AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Suddenly, a woman shouts, “BINGO!” The room erupts in cheers and celebration as Scar announces, “We have a WINNER!”
I glance up from serving a muffin and join in the jubilation, shouting, “Woo!”
The triumphant player rises from her seat and makes her way to Scar. Grinning, she expresses her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for these game nights; they’re incredibly entertaining!”
“You’re welcome!” Scar says, handing her a certificate for free coffee for the rest of the summer.
“Let’s all get a selfie,” I say to them both.
“Heck yes, please!” the girl says.
I grab my phone, and we huddle close together.
“Say cheese!” Scar says.
“Cheese!” we all say.
I place my phone back into my pocket.
“I’m so glad you came! See you back soon?” Scar asks.
“Of course!” she says.
On game nights like this one, we usually leave the café open until someone emerges victorious. As the final customer bids us farewell and I lock the door, I give them a friendly wave and turn to help Scarlett clean up the dining area.
“Another successful game night,” I say with a satisfied smile, starting to clear away the empty cups and plates from the tables.
Scarlett nods in agreement, her eyes reflecting the warm ambiance of the café. The lingering laughter and conversations of our happy customers still resonate in the cozy atmosphere.
“Definitely! Everyone seemed to have a great time tonight. The chocolate fondue you made was a big hit, too,” Scarlett says.
I chuckle as I continue tidying up. “I’m glad they enjoyed it. It’s always nice to see our customers having fun. By the way, did you notice if anyone was close to winning any of the games?”
Scarlett looks around the café, then shakes her head. “I’m not sure. I was mainly focused on keeping the drinks and snacks flowing. But I can check the scorecards and see if anyone was close to victory.” Scarlett returns with the scorecards in hand and begins going through them. “It looks like a few games were pretty close. Some regulars were just one move away from winning in that intense chess match. And in the card game corner, it seems like the game of ‘Uno’ was heating up, too.”
“Well, that’s the beauty of game night; it keeps everyone engaged and entertained. Let’s note down those close calls so we can congratulate the winners next time.”
Scarlett finishes gathering the scorecards and smiles. “Absolutely. Game night is a big part of what makes this café so special.”
We both finish cleaning up the dining area, and as I glance around one last time, I can’t help but agree.
The café is more than just a place to grab a coffee or play board games; it’s a gathering place for friends, old and new, to share laughter and good times.
With everything in order, Scarlett and I prepare to close up shop for the night, already looking forward to the next game night at our beloved café.
* * *
Turning into my driveway,raindrops dance on my windshield. My breath quickens with every step I take toward the porch, where the man I’ve missed so dearly sits, sheltering himself from the pouring rain. I can’t shake the flutter of hope in my heart. Lightning streaks across the darkened sky, illuminating his tousled brown hair and tanned skin.
Eric.The name plays like a melody in my soul, and the moment our eyes meet, it’s as if the world holds its breath, waiting for our reunion. The thunder rumbles in the distance, mirroring the racing of my own heart.
My entire body trembles, and I stand before him like a fragile leaf. The rain pours down relentlessly, but nothing can dampen the warmth that spreads through me as I close the distance between us. I can’t help but laugh, feeling the cold droplets of rain soaking through my clothes.
The porch light creates a soft, golden halo around Eric, making his blue eyes sparkle like the sun glistening on the ocean waves. His smile is a welcome sight. Eric stands, his arms outstretched, and we embrace in a tight, fervent hug that speaks volumes without words. We hold each other, the rain serving as a backdrop to our reunion, washing away the time we’ve spent apart.
“I’ve missed you,” I whisper into his ear, my voice barely audible over the patter of raindrops.
“I’ve missed you, too, more than words can say,” Eric replies, his voice filled with emotion. He pulls back slightly, cupping my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away rain-soaked strands of hair that cling to my skin.
