CoffeeBeanShop

Java Joe

by Sue Schrandt (bio at end of story)

"Psst, Butch, did you get a look at that cute little Demitasse cup that came waltzing in here this morning? She's a real beauty with gorgeous violet eyes, and a tiny rosebud mouth. She's got a sexy curvy handle, and the sweetest gold trim."

Java Joe tipped over and bumped into his pal Butch. Butch groaned and opened one sleepy eye. "Knock it off Joe, we gotta be up crack a dawn when dem construction guys git in. Dey all gonna be lookin' fer their Java and we gotta be ready, Fancy cups ain't made for a tough site like dis. Dey usually crack up in a couple a weeks and den it's off ta da dustbin. 'Sides, hoity- toity china dames are way outta our league."

"Please don't call her a dame." Joe replied. "And what do you mean she's out of our league? Even if I'm a little on the hefty side, I'm still a pretty good looking mug. I've been building up my muscles hauling Java every day, and I don't have any cracks or chips."

Butch glanced over at his friend. Joe wasn't in bad shape for a mug his age. He was a rich even brown with a thick blue stripe around his middle, and a large sturdy handle made for gripping. Joe had very good manners and a polite way of talking that always impressed the ladies. He was educated, unlike Butch who had spent his whole life knocking around construction sites. Still, Joe shouldn't be messin around with no china cup. "Let's talk 'bout her tamarra Joe, I gotta get some shuteye."

The other mugs on the shelf murmured in agreement. It was difficult to get any rest with that pushy Java Joe around. If he wasn't chattering away then he was turning the light on and sticking his nose in a book to "improve" himself. And every morning by the time the other mugs woke up, Joe was already perched on the front of the shelf just waiting to be filled with rich, dark coffee.

Joe sat there surrounded by sleeping mugs. He'd put in a full day's work but he wasn't the least bit tired. Wasn't a bad life here at the construction site. He spent most of his time inside, but once in a while one of the guys would carry him outside and take him way up on top of one of the girders and Joe could see the whole city from there. One night Joe even got left there and spent the entire evening staring up at the star-filled sky. Most nights though, after a tough day he'd have a nice long soak in hot soapy water and then it was up on the shelf for a little studying and a good night's sleep.

Joe didn't hang around with the other mugs much, except for his pal Butch. Butch was a friendly guy, and he knew all about Joe's ambition. He knew that Joe was just waiting to get noticed by the Design Architect, Matt. Butch was the one who showed Joe Matt's fancy office and pointed out Matt was always stopping in the break-room to chat with the guys. "Sometimes he spots a mug he likes and takes it on down to his office." Butch said. "Matt's a real coffee hound. "Git ta be his main mug and you're gonna be sittin' 'top a fancy walnut desk, lookin' out a big picture window .Gonna git yourself treated to all kinds a fancy coffees from dat big cupboard in his office too."

Suddenly a sound disturbed Joe's thoughts. It was coming from the shelf below him, so he rolled himself over to the edge and took a look. That pretty little demitasse cup was sitting in the corner sobbing her heart out. Joe hooked his handle on the shelf support and dropped on down.

As Joe approached the diminutive cup he wasn't quite sure what to say. He put on his best John Wayne voice, and asked "What's your name little lady?' The petite cup spun around and in a smooth cultured voice that reminded Joe of Café Mocha she said "Leave me alone; go away. My mamma warned me about cups like you. She said handsome mugs usually mean trouble." Her little pink lips began to quiver as she turned her face to the wall. Somewhat flattered by the "handsome" comment, Joe decided to try again. "I don't mean you any harm. I heard you crying and thought that maybe you could use a friend. Why don't you tell me all about it?"

