AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah, you are. Me and Jeb are very impressed.”
Jeb is the twenty-something guy working the cash register.
“Valerie was right about you.”
“Thank you.” I manage a small smile.
“It’ll get quieter from here on out. Jeb will run you through the closing down procedures. I’ll be in the office doing the accounts, okay?”
“Sure thing.” I wipe my hands on a towel before going back out front.
Java Beans is the kind of place you instantly feel at home. All the furniture is one-off pieces, tub chairs, and armchairs, soft velvet couches, and plenty of cushions and blankets. The decor is bright and airy and the counters and display cabinets, showcasing Hilary’s homemade cakes, are an elegant mix of glass and gold. It’s really something, and I easily lose myself in cleaning up after the last few customers.
I linger by the cash register while Jeb empties and wipes down the coffee machine.
“We do this every night,” he says, “but you’ll soon get used to it.”
Jeb isn’t much of a talker, so I don’t push. I’m just happy to be here, taking the first step to my newfound independence.
This is a good thing.
Cole will get better and go off to Colton U, and I’ll leave California behind. And we’ll both find ourselves. Find happiness. But no matter how much I tell myself that, it doesn’t stop the knot in my stomach every time I think of him, lying there in that hospital bed.
Twenty minutes later, and we’re almost done.
“Okay, Hadley, so I’ve got you down for tomorrow afternoon, two until six, and then we’ll figure out your regular shifts.”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I go to leave, but Hilary calls after me.
“Almost forgot,” she says, thrusting an envelope at me. “Tips.” I take it with a smile.
“Thank you.”
The second I’m outside, I peek inside, hardly able to believe my eyes when I count fifty dollars.
“That good, huh?” a voice asks, startling me.
I look up to find Ace and Remi standing next to her car.
“What are you guys doing here?” I stuff the envelope in my purse.
“We wanted to celebrate your new job.” Remi comes over and, surprising me, pulls me into her arms. “I’m proud of you,” she whispers.
“It’s only a coffee shop.”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” She gives me a pointed look.
“We were hoping to get a free coffee,” Ace says, “but I guess we’ll have to wait until your next shift.”
“Babe.” Remi bats his chest. “Behave.”
“Joke. I was joking. Jesus,” he mumbles.
“You seriously came to see me?”
“And to see if you need a ride back to the dorms?”
“Did Conner send you?” My brows furrow. I expect this kind of thing from him, but from Ace and Remi... I don’t know what to say.
