AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 17
Tyingonmyapron,I took a deep breath, letting the bittersweet scent of freshly ground coffee beans soothe my worries, if only for a moment. My eyes swept over the cozy interior of Pebble’s Brew, taking in the mismatched chairs, chalkboard menu, and sun-dappled windows. So many memories, so much heart. Despite my wonderful evening with Caleb, thoughts of its fate felt precarious.
I busied myself preparing for the opening, trying not to dwell on the ever-present threat of the town’s redevelopment plans. The door chimed, shaking me from my thoughts. I glanced up to see Jamie saunter in, his sandy hair tousled from the morning breeze. But his usual easygoing smile was absent, a furrow of contemplation on his brow instead.
“Morning, sis. You’re looking super serious today,” Jamie said, sidling up to the counter.
I waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, you know me, always worrying about something. What can I get you?”
Jamie eyed me skeptically. “Nice try, but I know that look. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
I sighed, grabbing two mugs. “Same old development stuff. Caleb’s being surprisingly human about everything, and we agreed not to talk about it at work, but I still feel powerless.”
Jamie nodded, his expression softening. “I get it. This town means as much to me as it does to you.”
As I slid Jamie’s coffee toward him, our eyes met in a moment of silent understanding. We both loved this quirky little beach community and do whatever it took to preserve its spirit.
“Enough about my melodramatics,” I said, leaning casually against the counter. “What’s new with you? Any exciting gigs coming up?”
Jamie stared down into his coffee, uncharacteristically quiet. After a moment, he met my gaze. “Actually, I just got a pretty big offer. A one-year contract to play on a luxury cruise ship.”
I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “A whole year? That’s quite a commitment compared to your usual stints.”
“I know,” Jamie said. “It’s a steady gig, good money. But it means being away from home for so long.”
He looked conflicted, and I felt a pang in my chest. Jamie and I had always been close, and I’d miss him terribly if he left for a year. But this was a tremendous opportunity for him.
I reached over and squeezed his hand supportively. “A year might feel long, but just think of the adventures you’ll have. And you deserve this chance to share your music far and wide.” I gave him a playful nudge. “Who knows, you might even meet some exotic foreign beauty on board.”
Jamie chuckled, the creases in his forehead smoothing a bit. “You always know how to put a positive spin on things.” He took a long sip of coffee. “I haven’t decided for sure yet. But thanks, sis.”
“Of course,” I said warmly. “You’re my brother. I’ll always be your biggest fan.”
I tucked away my own worries, content to be there for him. This town faced uncertainties, but our bond was unshakeable.
Jamie’s gaze drifted over to the old piano tucked into the corner of the cafe. It was the one he’d learned on as a kid, endlessly plunking out scales and simple melodies after school while Mom whipped up lattes behind the counter.
“Remember how we used to put on ‘concerts’ for the customers?” he said with a hint of nostalgia. “You’d sing, and I’d play, though we only knew about five songs between us.”
I smiled at the memory. “Performing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ twenty times in a row does qualify as a concert when you’re six years old.”
We both chuckled. But then Jamie’s expression grew thoughtful.
“So many memories in this place,” he murmured.
The door chimed, and Cynthia walked in. Today, instead of her usual brightly colored outfit and bubbly attitude, she looked deflated.
“Hey Cynthia,” I greeted her. “The usual?”
“Please,” she said with a weak smile.
I got to work on her triple-shot latte with extra foam. As the espresso machine whirred and steamed, Cynthia sighed loudly.
“You alright?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder.
“Oh, just more of the same old nonsense with this development project,” she said. “I’m trying to balance things, keep an open mind about potential growth opportunities. But also honor what makes this place so special, you know?”
I nodded as I poured the foamy milk into her cup. “It’s a tough line to walk.”
