Cafe and Joy

Coffee and Joy. Diana McDonald

As I wandered into the cafe, I saw Carrie sitting at our usual place. I smiled.

"Hey you."

She put down her glass and looked at me. "Hey yourself. You're late."

I sat in the booth opposite her and picked up a menu. "Traffic was a bitch. Sorry about that."

"Again?" She smirked.

"Hey!" I tried not to grin, "It's only been twice...this week."

"It's only Tuesday."

"Good point. Sorry." I mumbled.

"Don't worry about it." She took a sip of her coffee. "You having anything?"

I glanced at the menu. "Yeah, latte for me I think."

I ordered my coffee and then re-took my seat.

"So, are you gonna tell me why you summoned me here? I hate it when you're so cryptic by text." She glared. "You sounded like a nutter, you know."

"So I did. But yes, all will be revealed once my caffeine fix had been administered."

"Ok..." I hesitated, knowing this would annoy Carrie. She glared at me.

"Spit it out!"

"Oh my, how utterly rude!" I winked at her and the look on her face kind of looked like Vesuvius just before it said hi to Pompeii.

I took a breath, "I'll get to the point. Well, you know I had that review at work on Friday?"

"Yeah, the one you were so sure would suck?"

"Well..it didn't suck." I smiled, "Mr Sanaki asked me how I thought I was doing and that kinda thing and I told him that I loved the job, things going well, yadda yadda. And guess what he said?" I paused for dramatic effect. Carrie sighed.

"You suck?" she muttered. I laughed and shook my head.

"No, actually, he said he thought my work was fantastic and I was wasted where I was. He then offered me a new contract...and a promotion." I watched my best friends eyes light up.

"Oh my god!!!" She shrieked, "I am so happy for you!" She leapt out of her seat and hugged me. Then she smiled,

"So, where are you taking me to celebrate?"