I pushed open the door, and the smell of coffee and fresh baked goods flowed over me like a warm blanket. I sighed as I took a deep breath of the amazing aroma. Cinnamon, apples, pumpkin, coffee, and chocolate all permeated my senses. Okay, I could admit the place smelled awesome. This might be a bad place to work, after all. My mouth was already drooling over the large selection in the display case, and I had a terrible case of a sweet tooth.

As I waited in line, I stared up at the brightly scribbled boards with what felt like an infinite number of selections and wondered how the workers memorized all of these different concoctions.

“Ooh, fresh blood.” The guy behind the counter said as he looked me up and down.

“I’m sorry, what?” My eyes flicked to his name badge that boldly stated his name was Jorge.

He pursed his lips and pointed a finger at me, wiggling it up and down. “You, Babycakes, are a Mode virgin. I can tell.” Jorge gave me a dramatic wink. “But not to worry, I’m the best at knowing what someone would want.”

“Oh no, I….”

“Ah, ah, don’t interrupt the creative process. I got you, girl.” I lifted a brow at him as a blush crept across my cheeks. This was not how I saw this application process going.

“You’re a wildling, but you keep it hidden because you feel repressed by something else in your life…could be a person, maybe a job.” Jorge hesitated and then continued. “You like rich, bold flavors, but nothing too fancy and a hint of spice that will curl your toes on a cold winter’s night. I know just the thing.” His fingers moved quickly along the digital register, and he proceeded to smile. “That will be eleven thirty-five, please,” he practically sang.

I dug around in my purse and pulled out a twenty to hand over but held onto the bill as his fingers touched it. “I’m here because I’d like to apply for the position I heard you have available, but I’ll also take the coffee because I’m very curious how you guessed all that about me with one look.”

A wicked smile spread across his face as he handed over my change.

“I’ll never share my secret, but as far as the job goes….” Jorge tapped his beautifully manicured, hot pink nail on the counter. “Let me see to the rest of these customers, and if you’re still sitting here when I’m through, we can talk about the job.”

“This is your place?”

“Don’t look so shocked, Sweetie.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just this is an awesome spot, and I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to get something so successful off the ground, let alone the cost involved. I’m impressed.”