AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As the day wound down, I found myself leaning against the counter, my thoughts a whirlwind of determination and apprehension.
Closing the door, I locked it with a satisfying click; the sound resonating like a promise. A promise to safeguard the legacy of Pebble’s Brew and that of our beloved town.
Chapter 10
Thelateafternoonsuncast a warm glow over Pebble’s Brew as if nature itself approved of the cozy haven I’d created. I took pride in the mismatched furniture and chalkboard menu that gave my coffee shop its charm. My parents had opened it in the 1980s, and it had become a part of me, a life raft after they passed away. The bell above the door chimed, signaling the arrival of a group of tourists.
“Welcome to Pebble’s Brew!” I called out, pivoting to accommodate the sudden rush. Their laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the scents of freshly ground coffee beans and baked goods. The lively ambiance was the heartbeat of the café, and I relished in the energy that surged with each new customer.
“Can I get a caramel macchiato?” one woman asked, her eyes bright with excitement.
“Of course! What size would you like?” I said, tapping my fingers on the counter in time with the espresso machine’s rhythmic hum. The anticipation in her gaze hinted at a well-deserved treat, and I couldn’t help but share in her enthusiasm.
“Make it a large,” she replied, already eyeing the pastry case, her delight contagious.
As I turned to prepare the order, I noticed Caleb standing awkwardly by the antique espresso machine. His impeccable suit seemed out of place among the casual tourists, and there was an unmistakable hesitancy in his movements. The contrast between his formality and the laid-back atmosphere of Pebble’s Brew was palpable.
“Can I help you?” I asked with exasperation, my attention momentarily diverted from the whirring sounds of the espresso machine.
“Oh, um… no, just the macchiato then, please,” the woman replied in a small voice, momentarily startled.
“I’m so sorry,” I said to her, clasping my hand over my mouth, “I was talking to him.” I pointed at Caleb sheepishly, realizing the mix-up. The woman’s eyes flicked over to Caleb, and a hint of amusement played in her gaze as she caught on to the unintentional exchange.
Caleb, caught off guard, offered an awkward smile, as if acknowledging the unexpected spotlight. The air seemed to shimmer with a blend of amusement and camaraderie, turning the bustling coffee shop into a stage for the unexpected comedy of daily life. The rich aroma of brewing coffee became the backdrop to this impromptu scene, creating a moment that would linger in the memory of Pebble’s Brew, where the unexpected encounters were as diverse as the brews served.
The woman was visibly relieved, and smiled nervously.
“Uh, Zoe, can I..?” he trailed off, gesturing helplessly at the machine.
“On the condition we concentrate on Pebble’s Brew, and Pebble’s Brew only—no talk of developments. Or rival coffee stores,” I replied firmly.
He nodded uncomfortably.
Caleb and I soon found our rhythm, serving the lively tourists with an ease that surprised me.
“Double espresso for the gentleman in the Hawaiian shirt,” I called out to Caleb as I handed over a lemon-poppyseed muffin to a smiling woman.
“Coming right up!” he replied, his fingers deftly packing espresso grounds into the portafilter. The machine hissed as he pulled the shot, and I marveled at how quickly he’d picked up the skill.
“See? You’re getting the hang of it already,” I said, nodding my approval as he slid the cup onto the counter with a flourish.
“Thanks to my excellent teacher,” he quipped, shooting me a teasing grin. “So, what’s next?”
“An iced caramel latte for the lady with the camera,” I instructed, and he set to work with a newfound confidence.
Gone was the tension that had once hung between us like static electricity; in its place, an unexpected camaraderie blossomed.
“Order up!” Caleb announced, presenting the finished drink with a theatrical bow. I chuckled and rolled my eyes, but secretly, I was pleased to see him enjoying himself.
“Alright, show-off,” I teased, playfully swatting his arm. “One more order, and then I think we can catch our breath.”
“Bring it on,” he challenged, his eyes sparkling with determination.
But just as I opened my mouth to relay the final order, I noticed Caleb’s gaze shift to the window. His confident smile melted away, replaced by an expression of concern. I followed his line of sight and saw a small, shivering ginger cat huddled near the café’s entrance.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Caleb said softly, his voice a gentle whisper that seemed out of place coming from him. He strode purposefully to the door and stepped outside, leaving me to handle the last order on my own.
“Uh, sure,” I murmured, more to myself than anyone else. As I prepared the drink, I couldn’t help watching Caleb through the window. His tall frame bent low as he approached the cat with caution, speaking soothing words that I couldn’t quite hear but felt in my heart.
