Amaris' POV
The espresso machine gave a low hiss as another customer stepped up to the counter. I handed off a cappuccino with a perfectly sculpted foam heart, nodding politely as the recipient grinned in delight.
Just as I turned to wipe down the counter, I noticed Trent speaking with Ethan at one of the computer stations of the bar. Ethan said something I couldn't quite hear, and Trent's brows furrowed, his posture conflicted, a tightness in his shoulders I hadn't seen earlier. He looked torn—troubled in a way that felt deeper than the surface.
Of course, I was already familiar with what Ethan likely said, having seen this moment in the show. 'It is most likely related to their project. Fortunately, I completed mine just yesterday.'
I soon realized I had been gazing in their direction for quite some time, and so, I courteously averted my eyes.
"Waiter? Order up. Hello?"
The voice carried across the bar like a blaring siren, shattering the gentle background chatter and soft clinking of mugs.
"Waiter!"
My head turned instinctively. Cassidy.
She waved her manicured hand in the air as if swatting an invisible fly. "Waiter! Waiter! Hello?"
I took a steadying breath and approached her table with practiced grace, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek.
"Yes?" I inquired calmly, offering a polite tilt of my head.
Cassidy huffed dramatically. "My decaf latte? I ordered it, like, ten minutes ago!"
I smiled with measured warmth. "Yes, I'll go pick up your order now."
I turned on my heel, prepared to retrieve her drink, when the man beside her—Devin, the ever-dutiful tagalong and secretly kind soul—lifted a hesitant hand.
"Miss, sorry to bother, but… my smoothie?"
"Understood," I replied with a slight bow of my head. "Please give me just a moment."
I made my way to the kitchen, where the bustle of the bar pulsed in controlled chaos. One of the chefs flipped an omelet with a flourish. The air was filled with the scent of caramelized onions, ground espresso, and cinnamon. Amid the chaos, I located the decaf latte on the service counter. The small sticker on the cup read Table 5. Cassidy and Devin.
'Smoothie, however… nowhere in sight.'
I glanced around, but the blenders were unused and the prep station untouched.
I sighed inwardly. It seemed no one had seen Devin's order.
Well then.
I secured the latte first and navigated my way back to Table 5. Cassidy was mid-rant about her "decaf latter" when I arrived.
"One decaf latte," I said, placing it gently before her.
"Oh, thanks," she said without even glancing at me.
I turned my attention to Devin, who offered an apologetic shrug.
"Apologies for the delay, sir," I said softly. "But could you please give me a minute to make your smoothie?"
Devin looked up, surprised. "Oh, of course. No worries."
"Thank you." I bowed my head again and walked briskly back to the counter, tying my apron tighter as I stepped behind it.
Fortunately, my parents had insisted I take courses in culinary arts during one of our family's seasonal retreats. I'd once questioned the practicality of knowing how to froth milk or make a proper crepe. Apparently, they had foreseen a day I'd be grateful for such preparation.
I retrieved a frozen banana from the bar freezer—its curled shape reminded me oddly of an Ankylosaurus tail. A peculiar comparison, but I smiled at the thought. My dino partner would've found that amusing.
Into the blender, I added coconut milk, a dash of cream, the banana, several ice cubes, and just enough honey to sweeten without overpowering. I replaced the lid and pressed the button. The motor hummed to life, blending ingredients into a smooth, pale mixture. Once satisfied with the texture, I poured the smoothie into a tall, chilled glass and delicately sprinkled shredded coconut over the top like freshly fallen snow.
I returned to their table and presented the drink with both hands.
"And here is your coconut smoothie," I said gently. "I hope it suits your taste."
Devin accepted the drink, visibly impressed. "Wow. Thank you."
I gave a small smile and made my way back toward the counter to retrieve another order when I felt a light tap on my shoulder.
I turned.
It was Trent.
"Yes?" I asked, slightly curious.
He looked sheepish. "Hayley told me you offered to help today because of me. I just wanted to say… thank you. And sorry."
I offered a soft smile. "It wasn't much."
Trent scratched the back of his neck. "Still… I appreciate it."
Before I could say more, the door chimed. A man stepped inside, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that looked distinctly out of place in the cozy bar.
Anton Mercer.
Even now, seeing him in person was surreal. I knew exactly who he was. I have watched the man countless times in my past life.
"Oh," I murmured, glancing down at the tray in my hands. "Excuse me, I still need to deliver this."
Trent nodded and made his way over to his father. I didn't need to eavesdrop, though I easily could have. No, I already knew this conversation, almost word for word. I'd watched Dino Thunder so many times that not recognizing the scene would have been the stranger thing.
I handed off the order to a customer near the back, who thanked me with a smile. I gave a short bow and turned to tidy a nearby table. As I wiped the surface clean, a young woman approached with her toddler in tow. The boy was clutching a chocolate milk and a packet of applesauce, while his mother held a tray of cookies and napkins.
I stepped aside to allow them space.
The boy clambered onto the seat with unrestrained excitement—and promptly knocked over his chocolate milk.
The cup rolled, milk spilling across the polished surface like a slow wave.
I crouched beside the mess with practiced grace, folding a napkin in my hand.
"No harm done," I assured the flustered mother. "He is a child. Surfaces can be cleaned. Clothing can be washed."
The boy stared at me with wide, anxious eyes.
"I'm sorry, miss," he whispered, his small voice heavy with guilt.
I smiled and knelt beside him, folding the napkin into a careful crane.
"Here," I said, offering it to him. "A little gift in exchange for a little mess."
He took it with both hands, eyes lighting up. "Wow…"
And for the first time today, I smiled without reservation. 'I think that made the mess worth it.'
The hours blurred together, but eventually, the shift wound to a close. Then, Trent appeared once more.
"I really appreciate your help today," he said again.
"Don't worry about it," I replied gently.
I removed my apron and slung my bag over one shoulder. My fingers danced across the keypad as I sent a text to my driver.
{Pick me up at Hayley's Cyberspace, please.}
His reply came swiftly. {Understood, Miss.}
I placed my phone into my bag when I felt eyes on me. I looked up.
Kira.
She approached, casual as always, but there was something gentler in her gaze.
"It was really helpful of you to assist Trent today," she said.
I straightened, brushing invisible lint from my sleeve. "I just… felt it would be unfair to eat while someone was having a difficult time."
"That's really admirable of you."
I didn't know what to say to that, so I simply smiled and nodded. Words failed me in moments like this.
From across the bar, Ethan called out to Kira again.
"I'm sorry, I should check on Ethan," she said quickly.
"It's okay," I said. "I was about to leave anyway."
"Oh, going home?" she asked.
I nodded. "Yes. I suspect my parents are already wondering where I've gone."
She tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Take care, okay? We should hang out again sometime."
"I would like that," I replied honestly.
Kira waved as she returned to Ethan. Not long after, my phone buzzed again.
{Miss, I'm outside.}
I stepped outside and saw the familiar black car parked neatly at the curb. My driver exited, bowing slightly before opening the door for me.
"Thank you," I murmured, settling into the leather seat.
As the car pulled away from the café, I leaned my head against the window, watching the city blur past.
'Now… when should I formally introduce myself to the Dino Team?'
This time, as the Violet Ranger.