The Monday morning sun was barely above the horizon when I parked in the lot across the street from Grannie’s, like I always did.I feel like I’m being watched. I’d taken SSI’s women’s safety class, so I knew not to ignore my intuition.
But I don’t see anyone.
The hair on the back of my neck didn’t get the message and kept bristling.
Wanting to be safely inside Grannie’s, I hurried across the road and into the kitschy coffee shop where I spent most weekdays.
Mary had kept some of the original saloon style decorations, like the colored bottles and iron candelabras, when she inherited the shop from her grandmother.
You wouldn’t think an old western saloon vibe would work in a modern coffee shop, but it did. And the tourists loved it. The wall of sepia and black and white photos showcasing years of events at the shop was always a hit with guests.
“Morning, Neen,” Mary called out as I walked in. “Chase isn’t feeling well, so Beth is taking the morning off.”
That explained Mary’s earlier than usual presence.
“I hope he’s okay.”
“She thinks he ate too much junk food at the party last night.”
I laughed. He’d gone back for a second helping of Meg’s bacon mac and cheese before sneaking two cupcakes and a slice of cake.
And that’s just what I saw.
After locking my bag in my locker, I tied on my brown apron with the Grannie’s logo embroidered on the front and helped Mary prep for the morning crowd. We stocked the pastry cooler and paper products while the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the shop.
My latte in my reusable personalized Grannie’s cup was the first order of the day. I added chocolate and caramel sauce to the cup, and brewed two shots of espresso while steaming my low fat milk.
The caffeine and sugar combo would make up for my lost sleep.I hope.
I loved the early morning shift, especially on days I had to take my grandmother to one of her doctor’s appointments, but they could be brutal if I didn’t get enough sleep the night before.
“How’s your grandmother feeling?”
Nana Sue had ups and downs, and unfortunately this week had more downs than ups. I wanted to blame it on her medicalmarijuana prescription running out, but had a feeling her good days were numbered regardless of what her doctor prescribed.
“Hopefully things will be better after her appointment today,” I answered.
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
It was so typical of Mary to offer help, but there was nothing she could do.
“Thanks.”
Mary unlocked the door at six and greeted the regular early risers, many of whom were her friends.
Most of our early morning customers ordered simple drinks, so Mary poured while I ran the register.
Ninety minutes later, I finally had time to breathe. Needing a pick-me-up, I added fresh coffee to my latte and drank it while we cleaned and prepped for the next rush.
The day was like any other, except I kept thinking about an off-limits silver fox.
“Why don’t you take your break?” Mary suggested during an afternoon lull.
“Thanks.” I grabbed my bag and sat near the front windows, taking advantage of the warm sun rays coming through the window. There was something relaxing about sitting in the sunlight without over-heating, thanks to the AC.No wonder cats like sleeping in sunbeams.
A tall man in a dark blue suit and a slimy smile on his face approached the front door. He scanned right and left as he reached for the handle. The overhead bell rang as it swung open, and he walked in.
His thin lips and beady eyes added to his unpleasant demeanor.
