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“Sure, go ahead,” I replied, curiosity piqued.
“Have you always known you wanted to run your parents’ café?”
I pondered his question for a moment, letting the memories of my childhood in Pebble’s Brew wash over me. “In a way, yes,” I admitted. “It’s been such a big part of my life, and after they passed, I just couldn’t imagine leaving it behind.”
“Wow,” Caleb murmured, impressed. “I admire your dedication.”
I chuckled. “Well, it hasn’t always been easy, but I love this place. It’s more than just a business to me – it’s home.”
“You’ve built something special here,” he said, genuine warmth in his voice.
“Enough about me, though,” I countered, eager to learn more about him. “What drives an ambitious CEO like yourself? Surely there’s more to Caleb Masters than meets the eye.”
He hesitated, then offered a wry smile. “I suppose I’m looking for something more meaningful, beyond the boardroom and corporate politics.”
“Welcome to small-town life,” I teased, nudging him playfully. “We may not have much excitement around here, but we know something about meaning and connection.”
“Maybe that’s what I need,” Caleb mused, his eyes twinkling in the firefly light. “A bit of small-town magic to shake up my world.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” I warned, laughing. “We tend to take our magic very seriously in Pebble Point.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” he replied, grinning.
“Alright, Caleb,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder as we stepped inside. “Time to put that CEO brain to work and help me figure out a plan for our new feline friend.”
“Consider it done,” he agreed, rolling up his sleeves with determination. “After all, we’re in this together now, right?”
“Right,” I affirmed, smiling at him. “Together.”
“Alright, break time’s over,” I said, tearing my gaze away from his and playfully nudging him with my elbow. “We’ve got cat duty and a café to close up for the day.”
“Of course,” Caleb replied, following me back inside, the fireflies’ glow fading behind us as we returned to the warm bustle of Pebble’s Brew.
“Can I ask something? Umm… it’s quite a big something,” he asked, rubbing his chin.
“Sure, go ahead,” I replied with trepidation.
“Well, my company’s legal team…”
“Stop right there, Caleb—we agreed no talk of your development…” I interrupted, anger flashing through me.
“No, wait—that’s precisely what I need to emphasize. Just one more thing, I promise. I’ve been meaning to share details about my uncle Theodore’s business, the one I’m slated to inherit. The redevelopment of Pebble Point—it’s not merely a profit-driven venture for me.”
“Really?” I inquired, my interest piqued as Caleb unveiled this previously undisclosed aspect of himself.
“Absolutely,” he affirmed. “There are specific conditions tied to the inheritance. My uncle aimed to impart the significance of community and connection to me. It’s been a challenging learning experience, but days like today... they remind me that there’s more to life than just the bottom line.”
I nodded, moved by Caleb’s candidness and the vulnerability he was displaying.
“Hmmm… alright,” I responded, slowly clenching my fists.
“And as I was mentioning, my legal team is quite stringent about the details. They’ve informed me that I’m legally obligated to put in 40 hours of work here each month.”
“Go on…” I sighed.
“…and the thing is—I really want to work here with you. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. It makes me feel… like I’m really connecting with Pebble Point. With people… with you.”
“Oh… okay?”
