"I'm a master of buffoonery," the man declared, a touch too confidently.  

 

He coughed, slightly embarrassed by Bianca's icy "How utterly tragic," and gestured towards the drinks menu. "So, what will you have?"

 

Annoyed, I tugged on Bianca's arm. "Bi, can you stop making them stare at us like we're freaks? Just let him apologize."

 

Bianca gazed at the man and said, "I'll have a mint chocolate latte, please."

 

I responded, "A caramel macchiato for me, and two desserts with strawberries, please."

 

The man nodded curtly, the movement sharp and efficient, before turning back to the countertop.  He didn't look at me, his hands already moving with practiced ease as...