Free Fall (Pyramid of Gold)

The first time Tanya saw me, she froze. She was walking in with her colleague, saying something to her, a broad smile on her lips. She saw me, and froze, but only for a fraction of a second. Then she continued talking as if nothing had happened, still smiling, still the usual confident, magnetic Tanya that everyone knew.

She was almost as good at pretending as me.

I gave them a professionally friendly smile when they walked to the counter.

'Hi, I'm Matt. What can I get you?'

Tanya's coworker, a petite blond with lively features, smiled back.

'Hi, Matt! I'll have a large hazelnut latte with almond milk. And a chocolate chip cookie!'

I looked at Tanya.

'And for you, miss?'

Her smile was polite, but cold.

'Double espresso, please. No milk, no sugar.'

I put their orders into the system and produced two plastic cups and a black marker.