7 The Effect of the Coffee (1/2)
As Alan stood behind the counter, the bell rang as the door opened and a man walked in.
Alan recognized him as Tom, his first ever customer.
”Good morni--” He began, but cut off as Tom slammed his hands down on the counter and stared at Alan with bloodshot eyes.
”What did you slip me yesterday?”Tom demanded.
Alan looked confused.”What do you mean?”
”Don't play coy, what did you put in my coffee?”Tom leaned across the counter getting in Alan's face.
Alan remained calm.”I didn't put anything in your coffee.I just made it like normal.”
Tom took a breath to calm down and leaned back.”You really didn't add anything to it?” He said doubtfully.
Alan replied, ”Why would I spike a customer's drink?What does that do for me?Think about this logically.”
Tom thought about it and realized what Alan said made sense.”I'm sorry,” He apologized.
Alan just nodded before saying, ”It's fine.But, more importantly, what made you think I put something in your coffee?Did it make you sick?”
Tom shook his head.”No, if anything it was the opposite.I felt more focused than I have in years.I got an entire week's worth of work done in one day.”
Understanding dawned on Alan and he struggled to keep his face straight.”System,” He thought.”Could it be that this was the effect of the ultimate cup of joe?”
”Confirmed, Host.”The system replied.”As the description states the ultimate cup of joe increases concentration and productivity.”
Alan was dumbfounded.”That's great system, but what am I supposed to tell my customers?”
”Host is the future owner of the world's most luxurious cafe.If Host can't handle such a small problem wouldn't that be too pathetic?”
Alan sighed.”Right, right, I don't know what I expected.”
Focusing on Tom, he thought fast and spoke.”I really didn't slip you anything.That being said, I guarantee that my brewing process is perfect. Even using inferior coffee beans like they have in this shop, the quality of the coffee is much higher.As a result, it's possible the caffeine was absorbed by your system better than normal.”
Tom seemed kind of doubtful at first, but his expression grew more thoughtful as Alan finished speaking.It's not that what Alan said made particular sense.It's more that Tom couldn't think of another explanation.Human beings have a tendency to accept far fetched explanations for things they can't understand.
Tom nodded.”That might just be it.I'm used to crappy coffee from chain stores.High quality coffee naturally has a better effect.Alright, could I get another coffee…” He paused here, looking at Alan's chest for a nametag.
”Alan Pender,” Alan told him.
”Alright Alan.Sorry for coming in here all agitated before.Could I get a coffee please?”
Alan nodded.”Of course, coming right up.”
Meanwhile, the manager John had come out to see what the commotion was about.”Is everything okay, sir?”He asked Tom.