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Chapter 2
Grayson
We open the door to the coffee shop and walk into an overpowering cloud of incense. Wind chimes announce our arrival while I cough, trying to catch my breath. Max, my brother, waves his hand in front of his face unsuccessfully to dispel the smoke.
We must have arrived during a lull because we’re the only customers. The space actually looks quite nice. She’s kept the original red brick for the interior walls, comfortable sofas sit along the outer wall, and cutesy tables and chairs offer seating in the middle. Colorful ottomans and rugs brighten the space. There’s a cat bed on a shelf near the window with a lazy calico sleeping in it. A sign in front of it says, “My name is Mocha. I’m friendly, but please don’t feed me people food.” The whole place definitely has a boho vibe to it, but the incense takes it over the edge.
Max’s eyes meet mine, eyebrows raised in the universal look for, “I told you so.”
Earlier, when we’d talked about Moon Lily and her shop, I hadn’t been so quick to judge as my brother. She’s paid her rent on time, and the previous landlord didn’t have anything negative to say about her. But it seems she lives up to her name because I’m still having trouble breathing through the vapors. Already, I want to get this introduction over with. I have no patience for flaky females who say they will do something and then don’t. My ex said she would marry me and then canceled the engagement. And this woman Moon Lily is supposedly running a successful coffee shop but clearly doesn’t know what she’s doing.
A woman steps through the beaded curtains that separate the front area from the kitchen. She looks more than a few years younger than my thirty-three years. Must be an employee working the counter. Her lips are full, her skin smooth as melted caramel, and I feel myself respond when her husky voice asks, “Hello, can I help you?”
Max briskly steps forward. “Yes, we’re looking for the proprietor of this establishment.”
Slowly, her lips curve into a smile and I swear I see a hint of deviousness. “That would be me.”
I blink in astonishment. “Your name is… uh, you’re Moon Lily,” I stammer unattractively.
“Yes, I’m Moon Lily.” Her voice seems somehow deep and ethereal at the same time. My body tightens in response. Part of me wonders if the incense had a little “extra” in it because I’m definitely feeling intoxicated.
Fortunately, Max seems fine. His pale suede loafers make an obnoxious clicking sound against the hardwood floors as he steps forward and offers his hand for her to shake. “My name is Maximillian and this is my brother, Grayson. He’s the new owner of the building. We came to introduce ourselves and perchance get a cup of coffee.”
Moon Lily blinks slowly. Long dark lashes make her brown eyes look huge in her delicate face. She takes his hand limply. “Oh, the new owners!” She sounds surprised and a little ditzy. “You want some coffee?”
“Or whatever you think is best,” Max replies.
If Moon Lily hears the condescension in his tone, she doesn’t react. “Please, take a seat and I’ll bring the best options on the menu.”
Max and I find a table, and within a few minutes she’s bringing out a tray. “Here you go. This is a special variety of green tea blended with a unique Asian fruit I’m sure you’ll enjoy. And here are a couple of our popular energy bars. They’re sugar-free, fat-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but amazingly they taste just like homemade chocolate chip cookies.”
She sets the tray down with a smile. Her braid falls over her shoulder bringing with it a hint of cinnamon and warm woman. She smells so good I want to bury my face in her neck and drown in her scent.
“Enjoy, gentlemen.” She straightens and returns to the kitchen.
I watch her go, entranced by the curves of her legs and the shape of her backside beneath her dress.
“Let’s see what she’s got.” Max is ready to cut her loose. Bringing tea to a coffee drinker? Bad form. There’s no way she’ll win him over now.
I lift my own mug, but before it's even close to my mouth I start gagging on the scent. Across from me Max is doing the same thing. “Maybe it’s one of those teas that smells awful, but tastes good?” Doubt colors my voice.
“Maybe.” He shrugs.
I’m not familiar with teas, but I’ve got a pretty decent palate. Surely it can’t be that bad. I take a sip. It’s worse. It tastes like garbage mixed with rotten fruit and barf. Grasping a napkin, I spit it out like a kid eating brussel sprouts for the first time.
Trying to get the taste out of my mouth, I shove the energy bar into my mouth. It’s better than the tea, but not by much. It’s hard as a brick and tastes like dirt. It’d be great as a hockey puck, but I’m not keen on breaking my teeth today.
My brother is already shaking his head, and I have to agree. Moon Lily may be the most attractive woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, but this is the worst cafe experience I’ve ever had. She’s beautiful, but if this is what she’s serving, then her business is going to fail and she doesn’t belong in my building.
