I park in the small garage behind the building. As I walk around to the front, I hear voices nearby.
“…I’m not even sure what this place is supposed to be,” someone says.
I pause, staying out of sight.
“Isn’t it a gift shop?” another voice asks.
“No, I think it’s one of those organic places,” a third says.
“Why do you act like we don’t already have those?” someone laughed. “We need another restaurant or something—something todobesides the beach.”
“What are you talking about? We’ve got go-karts. Tons of stuff.”
“Yeah, but do we have a movie theater? Or a real nail salon?”
There was a pause.
“…No.”
Their voices fade as they walk away.
I stand there for a second, processing. Then I turn the corner and really look at the building. It’s the first time I’ve done so with this kind of perspective.
The sign readsHoney & Harborin elegant, looping script.
No subtitle.
No “coffee shop.”
No “open.”
The windows are tinted, making it hard to see inside.
There’s nothing that tells people what this place actually is.
No wonder business is slow.
Inside, everything is clean, but it feels…empty. The booths are new, but there’s nothing on the walls to bring the charm and warmth of a typical coffee shop.
No warmth. No personality. Nothing pulling people in.
Sarah looks up and grins. “Hello, handsome. What can I get you?”
“I’ll take a black coffee,” I say.
She rings it up quickly, brushing her fingers against mine as she hands over the cup.
Unsurprisingly, there’s no spark, which only makes me want more time with Avery.
“Is your boss in?” I ask.
She hesitates, something shifting in her expression. “I think she’s upstairs. She’ll be down soon.”
“Okay, I’ll head upstairs. I’ve got some things to check on with the apartments anyway.”
I’m not sure why I feel the need to explain, but I head out and use the key I got from Maria to access the stairwell.
The sound of power tools hits me immediately. At least something is moving forward, even if it’s not my life.
