1 1. He Likes His Coffee Black

Elio starts his shift at Chalamet Café at eight sharp. He preps the coffee machine. And wipes down the counters.

He's wearing his uniform: a Chalamet Café t-shirt, brown cargo pants and a pair of black Vans. His brunette curls framing his sharp face.

He fiddles with the Jewish star necklace around his neck. He's got a feeling that the shop won't be busy—as usual.

His first customer of the day is a college student. A girl in his Communications class. "Hi, Riley. What can I get you?"

Riley orders a large cappuccino with almond milk and three sugars. It's an easy fix. Elio can prepare these drinks in his sleep. He has difficulty talking to people, though. He's shy.

"Thanks." She takes her drink and leaves. He prefers the café when it's quiet and he can take out one of his textbooks and review his course work.

Elio takes a seat behind the counter. He skims through his Communication Science handbook. He's got a test the next day.

"Are you still open?" A tall man stands behind the counter. He's butter-coloured hair reflecting in the afternoon sunlight. "Can I get an Americano. No sugar."

Elio is stunned. The man is a Greek god. He's beautiful. He doesn't know what to say. He stares at the man. "Are you okay?" the man asks.

Elio is awoken from his stupor. "Yes! What name should I put on the cup?"

"Oliver," the man says.

Oliver? The name doesn't suit him at all. He's such a tall, dark and intimidating man. There's no way his name is Oliver.

"How is that your name?" Elio asks.

The man's sea-glass blue eyes narrows. "Excuse me?"

"I'm so sorry," Elio insists. "I didn't mean it like that. It's just... Your name doesn't suit you."

"Are you making the coffee or not."

Elio watches the Jewish star necklace the man is wearing reflect on the sunlight. He's wearing the same necklace. This can't be a coincidence. "That necklace."