(Photo Credit)

I was late for work. The early morning commuters were blocking my way. My stomach was rumbling, my brain was all fuzzy. And I dread to think of all the work piling up on my desk, to be sorted, solved and filed within the day.

I need Starbucks!

Hurriedly I walked over to the new outlet at Pacific Plaza. Spanking new outlet, everything was polished and breezy and smell of newness. I was looking at the selection of muffins available, thinking about my ever-expanding waistline, when I realised someone was leaning over the counter and smiled at me.

“Morning!”

I smiled at the barista, “Good morning to you. Can I have a grande white americano and a chocolate muffin, warmed up, all in a bag with the cup sealed, please?”

(Obviously this line was well-rehearsed. I always order the same thing whenever I am in Starbucks)

While the barista was busy with my order, I looked around the new kiosk. Wireless, check. Comfy chair, check. Ceiling fans, check.

Oh my, more of my salary for Starbucks.

And then my order is ready. Suddenly the barista exclaimed, “Hey, you are a Starbucks regular, right? I have seen you around.”

I looked at her in confusion, mildly flattered. Yes, I have always go for Starbucks when I want coffee and if there’s an outlet nearby. I just love the buzzy atmosphere in their outlets. Even when I was at far-away places like Phuket or Shanghai, I still go for Starbucks.

“Yes, I guess I am. I patronised many of your outlets.”

Smiling, the barista extended her hand, “My name is Noraini”

“Hi, I am Raz. Nice to meet you.”

I walked away with hot coffee, a warm muffin, and smile plastered on my face. Now you know why I love Starbucks?