Switching Vices
by Maureen A. Sherbondy

Really, Natalie had merely switched addictions; traded in gin for mochaccino. It was, after all, a better addiction, more socially acceptable. Alcohol on her breath had caused many coworkers; claims adjusters, lawyers, and claims managers, to step back, give her that look that said Get a hold of things or Better change your evil ways or else.

She could now breathe freely, and although she was bothered by that bitter taste that lingered in her mouth and stained her teeth, coffee breath was acceptable, expected in fact. She thinks about these things as she lifts her extra large paper mug of Sumatra to her mouth; her red lipstick staining the white rim red. The liquid is as dark as her long coffee colored hair; she likes the bitter taste of the strong brew, no cream or sugar today. Life is like coffee, it comes bitter, but you can sweeten it up with a little of this and a little of that, change it to suit the individual.

Her pants feel tight today, and she realizes it is probably from the addition of crumb cake and lemon-glazed pound cake she has added to this six-month old ritual. Better than those old salted peanuts and pretzels left out in the communal bowl at her old watering hole, Binky's Tavern. She lifts a nugget of cake to her lips and swallows it down with the warm liquid, admiring the surroundings. The setting is another plus, the cherry wood halfway up the wall, the gold and tan paint above it highlighted by the pendant amber lights. She loves the intimate cafe style small round tables, where couples or good friends often meet to discuss positive things. This is so different from the losers at the tavern who sit on tall barstools crying or pouting over scotch and gin.

It is soothing at Java Jolt Cafe for other reasons, soft music plays in the background, so low Natalie can hardly decipher the words. Jazz or soft instrumental music that doesn't impose on conversation and thought. Not loud, drum-banging, electric guitar playing, obnoxious music that played at the Tavern, vibrating the walls.

Natalie looks at the people around her, two businessmen in blue suits, type Aâ colleagues getting an early start discussing work items. A woman in a floral dress reading the business section of the Daily Tribune. These are ambitious, go-getter type people, not losers. She wants to be part of their club. In fact, she is making connections by coming to Java Jolt Cafe. The Division Manager of Goliath Mutual Insurance, Hal Markman, stops in every morning for a double espresso. At first he just nodded, then he said hello. By the fourth month he pulled up a chair and had an actual conversation with Natalie. He knows her by name and recently placed her on the potential candidate list for the open position of claims manager.

She feels like kissing her coffee cup when she thinks of her name on the list. BinkyÕs Tavern never gave her anything but a hangover. The possibilities were endless here, at Java Jolt Cafe, she can make new ambitious friends, get promoted, and best of all enjoy the coffee that warms her hands on cold mornings and keeps her alert and filled with energy and dreams all day long.