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I parked a few stores down from the café because there was no parking spot closer. Danny was right, the place seemed to be a hit.
By Any Beans was a pleasant place. It was a colorful space, yet the colors were well chosen, not tiring. Its big windows on the front brought in natural clarity, and the space smelled delicious.
I approached the display of goodies, and my mouth watered. Unable to pick, I planned on buying a little bit of everything, hoping I could remember the beverage preferences.
A young, curvy woman smiled at me from behind the counter. Her honey hair was pulled back in a ponytail, exposing her beautiful face. The pink tips of her hair matched her bright smile. There was something cheerful about her that was contagious.
“Hello. What can I get you?” Her voice was as colorful as her nails.
“Hi,” I looked at her name tag, “April. Are you the owner?” I didn’t fully think she was; she seemed too young for that.
“No, Isabella is the owner. Isabella Turner. I just work here.”
“This place seems great.” I was still admiring it and happy to have a place like that in our little town. I had a feeling I’d spend a lot of time at the welcoming bistro.
“It truly is. The pastries are to die for.” She said, almost conspiratorially.
I placed my order, ticking off everyone so I wouldn’t forget them (Mia, Danny, Zach, Haley, Gabe, and myself). April was preparing the beverages, so I took my already prepared coffee and started to peruse the place. I walked toward the door, checking the funny paintings on the wall, and as I was turning back to the counter, the door slammed open, hitting me on the arm and making me spill my coffee.
I was ready to say calming words to the apologetic lady when I recognized her voice. She stopped talking when she realized who the man parading with coffee spilled on his coat was. A huge grin stretched my lips.
“If you wanted my attention, you could’ve just tapped me. How are you, Forest?”
She seemed at a loss for words until she recovered, shaking her head lightly. “What are you doing here?” Maybe she wasn’t completely recovered.
“I heard great things about this place and wanted to check it out. I’m most certainly happy that I did. What about you?”
“I own this place.” She sounded almost defensive. I felt victorious for a multitude of reasons.
“And now you have a new regular.” Despite her best efforts to contain it, the shadow of a smile was noticeable. She seemed to finally realize I was smelling like coffee—because I was soaked in it—and apologized profusely again.
I was too distracted to have finally found her for good. I couldn’t hear a single word she said when she grabbed my arm, pulling me to the counter so she could clean the mess she made. I wasn’t about to stop her if it meant she’d keep touching me. I felt a surge of energy course through my body. She must’ve felt the same, based on her dilated pupils and soft gasp.
She tapped me with some napkins that didn’t do anything to clean, but I was most certainly not complaining. By her pleased expression, she wasn’t either.
When April brought me my order, Forest rounded her eyes. “I’m feeding a lot of people,” I said as an answer to her unasked question. Her eyes turned wary, and she slowly pulled her cleaning hand back. Time to clear some things. “My co-workers. And friends. Nothing more.”
“No goodies for your son, I see.”
I laughed out loud. It was crazy to think I had a kid. “Gabe isn’t my son, just like Mia isn’t my girlfriend.” At her curious gaze, I explained. “Mia’s the one you saw with me both times. She’s my co-worker. Well, and best friend.”
“It must be hard to be a single mother.” Still sensing her doubt, I continued.
“I’m sure it is, but she’s not his mom. Haley is, and the three of them live together.”
“Oh, I had no idea she—”
I chuckled again. “They’re not a couple.”
“I’m so confused.”
“Then maybe we should meet another time, and I could explain everything.” I leaned closer to her, and her smell tightened my pants. “You know, I don’t do anything rushed. I like to take my time and give my full attention. I need to be sure everything is thoroughly covered, no...subjectuntouched.”
At my whispered words, her green eyes almost turned black with desire, and she shivered. “I’ll arrange some napkins for you.” Her hoarse voice made me feel big—in more ways than one.
She turned away and headed behind the counter, with her back to me. She grabbed a few things, deposited them in the small box with my order, and handed it to me. “I put another cup of coffee for you, since I ruined the first one.” Her pink cheeks were driving me crazy.
“I look forward to seeing you around again...Isabella.” At her surprised smile, I turned on my heels and left the cafeteria. The whole drive back to the company was made with a grin I couldn’t contain. What a nice turn of events.
