CHARLOTTE

When I was done, I slid the mug over to him, and he inhaled the aroma first.

"What’s this called?" he asked, and I shrugged again.

"That’s not an answer," he added.

"Actually, it is. It’s called anything your taste buds want it to be. I have my name for it, but I like it when customers give their own. So, what do you want it to be called?" I responded, shoving the pen and notepad back into my pocket.

He lifted the mug, looked at me with uncertainty, then sipped from it and smacked his tongue as he set it down.

"Oh, it’s sweet and hot. I like...