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Astra nods, swallows hard, and heads inside.
Once she’s safely behind the door, I head to my bike, my heart pounding hard in my chest.
I’ve never done something so brazen with a woman in my life, and I pray it will pay off.
6
Astra
The bell on the door to the cafe rings, a sound I haven’t been able to get a break from today.
I don’t know why, but man, it feels like everyone who lives in Chihuahua has been in my cafe today.
I glance up from petting one of the oldest tabby cats in the shop, Velvet.
She purrs against my hand, offering a much-needed calming moment in the briefly quiet shop.
My friend, Daniela, stands in the doorway.
Her smile is as bright as the Mexican sun. “Hola, it’s been too long!”
She comes rushing over to me and engulfs me in a warm, welcoming hug. “Tell me how things have been since I’ve been away.”
Daniela travels a decent amount for work and just got back from yet another work trip.
She takes a seat on the plush purple armchair beside me.
I pull my hand away from Velvet and take in a deep breath. “Same old, same old. Cats, coffee, and not nearly enough sleep.”
Daniela cackles, her energy lightening up the mood.
Here I am overstimulated, overworked, and fucking exhausted, but her presence seems to wash that away.
“You know, I’d feel sorry for you, but you’re the one who had the bright idea to run a cafe, and be a cat shelter at the same time.” Daniela gives me a little bit of sass, but that’s okay.
She’s the first friend I made when I moved to Chihuahua, and I know she’s going to be my friend until the day I die.
I shrug and stifle a laugh, “Yeah, well, someone has to bring amazing caffeinated concoctions to the citizens of Chihuahua. Plus, the cats need me. So many people are fine with them roaming the streets, starving, getting hit by cars. I’m not okay with it, and I’m making a difference.”
Daniela agrees with me. “Damn straight you are,”
I stand up and the sunlight streams in, warming up my face. “Did you want a coffee or anything?”
It’s super hot today, so I’ll almost guarantee she wants something cold.
Daniela nods and walks with me over to the coffee counter. “Can you give me an iced double shot hazelnut cappuccino?”
I cock a brow and chuckle. “Filled to the brim, right?”
Daniela waves her hand playfully, “Look at you, knowing exactly what I want.”
I roll my eyes and chuckle to myself while I make her drink.
After being friends for a couple of years, how could she expect me to not know how to make her favorite drink?
I make one for me as well and once I have the cappuccinos in the cups, we head over to one of the raised bar tables.
Daniela takes a sip of her coffee, her gaze traveling around the room, taking in the cats that lounge around on every available surface. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in here. Did you change some things?”
