I have a new starbucks im trying to become mad regular at. Its on 7th and Redondo. Every time I’ve been there, its only women working. I asked the barista if any dudes worked there and she said “One, but he doesnt really count.”

There is an older lady who seems to be there most mornings I go in. Shes in her late 50’s maybe, with pretty blue eyes and real short red hair.

Ive been in there about 7 times so far, and no one had really seemed to remember my name or be overly friendly. Today the line was short and the woman had a chance to look me over and say hello.

“Beautiful make-up” she said, as she allowed her shoulders to relax. The morning rush had obviously just passed and she was taking her first breather.
“Thank you so much!” I blushed and battted my eyes dramatically. Im so terrible at taking compliments.

“No you are perfection! Look at those eyelashes! and your shadow, so perfectly blended!” She squinted her eyes as she motioned for me to close mine so she could take a closer look at my mauve and black eyeshadow that i had applied only moments before, in my usual morning chaos.

My face was bright red as i again thanked her.

“I do hair and make up professionally! Here, take my card.” I proudly handed her one of my new business cards. The bright lights inside the coffee house reflected off the card’s glossy finish.

She stared at the card as i watched her big blue eyes fill with tears.

“I used to do hair,” she slipped the card into her apron pocket.

“What made you stop?” the line behind me had grown to 3, but she didnt seem to notice.

“I had to leave the state, my ex boyfriend….” she trailed off as she rolled her eyes and laughed uncomfortably, “Long story, but it was years ago…”

She took a deep breath as she said “I was the  happiest then,”

She batted back her tears again as she rang me up for my drink.

“Its never too late, you know,” we both giggled as she handed me my change.

“Go make people Beautiful, Alexis. Share a little of what you got,”

So thats what i am doing.

And now i feel like a regular.