Conrad arrives at Ultimo Coffee. Knowing that he needs to tell his manager about him leaving, he starts to feel nervous as he doesn’t know what to tell his manager since everything was so sudden. He takes a deep breath and gets out of the car. By the time he gets out of the car, he sees Duke opening up the café.
“Good morning Duke!” Conrad greets while approaching him.
“Hey, Conrad.” Duke greets back as he opens the café.
“I see you’re in charge of opening up today.” Conrad said. “Do you know what time the manager will arrive?” He asked Duke.
“No, why?” Duke asked back.
“I’m leaving for college tomorrow morning.” Conrad answered. “I have to tell Sir Devon about it since everything was so sudden.” He added.
“That’s cool.” Duke said. “What culinary school you’re going to?” He asked out of curiosity.
“I’m going to the Institute of Culinary Education.” Conrad answered.
“The Institute of Culinary Education?!” Duke said surprisingly.
“Is there something wrong?” Conrad asked confusingly
“Of course there is!” Duke exclaimed as he grabs Conrad’s shoulder. “That’s one of the schools that is hard to get into due to the popularity.” He explained.
“Yeah, I know.” Conrad said. “That’s why I put every thought that would benefit my application there so that I could get accepted.” He explained to Duke. “And believe me, it was hard.” He added.
“Well, congratulations!” Duke congratulated Conrad. “We better get to work before customers start to go in.” He said.
“We should.” Conrad agrees as they went inside.
Conrad goes to the employees’ room to put on his work apron and cap before starting his shift. As soon as he puts it on, he punches in his timecard and starts working. With no customers coming in yet, he wipes the counters and fills the case with freshly baked pastries.
Moments later, customers start to come in one by one and Sir Devon still wasn’t there. Conrad starts to worry since he really needs to tell him about it or problems will arise.
By the time it was lunch, the café was full of customers and customers won’t stop coming in. While Conrad was busy handling the cashier, Sir Devon comes in with someone. He tells every worker there that he’ll be announcing after the lunch rush. After Conrad hears Sir Devon’s voice, he wasn’t nervous anymore and gathers up the courage to tell everything about him leaving for college.
Once the lunch rush finishes and not many customers are coming in, Sir Devon gathers everyone and starts to tell everyone the announcement.
“Everyone, I would like to introduce to you our new cashier, Lillie.” Sir Devon introduces Lillie and she shows her face to everyone with a smile.
Duke suddenly freezes in place as she sees Lillie’s face for the first time. With Conrad noticing, he gets the idea that Duke might be falling in love with Lillie. He gets the attention of Duke so that he could focus on Sir Devon and Lillie.
“Hey everyone.” She greets while waving her hand. “I’m Lillie, and I’m Sir Devon’s daughter.”
Hearing that she’s the daughter of Sir Devon, everyone was shocked by the news since they didn’t have any idea that their manager is married. They didn’t see Sir Devon wearing a ring as well so everything is complicated beyond this.
“You’ve married Sir Devon?” Duke asks to make sure.
“No, actually we’re divorced.” Sir Devon answered Duke. “Even when divorced, I can never leave my daughter.” He explained. “She’s the little bundle of joy in my life.” He added.
“Dad, you know I’m not little anymore.” Lillie said to his father.
“I know that.” Sir Devon replied. “But to me, you’re still my little girl.” He added. “Since Lillie will be working here, I want you guys to treat her well.” He said. “Conrad, I’m leaving you with her in your hands.” He told Conrad. “Orient her about the job you’re doing here.” He added.
“I will.” Conrad replied.
The meeting finishes and everyone goes back to work. Conrad asks Duke to take care of Lillie for a while, while he talks to Sir Devon about him leaving Ultimo Coffee. Duke agrees and Conrad follows Sir Devon to his office.
He arrives at Sir Devon’s office door. He takes a deep breath, knocks on the door, and goes inside.
“Sir Devon, can I talk to you about something?” Conrad asks nervously.
“Sure thing, Conrad.” Sir Devon agrees. “Take a seat.” He added.
Conrad takes a seat and Sir Devon asks him about what he wants to talk about.
“This might be sudden, but I’m leaving Ultimo Coffee.” Conrad said
“When will you leave?” Sir Devon asked.
“I’m leaving after this shift ends.” Conrad answered.
“Why so soon?” Sir Devon asked again. “Did you receive your acceptance letters already?” He added.
“Yeah, I did.” Conrad answered.
“When does class start?” Sir Devon asks confusingly.
“Two weeks from now actually.” Conrad answered.
“If classes start two weeks from now, why not work here for another week?” Sir Devon asked again confusingly.
“Funny story actually.” Conrad answered with a nervous laugh. “My aunt also found a great apartment for me.” He added. “She also told me that I need to arrive there by tomorrow since she already paid for it and they’ll give my spot to other tenants even if my aunt paid for it.” He explained.
“Well, good luck with culinary school, I guess.” Sir Devon said unsurely. “It’s a bit sad that you’re leaving so suddenly.” He added. “Well, since it’s your last day today, you better make it memorable.” He suggested.
