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I kind of wish he would, to know if this beam of light has a dark side. All brightness creates a shadow, right?
“What makes you say that?” I finally ask, turning in my seat so that my body is facing him. Everything about this feels right, but I know it’s wrong. He’s about to start a family, and I’m flirting with disaster.
His eyes lock on mine, our bodies moving toward each other in slow motion, and every part of me is screaming that this shouldn’t be happening, but it’s as if my body is no longer connected to my mind. His hand moves out of the water to cup my face, the warmth, in contrast to my cool skin, shocks me back to my senses, and I jump away from him.
I will not be the other woman in any situation, and I’d like to think Isaac isn’t the type to cheat, but I don’t know him well enough to be the judge of that.
I won’t let it happen, though. I clear my throat, prepared to change the subject. “So, I need to check and see if Libby and Frank called me.” I push through the bubbles and climb out of the hot tub, then grab a towel from the cabinet that’s beside it. I wrap myself up and head back inside without a backward glance.
FIVE
FOUR MONTHS LATER
“Okay, I just need to breathe for a minute.” I lean my elbows onto the counter of the Second Chance Café, inhaling slowly. Today’s the big day, and my stomach is a mess of nerves.
Frank pats my shoulder. “It’s going to be great, Phoebe. The place is amazing. I couldn’t have…”
I glance over to find him brushing away tears from his eyes.
“Oh, no. We’re not crying, remember?” I remind him of the pact we made four months ago when I signed the papers to buy the place from them.
“I think we can make an exception just this once,” he blubbers, pulling his handkerchief out of his shirt pocket. “Alright, let’s check everything.”
We make our rounds through the place, straightening syrup bottles and giving the tables one last swipe. Then I unlock my phone to check the social media sites I started for the café while it was being remodeled and type a quick status update.
“First ten customers get one free drink a day for a year!”
The hearts come rolling in on that one, and after glancing at the time, I look at my uncle and he nods in agreement. We move to the front doors. The metalchinkof the lock releasing echoes around us, and then we’re open. A few people are already waiting outside. Everyone meanders in, including my best friend.
“Ava, I hate to tell you this, but you don’t get free drinks for a year,” I tease as she clicks her way inside, her heels a dead giveaway that she’s heading into work at the firm, where she’s climbing the ranks. She just got promoted again, actually.
I make my way behind the counter, keeping an eye on the other customers. They’re surveying the new place and talking to Frank, and once again, I’m so happy that he agreed to stay on—being paid well, of course. But he’s a staple in this place, and he built it from the ground up.
“I will be horribly offended if you don’t let me pay,” Ava says, and I give her my attention as she hops onto one of the new stools at the counter. “Large Caffé Americano with an extra shot, please.”
“Coming right up.” I press the portafilter against the lever of the espresso grinder, the fresh aroma filling the air as the grounds fill the basket. Then I tamp it down the way Frank taught me before sliding it into the grooves of the espresso machine and pressing the button. It roars to life, then the golden-brown liquid trickles out into the shot glasses.
“It looks like a good turnout,” Ava comments, folding her hands together. “That’s good news.”
“It is,” I agree as I grab the shot glasses and pour the espresso into a to-go cup. Then I turn to the faucet of the Bunn machine and fill the rest of the cup with steaming hot water. After putting a lid on, her drink is ready. I set it down carefully, and she slides a bill across the counter.
I give her a warning look. “That’s too much.”
“No, shush. It’s a grand-opening gift.” She waves me off, and I decide to just run with it. Sometimes you have to; I’ve learned that. Things definitely don’t always go the way you expect.
“I’m heading to work. I’ll text you later.” Ava clears a message on her phone. “Keep me posted on the day.”
I wave goodbye to my friend, and it’s as if once she leaves, tons of people pour in. It takes Frank and me both to handle the register and orders. The bake case is full of delicious treats too, as we outsourced to Amber’s mom to stock our desserts, and we’re both running around like crazy when people order the Danishes and brownies. After about two hours, things calm down a bit, and we grab a drink of water.
“This has been insanely busy.” I sink into one of the comfortable armchairs I picked out, relieved to get off my feet.
“Yes, but it’s been absolutely amazing.” Frank throws a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll be back.”
“Of course.” I smile, watching him retreat through the double doors to the back room.
Someone walks by the café but thankfully doesn’t come in. I’m extremely grateful for this morning’s turnout, but I just need a moment of calm. After a few minutes of no new customers, I grab a wet towel and wipe everything down. I’m glad it’s been a success so far, but now that we’ve slowed down, I worry I messed something up.
The bell rings as the door opens, and I glance up to find Isaac sauntering toward the counter, a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
