Page 5 of Espresso Your Love
“Oh, you should! Especially at night. The twinkling lights under the twinkling stars.” A wistful smile spreads across her face.
“That sounds wonderful. Maybe I’ll go after my shift tomorrow.”
“And don’t forget to take that blonde with you.”
My brows furrow together. “Take who?”
“Don’t be shy, dear. It’s a small town, we talk. Cassie is such a sweet girl. And she’s single, too.” She winks at me.
“Ms. Abrams,” I chuckle, “I’ve met several people today. Everyone has been very nice and welcoming.”
“Mr. Hayes, it’s not every day you meet a single beautiful girl in the local coffee shop. My sources say you two looked very cute together.”
“We talked briefly before I got called in for work. Speaking of which—my first day is tomorrow so I need to do some prep. Good afternoon, Ms. Abrams.”
She gives me a look that tells me this conversation is not over. “Goodbye, Ryan.”
I head upstairs to my room and plop down on the bed. Max follows suit and lies right next to me. I don’t have any prep to do and feel terrible for fibbing. I open the book that I’ve been reading when my phone rings.
“Hey, big brother. How’s the first day in Stars Hollow?”
“It’s Meadowbrook, Sadie.”
“It was aGilmore Girlsreference. You should know that.”
“I may have watched them with you, but I may not have been paying attention.”
“Don’t pretend you don’t love it,” she counters. “You were rooting for Lorelai and Luke as much as I was.”
I’d do anything for Sadie, including watching reruns ofGilmore Girlswith her. And she’s not wrong—Luke all the way.
“Anyways,” she continues, “how’sMeadowbrook?” She adds extra emphasis, with a dash of sass, to the town’s name.
“So far, so good. They have a great coffee shop, Coffee Loft, and I met some of the guys I’ll work with. Everyone seems cool.”
“TheCoffee Loft!” she exclaims. “I love their coffee. I went to one when we were on our honeymoon! Get the lofty size. Although, it still won’t be enough caffeine for you.”
“Already did. It was the best coffee I’ve ever had.”
“And maybe you’ll find your Lorelai while you’re there!” she squeals.
“You’re such a romantic, Sadie. The right girl will come at the right time.”
“And maybe that time is now! Just be yourself, and she’ll fall head over heels in love with you.”
“We don’t even know whosheis.”
“Who knows! You may have met her already. Maybe you passed by her on the street. Or she works at the coffee shop. Or maybe she’ll—”
“Okay, Sis. I got it,” I interrupt her. “I might fall in love while I’m here. I’ll be on my best behavior. How’s little man?”
“Kicking up a storm.” I can hear the exhaustion in her voice. “It was cute at first, but now, he’s just doing martial arts in there, and it’s uncomfortable. Once he comes out, he’s sure to give me trouble. He’ll be running before he crawls.”
“Hang in there, Sis. You’re almost there.”
“I know. I wish you were here, Ryan. We miss you. Mom’s already planning the next family dinner.”
“I miss y’all too. I bet she is. She’s probably texted me ten times in the last hour.”