“I will, and I’ll start it by orienting Lillie so that she can handle everything when I’m gone.” Conrad said.
“Now, go back to work and I’ll check on you guys later.” Sir Devon said.
Conrad stands up and goes to the door. Before he opens the door, Sir Devon suddenly asks him another question.
“Before you leave, did Duke just fall in love with Lillie?” Sir Devon asked out of curiosity.
“I think so…” Conrad answered unsurely.
“Okay, you may go now.” Sir Devon said.
Conrad goes outside the manager’s office, closes the door behind him, and starts to go back to work. As he was about to go back to handling the cashiers, he notices Lillie and Duke talking. He goes over and joins the conversation.
“Hi, Lillie.” Conrad greeted. “I’m Conrad, and your father asked me to orient you on things on how things work here and explain to you our jobs as cashiers.” He said. “Shall we get started?” Conrad asked Lillie.
“Sure thing.” Lillie answered.
Before they start, Conrad tells Duke that Sir Devon is on to him. Sir Devon realizes that Duke fell in love with her daughter. Duke suddenly blushes a little and Lillie chuckles as she sees Duke’s face. Conrad also asks Duke to take care of the cashier for a while, while he orients Lillie on how things work here.
Conrad starts orienting Lillie starting with introducing everyone to her and explain their jobs in Ultimo Coffee. He also makes a joke or two so that things won’t be that serious between them. With Lillie being familiar with everyone who works in Ultimo Coffee, Conrad explains his job as a cashier and tells everything that Lillie needs to do.
“Another thing, besides taking orders from customers and handle the cashier, we also refill the case with freshly baked pastries and wipe the counters here.” Conrad explained. “This way, we’re still working and help our co-workers at the same time.” He added.
“One question, do I also get to work with the coffee machines?” Lillie asked.
“No, but Duke will take care of that since he’s the barista.” Conrad answered. “Any other questions before I manage you working the cashiers?” He asked.
“I’m good.” Lillie replied.
They start to work behind the cashier as Lillie’s first customer comes in. Conrad gives her encouragement as she takes her first order. Lillie’s a natural working as a cashier. She has a friendly approach to the customers, and she knows every item on the menu already. By the time Lillie finishes taking her first order, Conrad and Duke praise her for doing an excellent job. For the rest of the day, they take turns in taking the orders since there was only one available cashier.
Conrad finishes his shift and leaves Lillie with the rest of the work. He heads over to the employees’ headquarters to rest and punch his timecard for the last time. As Conrad sits down, Duke comes in talks with Conrad.
“Hey, so this is it.” Duke said. “You’re about to leave for college.” He added.
“I’m going to miss working in this place though.” Conrad said sadly.
Sir Devon also comes in along with Lillie. He hands over Conrad his paycheck and gives him thanks for working there.
“Hey, you’re leaving already?” Lillie asked sadly.
“Yeah, I am.” Conrad replied.
“Was it because of me?” Lillie asked again.
“No.” Conrad declined. “I’m actually leaving for college tomorrow.” He added.
“If that’s the case, good luck.” Lillie said.
“If you ever need help, just ask Duke and he’ll help you right away.” Conrad said while looking at Duke.
“I will and thanks for helping me on my first day.” Lillie said.
“Conrad, you’re a great worker and everyone here in Ultimo Coffee will surely miss you.” Sir Devon said sadly.
“I will also miss you guys.” Conrad said sadly. “I promise to visit Ultimo Coffee as well when I’m back here in Philadelphia.”
“We’ll be looking forward to that.” Sir Devon said sadly.
Conrad stands up, hands over his apron and cap, and shakes Sir Devon's hands as well as Lillie’s. Duke hugs Conrad and tells him good luck in college. Conrad gathers his things and leaves Ultimo Coffee while waving back to them.
