Professor F novel Chapter 15

The afternoon classes were better for August for the past couple of days. She met two more professors for her other subjects. Flynn continued to act normally in class and she tried her very best not to get too much attention.

As soon as she's done, she went straight to the coffee shop and saw Henry waiting at the door wearing his apron and cute smile.

"You work tonight?" She asked Henry as they both went inside the cafe.

"Yeah. We're rotating schedules." Henry smiled. "I'll introduce you to the night shift guys. Come on."

She smiled. "Cool!" And as soon as they passed the corner going to the counter, her eye caught a familiar figure on the corner table and she couldn't help giving that individual a second look.

It's Flynn having his coffee and working on his Macbook!

"August!" Henry called her attention and introduced her to the guys and realized she’s the only girl for the night shift.

She was introduced to the twins, Trevor and Tanner, working as part-timers and clean tables, too. Both of them are Fine Arts students. They said the night shift is pretty busy because students are coming in trying to finish their homework while having coffee and of course, the free WiFi!

Then there are three baristas named Sean, Oliver and Chad who are all regulars. And three cashiers named Ash, Ed and Keith who also work as part-timers. Ash is an Economics major like Henry. Ed is an accountancy major while Keith takes Psychology.

They all greeted her with a smile. Her shift started. Once they, the part-timers would finish the shift, regulars would come in. It's very rare according to Henry that they ask part-timers to go overtime since their regulars are always around especially if it's a busy shift.

"They love this job, that's why!" Henry said proudly.

She was cleaning up tables with Tanner, near Flynn’s table. She stole a glance at Flynn who seemed to be very serious with his work.

Tanner started a conversation while cleaning up. "You're a freshman, August?"

She nodded as she caught Flynn looking up when he heard her name. He looked surprised and then went back to his work.

“Y—You?" She wasn't interested at Tanner but as courtesy, she asked him.

"Oh, I'm a sophomore. I heard you're an engineering scholar?"

She blushed. Do people talk about her that much that they know so much about her? How is that even possible? "How'd you—uhm—yeah." She wanted to ask how he learned about it but she just cut the conversation short by saying yes. But he didn't stop.

"Wow! Sorry. We were just curious about you. It's the first time we got a girl part-timer on night shifts." He gave out a short chuckle. "The guys were just excited to have you on board. We're just tired seeing each other's ugly faces. That's all!" He joked.

She gave out a slight chuckle on her throat as she picks up the tray of used plates and cups.

"Hey, August! Can you help me with the take out? Let Tanner and Trevor finish those up." Sean or was it Ash who just asked her.

"Yeah. I'll be right there." She answered and faced Tanner, "I'll leave you to this."

"Sure! Go." Tanner smiled.

All throughout her shift, the guys were asking for her, calling her name for help but they'd always end up doing the work and she just had to do so little.

She doesn't know if they just want her company and talk to her, or they really need her help or impress her with how they do the work!

She finally ended the shift with Tanner, Trevor, Ash, Ed and Keith! The regular employees came in and filled in to assist customers smoothly as the night gets busier.

She was the last one out because Henry handed her another bag of treat! "You're really making me fat with these treats! I thought I'd be missing them for months but you're on night shift now, too.” She teased.

He scratched his head. "Just making sure you're blending in nicely. I'm sorry I couldn't walk you home. But I've asked the guys to do so."

"What? You didn't—they didn't have to. Oh my gosh!" She felt embarrassed. "I can take care of myself."

Henry smiled. "Stop complaining. It's just additional precaution."

One thing August loves about Pearsons University is that they have this system were it calls their employees and students after their shift or class ended to confirm they got back home safely. It's not that the campus or premises are unsafe but being at Pearsons University, one of the prestigious schools in the country, they just don't want to take any risk and would very much want to make sure all students and employees who live in the area are safe and secured.

"You work here so we need to make sure our student-employees get home safe to their dorms. The university security system is one thing but being your colleague is another."

She went out after thanking Henry and he is right. All the boys were waiting outside. "Geez! Sorry to keep you all waiting. I had no idea Henry put you all through this whole situation of walking me to my place." She smiled.

"We all agreed to this, right boys?" Keith asked, he seemed to head the pack after their big boss Henry. “Come on. You live at Lincoln's?" He asked her again, referring to her apartment building.

Just how much information do these people know about me already?

"Yeah."

They all started walking and she can't stop herself glancing at Flynn who was still at the coffee shop working.

I wonder what time he goes home?

••••••

The boys were fun, kept joking around as they walk. They also asked or rather confirm information they already know about her. Then, they all agreed to also take turns in walking her home.