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"A medium espresso, please," David a fifty-six-year-old financial consultant told the hostess hurriedly, looking at his watch. He was a tall, handsome man; previously he had been a Naval officer.
She was a small, long-haired brunette in her late twenties. People were rushing into the cafe at the usual early hour of about eight in the morning in uptown Manhattan on their way to work.

"Make sure you use one-half cup of the espresso in the steamed milk."

"That's not how it's usually made here," Asya replied.

"That's how I make it at home, and I want it that way."

"People don't usually add that much espresso though." Asya added lots of froth on top and handed it to him.

"Thanks. Say, what's your name? You're new here, aren't you?"

"I'm Asya. I just started a couple of days ago. I'm the new hostess here on morning shift."

"Pleased to meet you. I'm David. I have to train all the new hostesses I meet on how to make espresso my way."

David and Asya's eyes met and lingered. She began to smile, and her face grew flush.

"I generally come in the mornings. I hope to see more of you."

He flashed a smile and said, "You're the prettiest hostess I've ever seen working here. I will be in again tomorrow."

David and Asya continued to look at each other. Another customer grew impatient and snarled, "When are you going to get back to work and take my order?"

"Hey, don't talk to Asya that way. She's new here, and she's obviously a very good hostess. Treat her with respect, or I'll have a word with you alone outside."

"I didn't mean anything by it, said the customer. I'm late for work."

"Thanks, David. What would you like, Sir?"

"Anytime you need anything, just let me know, Asya. I'm your friend now." David turned to leave.

After several months passed, Asya and David grew quite fond of each other. He would come in during the slow hours of the day, order his espresso, and they would talk about where they grew up, their families, and what their aspirations were in life. He began to walk her home.

"I would finish college, David told Asya. You're so close to completing your degree in Russian. She would teach him Russian, and he would teach her proper English. He realized she was bright right away and encouraged her to go back and finish her degree in Russian.

Asya's facial expression showed impatience.

"I'd like to do that, but it's difficult with work and helping out with my family at home. Maybe I'd rather marry, settle down and raise a family someday soon. Not everyone wants to go to school all their

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