Conrad gets in his car and takes a deep breath knowing that he’ll be missing working in Ultimo Coffee. He starts the car and leaves the parking space. He drives past Ultimo Coffee, looks at his mirror, and sees Ultimo getting smaller as he drives further.A few moments later, Conrad arrives at his home and turns off the car. He sees his grandma sitting by the front door with a cup of tea in her hand. Conrad walks up to her and kisses her on the cheek.“Everything okay grandma?” Conrad asked.“Everything’s fine.” She replied. “Just breathing in some fresh air.” She added. “By the way, if you ever need a suggestion to cook for dinner, I’d suggest you cook something that your mother loves.” She suggested to Conrad.“Thanks for the suggestion grandma.” He thanked her as he hugs her. “Do you want to help in the kitchen?” He asked as he opens the doors.“No th
After dinner, Conrad excuses himself to go to his bedroom since he will start packing for tomorrow. As Conrad went ahead, Elizabeth suggested that they should stay in the living room. They all agreed and went to the living room.Mike and Elizabeth sat down together on the couch while Elizabeth’s mother sat on her armchair.“Mother, would you like to introduce yourself to Mike, so that you two would get to know each other better?” Elizabeth suggested to her mother.“Where are my manners?” Elizabeth's mother said in realization. “I’m Betty Walter by the way.” She said to Mike. “I’m Elizabeth’s mother and Conrad’s grandmother.” She added.“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Walter.” Mike said.“You can call me Betty.” Betty suggested to Mike.“Sure thing, Betty.” Mike replied.“Let me ask you, why are you dating my
The next morning, Conrad woke up by the sound of his alarm. He turns off his alarm on his phone, stands up, and sighs as he sees his empty room. Sadness starts to fill him knowing that he’s not ready to leave yet. As he was about to change into his clothes for today, there was a sudden knock on the door.“Who is it?” Conrad shouted.“It’s your future stepdad,” Mike answered. “Is it okay for me to come inside?” He asked.“Yeah, you can,” Conrad replied.“Your mom wanted me to tell you that breakfast is ready,” Mike said as opens the door.“I’ll go down as soon as I finished taking a shower,” Conrad replied while he’s preparing his clothes.“Hey, why is this photo faced down?” He asked as he noticed the photo on top of the shelf.“I think it’s best if we leave that there,” Conrad said.“How is that?&
While Mike was helping Conrad put his stuff in Conrad’s car, he suddenly asks him a question.“So, this is it.” Mike said. “Are you excited to live a new life in New York?” He asked.“To be honest Mike, I don’t know.” Conrad answered. “It’s like, all my feelings are all mixed up.” He added“Whatever it is you’re feeling, always remember that we’re here for you.” Mike said.“Take care of mom for me.” Conrad said as he puts his right hand on Mike’s left shoulder.“I will don’t worry.” Mike answered with a smile knowing that he has Conrad’s trust.A few minutes later, they finished putting Conrad’s stuff in his car. Conrad goes back inside to tell his goodbyes. He opens the door for one last time and sighs as he enters the house. As he went inside, he sees his mother and his grandmother waiting by the door. H
After hours of driving, Conrad finally arrives in New York. “Welcome to New York” by Taylor Swift, starts to play as he drives through Brooklyn Bridge. He drives past Times Square and was overwhelmed after seeing the place full of people. He also expected that it would be full of billboards but he still got amazed by it. A few minutes, he arrives at the address where his apartment would be. Conrad was puzzled at first since he expected something big but what he arrived at was bigger than he expected. He goes inside, bringing some of his stuff in, and sees if he can find the landlord of the apartment. Luckily, the landlord was there by the entrance. He put down the box he was bringing and introduced himself. “I’m Conrad Walter, the tenant of apartment number 217.” Conrad introduced. “Nice to meet you, sir…?” He said unsurely. “Call me Sir Hampton.” Sir Hampton said. “So, you’re the other tenant who rented apartment 217.” He added. “Other tenant?” Conra
Conrad opens the door and they both went inside along with the stuff. As they went inside, they were surprised to see a young man, about his age, in his boxers and a white shirt. All of them stood silently as the situation became awkward for them. Sir Hampton approaches the man, pats him on the back whispering to him to wear his pants. The man rushes into a room, leaving the bowl of popcorn on the kitchen counter.“Sorry about that.” Sir Hampton apologized.“It’s fine,” Conrad replied. “I also get too comfortable sometimes…” He said with a giggle.Sir Hampton Conrad him a quick tour of the apartment and explains how everything works there. Conrad was pleased to see that it’s the same as the pictures her aunt sent to him. As Conrad was about to go into his bedroom, the man went out of the room, wearing light gray joggers, and introduces himself.“Hi, Alfred Santiago by the way.” He introduc
The next morning, Conrad opens the fridge to see if he can cook something up. It turns out, the fridge was empty since he forgot to go to the store yesterday before arriving at the apartment.He calls Alfred to ask if he knows any whole foods store nearby, but he didn’t answer. Conrad calls him again and still no answer. He goes to Alfred’s room to see if he’s there. He knocks upon entering and Alfred wasn’t there.He opens his phone to check any nearby whole foods store nearby. Luckily, he founds one at Houston Street, which is walking distance from his apartment. He goes back to his room to get his wallet and his keys to the apartment on top of his nightstand. While he was putting on his white sneakers, his mother suddenly calls him. He thinks if he’s going to answer the phone or not since he’s afraid that it might be about him calling his father. He decides to ignore it and probably text her later once he comes back.Going
A week has passed since Conrad stayed in New York. He hasn’t accepted any of his mother’s calls or even Mike’s calls since the last time Mike called. He’s still avoiding having a conversation about him talking to his father.Conrad was staying in his room, lying on his bed, thinking about if he wants to talk to them or not. Alfred knocks on the door and Conrad that he’s going out to enroll at his school. Conrad suddenly realizes that he didn’t get to enroll at his school as well. He asks Alfred if they can go out together since he also needs to enroll.He puts on his shoes, wears a black and white plaid shirt over his white shirt, and gets his things on top of the nightstand. He goes out of his room and sees Alfred waiting by the door. They went outside together and starts to have a conversation as they were walking down the hall.“What school are you enrolling in, by the way?” Alfred asked. “I think we never