The little cup spun around in her saucer and suddenly started chattering away. "My name is Demi Tasse, but my friends call me Tassie. Please accept my apologies. I didn't mean to be so rude. It's just that I'm lonely. Sarah bought me at the China Shop today. Do you know Sarah? She's Matt's secretary. Matt has a brand new Expresso machine in his office, and Sarah wanted a Demitasse cup to use. Expresso is all the rage you know. It's made from dark roasted beans, and it's sweet, thick and smooth. The aroma is exquisite, and the golden crema floating on top has tiny bubbles that tickle me. Sarah came into the shop this morning and plucked me right off the shelf." Demi started to sob again. " I miss my mama and papa. I don't know anyone here. There aren't any other china cups around and the mugs seem sooo unfriendly. I saw them looking down their handles at me this morning. I just want to go home."

"Wow!" said Joe. That's quite a mouthful for a tiny little thing like you. Look, it's not so bad here. "There's always plenty of interesting things going on, and coffee by the potful. Let me show you around. I know! We'll sneak down to Matt's office and sniff some arabica beans just for fun!" That made Tassie laugh so Joe linked handles with her and they made their way down the hall.

Once inside Matt's office, Joe shimmied up the Fiscus Tree and swung across to the cupboard. He hung from the top as he undid the latch. Tassie had never seen anyone quite so brave! The cupboard was a treasure trove of exciting aromas. A fancy coffee maker and the sleek new Expresso machine stood side by side. Nestled in a drawer below them were rows of small shiny foil bags. Tina and Joe were in coffee heaven. There were rich, full-bodied Colombian beans; Arabian Mochas with smooth chocolate undertones and spicy Hawaiian Konyas. When Joe spied smoky Antiguas from Guatemala he got so excited that he leaned too far over and fell right into the bag. Tassie giggled and helped him wiggle out. Joe dusted himself off and tried to look dignified. When they were sure they'd seen everything, Joe and Tassie snuggled up on the windowsill and watched a storm brewing in the distance. Joe told Tassie all about his big plans for the future and Tassie drank in his every word. The evening flew by, and when the sun came up Tassie knew she was in love with the big gentle mug, and Joe vowed they'd never be apart.

That morning when Matt opened the door to his office he was surprised to see a tiny little Demitasse Cup and a stout brown mug nestled close together on his desk. He picked Joe up and called to Sarah. "Look what I found. This is just the kind of hefty mug I've been searching for. I think I'll keep this one right here on my desk."

Joe was really excited! He'd finally made it! A promotion to the Executive Offices! Then he looked over at Tassie and saw the fear in her eyes. She knew that when Sarah found her she'd take Tassie back down to the break room. Joe didn't know what to do! He pictured them sneaking around every night, stealing a few moments together. Suddenly Joe's ambitions didn't seem important. Being with Tassie was the only thing that mattered.

Joe decided he had no choice. If he were damaged Matt wouldn't want him anymore. He slid over to the corner of the desk, thinking he'd just throw himself off. Maybe he wouldn't get hurt too badly. A nice chip out of his rim would be sufficient. Tassie knew what Joe was thinking, but there was no way to stop him.

Just as Joe was about to jump, he heard Sarah's voice. "Oh Matt, look, that pretty little cup that I bought yesterday is in here too. Would you mind if I kept her in your office? She's really too delicate for the break-room."

Joe leaned back from the edge of the desk, and winked at Tassie. Two big tears ran down her side, but Joe could see the love in her eyes and the smile on her face.

© Sue Schrandt. All Rights Reserved.

Finalist - Java Joe by Sue Schrandt

Sue lives in Upstate New York. She's recently retired from Financial Services Industry, married, and the mother of two adult children. Sue has always had a desire to write, but never had the time before. The two stories she submitted to this contest are the first two stories she has ever written for submission to any publication. Other interests include tracing her family tree, learning to speak Russian, Crewel Embroidery, and Buffalo Bills Football.

Editor's Note: "Java Joe" was chosen for the first round for the following reasons: Solid title, interesting opening lead, unusual setting and flavor. The use of coffee cups for characters was a one-and-only in this contest. The dialogue is realistic, and the plot is interesting - moreso given the characterizations of the cups. Great ending, excellent writing, correct punctuation, no spelling errors. Her other story was a contender, also. We were pleased to receive two great stories from the same author. Welcome to the world of fiction, Sue.

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