“Yeah. Unless we’re in public, of course.”
Rowan’s low chuckle was a mocha with lots of chocolate—heavy and with the perfect balance of sweetness.
“I won’t visit your cafe naked, don’t worry.”
I snorted a laugh. “Thanks. But now I have the image of you sitting bare-assed in an armchair and sipping coffee I made for you.”
He smirked. “That can be arranged.”
“You’re easy.”
“It’s what this is supposed to be, right?” He swung our linked hands.
“Yeah. No expectations. Only fun.” The lightness in my chest whenever I was near Rowan spoke to how well our arrangement worked. If I wanted a relationship, I wouldn’t have let myself experiment with a sexy redhead in a suit. All I had to do was not expect more than what we’d promised each other, which shouldn’t be a problem after the shitshow I experienced with Andrew.
Rowan was the perfect rebound for the summer.
“Yeah, I’m happy with fun. But only when you’re not busy running around for work or school. They’re putting a lot on you at the coffee shop. Why is it open so late? Most places like this close at four, not six.”
“Many businesses in the area finish at five, and by staying open later, we allow those people to get tea or hot chocolate, and yes, some still get coffee after work. The cafe also has a small batch of sweet and hearty pastries delivered midday, and Lorenzo makes sure the soup of the day lasts until then, which can make a great supper or small dinner. We don’t have another rush hour in the afternoon, but the locals have grown to rely on the cafe, so it’s worth staying open later. That’s not to mention the Bingo Thursdays and Karaoke Fridays. Those evenings really bring the community together. We have a bus coming from Happy Life Senior Home on the last Thursday and the first Friday of the month. The eldest members in the area get to hang out with those who live in town. Entry is free for everyone, of course. I love running them.”
“That’s very thoughtful, but is it sustainable for the business? Is it for you?”
The worry in his voice irked me. I did my best to run the place, that meant a lot to me. Rowan seeing flaws in the system soquickly was not helping my crumbling belief that I could keep the cafe as a community hub while also making money.
I huffed and shoved my free hand into my pocket, but didn’t let go of the one holding Rowan’s. “I don’t know; I’m still figuring stuff out.”
“That’s valid. If you ever want to bounce ideas off someone, I’m here. And I was serious about looking through your math assignments with you.”
Rowan couldn’t even let me be mad at him for a moment. Damn him.
“The place used to be a diner, then it was turned into a cafe in 2001. The times changed, and coffee culture became stronger. It’s still a social spot I remember from back when, but updated and easier to maintain by fewer members of staff. So it’s usually me, Sophia, and Lorenzo on a rotating schedule with two of my friends from college helping one day a week. Lorenzo is the cook, but after preparing the sandwiches and soup, he helps in front of the house too. I know people call it a coffee shop, but we offer food and lots of space to hang out, so we’re more of a cafe.”
My fast word-vomit monologue style was probably annoying Rowan, but he didn’t show it.
“Now I know the difference, thanks.” Rowan nodded as if storing the information and locking it. “This place means a lot to you. No wonder you like working there.”
“Yeah. I love it, even if some days are really draining me.” Was he interested in my life story? Doubtful. I’d bore him to death. “I know you work for an accounting and loans company and you love math. What else?”
“That’s it. The job at AlphaWave Finance is not very exciting, even with all the numbers to deal with.”
I made gagging sounds. “Sounds boring.”
Rowan chuckled. “They pay well, and I’m good at what I do. But it’s not very rewarding. Not like your job.”
I opened my mouth, ready for the usual argument about my work. “So you don’t think my job is shit?”
“No. If you like being a barista, then do that. Why?”
I looked at my feet, kicking the tiny rocks on the gravel at the entrance to the park.
“When I met my ex, he told me I wasn’t ambitious, and I’d never be a big-shot if I was stuck in a small town doing a job meant for teenagers.”
“It’s an honest job. And I’m glad he’s your ex. Not only for selfish reasons.” He squeezed my hand.
The park spread before us, lit by tall iron lanterns that were straight out of black-and-white Hollywood movies. It looked vast in the space illuminated by lamps, now that the bustle of the surrounding town had quieted and the shops had closed, leaving only the hum of the trees and the buzz of cicadas filling the air.
I took a lungful of breath. It wasn’t the crisp, clean air of a forest, but far from the smog of a busy city.
