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It was the best of times. And grief was the absolute worst.
“I’m figuring some things out, Dad, but don’t you worry. I’ll get it handled, and I won’t eat up my savings before I do. You have my word; however, I will welcome any advice or signs or whatever you can send my way.” I placed a fingertip kiss on his head and bid him adieu.
A while later, I parked on the next street over from the Coffee Loft and headed inside. There was an unmistakable rich chocolate aroma in the air that instantly had me salivating.
I recognized Harry upon approach, but I was pretty sure I wasn’t familiar to him. At least he acted like I wasn’t.
“Good afternoon, what can I get you?”
“Whatever is being whipped up currently. I could smell the heavenly scent outside.”
“That’s our Muddy Pie. It’s a donut with a chocolate cookie crumble glaze, stuffed with a decadent vanilla cream, and topped with crushed cookies.” His voice cracked on the last word, and he covered his mouth.
Thank goodness Amanda and I had a long walk planned. I’d need it after what I was about to order.
“I’ll have one of those please, plus a mug of Coffee Loft’s dark roast. In a lofty size,” I added for good measure. One sweet baked item would cure my craving, didn’t need to add a sugar-laden drink to my order as well.
“Yes, ma’am. Please have a seat, and I’ll bring it out to you.”
Seeing the window table was vacant, I rushed over and sat in what I was going to lovingly callmy spot, preferring to people watch on the main street; a couple passed by a lady with a giant, blonde-haired dog, and a couple of giggling teens snickered together.
The sidewalks were free of snow and ice but that didn’t reduce the chill in the air. Like it or not, autumn was in full bloom and winter was nipping at her heels.
My hot drink arrived tantalizing my senses with its ripe java scent, as did my ten-pound gaining donut. I picked and drank for the better part of an hour while alternating my attention on the sidewalk below and the job search in front of me.
I just wasn’t sure I had the energy to complete online forms, and fill out necessary paperwork, and brag about my achievements, which were few and far between. How was I supposed to make myself look like someone to hire when I hadn’t been able to hold down a job for any length of time? Even logging into LinkedIn didn’t light a fire under me. It sucked having to update my work status. Again.
From the corner of my eye, I spied Carter, dressed in a nice button-up, wearing a Coffee Loft brown apron wrapped around his chest and waist and tied in the front. He was walking around with a tray holding a bunch of tiny mugs and stopped at each table, the muscles tensing in his bare forearms, before eventually making his rounds over to me.
“Good evening. Fancy meeting you in a place like this.” He was all smiles. Gorgeous, mega-watt smiles pushed up the corners of his eyes, which sadly, still lacked his once familiar sparkle.
“Hey.” I tried my best to not give in to my personal kryptonite. Carter and his casual conversations weren’t what I needed.
“I’m handing out samples of a new brew I’ve blended. Care to try?” He set the tray down and offered me a sample-sized mug. “You don’t have to try it in my presence, but here’s a comment card if you don’t mind filling out a brief survey.” He put a golf-style pencil atop the card and took a step away.
“Where are you going? There’s no need to rush away, I’ll try it now.” I lifted the mug to my lips and allowed a small taste to wash over my tastebuds. Remembering how Amanda talked about her wine tastings, I did my best to mimic the movement and let the savoury taste of the warm coffee sit a second or two longer than normal. “It’s good.”
His hand gripped the edge of the tray like he was ready to bolt. “Like good-good and you’d have another, or it’s meh-good and it wouldn’t be your first choice? Or is it fab-brew-lous?”
My head tipped back with a chuckle. “You’re funny.”
“Thanks, I try my best.”
“Are you asking all your samplers that way?”
A sweet laugh filled the space. “Heavens, no. I’d be shut down but with you… I just…”
I inhaled. “Yeah.” It was all I needed to say because I understood it perfectly.
“So?”
A smile snuck onto my otherwise serious face; it was impossible to keep it away. “I would definitely have another. There’s no bitter aftertaste, but there is a lingering taste of something I can’t quite put my finger on.”
“And it’s good, that lingering taste?” The curiosity was ripe on his tongue.
“Of course. It’s like something familiar and soothing, but I couldn’t tell you what.”
I took another sip, hoping it would trigger something. Instead, all it did was remind me of sunlit Sunday mornings on a front porch with the bright colours of the autumn-touched leaves swaying in the warm breeze. Gee whiz, I needed to get out more.
