AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I smiled gratefully at the enthusiastic crowd. Their support meant everything. But as the initial excitement died down, doubt crept back in. We needed something more to really ignite this campaign.
Just then, Caleb stood up abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. I stared at him in surprise as he strode purposefully to the front of the cafe.
“Thank you all for your ideas,” he began, his voice smooth and commanding. “But we need to remember what’s truly important here. This cafe represents the heart of Pebble Point. It’s where friends gather, newcomers are welcomed, and memories are made.”
He paused, looking around earnestly. “Places like this are rare. Once they’re gone, they can never be replaced.”
I watched Caleb in awe. Mr. Big Shot, CEO, was passionately defending my quirky small-town cafe.
“With your help, we can preserve something special for ourselves and future generations. This is about more than coffee and pastries. It’s about community, connection, legacy.” Caleb’s voice rang with conviction. “Together, we can do this!”
A cheer erupted as I rushed to hug Caleb. “Thank you,” I whispered. He squeezed my hand.
“Now let’s get to work!” He grinned. The crowd buzzed with renewed purpose.
Watching arm-in-arm with Caleb, I began to feel I could handle anything. As long as we stood united, Pebble’s Brew could carry on.
Chapter 16
Iturnedthekeyin the lock, and the deadbolt slid into place with a heavy thunk. Beside me, Caleb did the same to the front door, his movements smooth and efficient after months of closing up the shop together each night.
“All secure,” he said, giving the handle a firm shake to double check.
I nodded, glancing back through the window at the now darkened interior, chairs stacked neatly on tables. Pebble’s Brew looked peaceful in repose, ready to welcome a new bustling day come morning.
Caleb tilted his head toward the street. “Care to take a walk in the park?”
“Sure.” I fell into step beside him, our footfalls echoing down the empty sidewalks of Pebble Point. The usual crowd of tourists and locals had dispersed, leaving the streets quiet and still.
“Hard to believe this place was packed a few hours ago,” Caleb remarked, scanning the darkened storefronts.
“The calm after the storm,” I said with a small laugh. “But you know it’ll be chaos again tomorrow at the opening.”
He grinned. “Which is why we savor the peace while we can.”
I nodded, breathing in the crisp night air. The hush seemed to settle something within me, a reprieve after the day’s constant motion.
We walked on, the only sounds were the occasional swish of a car passing by and the steady rhythm of our steps in tandem. I glanced up at Caleb, his profile etched in moonlight. For all our banter, having him here beside me felt...right.
I took a deep breath as we turned down a side street; the shadows deepening around us. There was an intimacy to this hushed hour that made me want to open up, to share things I usually kept locked away.
“Can I tell you something?” I asked quietly.
Caleb nodded. “Of course.”
I bit my lip, trying to put my tangled thoughts into words. “I know I act all confident about the shop, but honestly... I feel so much pressure. Like I’ll never live up to my parents’ legacy, you know? Pebble’s Brew was their baby.”
I risked a glance at Caleb. His expression was serious, eyes intent on mine.
“I get that,” he said finally. “My grandfather built his company from the ground up. Now, everyone expects me to fill his shoes.” He exhaled. “But the truth is, I’m not sure I can. Or if I even want to try.”
I blinked in surprise. Caleb always seemed so self-assured.
“Really?” I asked. “But you’re so good at everything. I figured it came naturally.”
He laughed shortly. “Hardly. I’ve just gotten good at faking it.” His voice softened. “Honestly, sometimes I wish I could walk away completely. Go live on a beach somewhere, surf all day.”
“Now that sounds nice,” I said wistfully.
