You asked about the 

Final Friday

party, just like so many other customers.

But your question felt heavier, like I could feel your curiosity.

There's nothing wrong with customers asking about an upcoming party for the sake of being nice. I don't mind. Most

barista

- customer chatter is this anyway: Small talk. So if there's something more interesting to

small talk

than the weather or a recent TV show one of us found, then why not?

But your curiosity struck me off guard and I felt myself trying to reorient the mask that had been knocked out of place. The mask of the chill barista that gives you quick, smart replies on demand.

"Yes," I gave you. A single word answer to your question. I didn't know how to answer in any other way.

"Well I'll be there. If i can manage to get out of work at a decent hour." You smiled. "Thanks for the 

coffee

," you said before turning around and leaving. Then it was back to the barista grind of non stop small talk with new faces. My mask was firmly in place.