipped some of the cold drink, taking in gulps of air.
Reilly waited patiently.
“That’s it. Take some nice, big breaths.“ he encouraged, taking Norman’s left hand in his and clasping it gently. The tormented florist reciprocates and squeezes Jack’s hand slowly.
“You know, the people out there, as I said. They loved your character and the way you characterised this new mascot bear that was merely just an experiment. I think we’re better off keeping the mascot until later, when we are stable enough to hire.” Reilly spoke.
He traces his finger along Norman’s palm gently, his fingernail lightly grazing against his hand, but not hard enough to elicit pain. Just enough to elicit some sensation to take his mind off of the things burdening the florist.
“It’s giving me a good idea on what I want the character to be. I know i may have the charm, and the easygoing personality, but you on the other hand have the composed, cool and polite personality. I’d never have thought up a sweet, polite and hearty bear. That’s what I love about you, Norm. We both compliment eachother, and that makes for a range of all sorts of ideas from both parties.
The people love you, and I do.”
Norman exhales softly, his stiff body and posture loosening.
“Thanks, Jack.”
(“I hope you know it’s likewise.”)
Norman stands up, stretching his back and legs, starting to get into the mascot costume once again, the headpiece in his arms.
“I think I feel ready to get back to work for the rest of the afternoon.”
“That’s the spirit. Whaddaya say we go out for Valentine’s as single men and drink the night away? After all, Valentine’s isn’t just about romance as well: it’s about celebrating friendship, too.” Jack offered.
“Yeah, that sounds great.” Norman accepted.