Page 2 of Elves and Espresso

She eventually left, and I noted her down as another local just here to attempt to capture Father’s attention. While the locals assumed he would be left all alone soon, they couldn’t be further from the truth—not that he would tell them so.

It wasn’t long before he was next to me, critiquing my craft, despite me doing this for more years than I could count.

“I know. I know all these things. You’ve shown me every single day.”

“Java, you must understand that these things are very important. It isn’t as though there’s been an inquiry for you, and you are running out of time. We must establish your place here. Firmly.”

I groaned for the millionth time and pushed down the frustration that fought to rise to the surface. I knew he was right, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. With both of my sisters married, I was sure to end up the spinster, left to live out her days in this espresso brewery. It wasn’t a terrible fate, just a lonely one—especially once my father moved onto the realm of death at the end of his days.

“I only want what’s best for you,” he whispered softly, and I felt the familiar guilt stab at my heart. “I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.”

It was a lie, and he knew it. One that couldn’t afford to grow, but one that we would brew in all the days to come.

Chapter Two

“Do you need some help?”

“No, I do not need help,” I huffed as I pushed the press down with all my strength. “I have managed this on my own for years, I don’t need—” The press had finally forced down under my weight, but the result was me sitting on the floor with my legs in front of me in a most embarrassing manner.

Or rather, it would be embarrassing if something more embarrassing hadn’t immediately followed. For as soon as I looked up at the man who had offered his assistance, I was overwhelmed by the face looking back at me.

He was perfectly ordinary in appearance, but the smile he gave was utter perfection—outshined only by his delightful blue eyes.

“You should have accepted my help,” he pointed out.

Great, just what I needed today. Another man’s appearance ruined the moment he opened his mouth.

“I should have ensured this press was working before placing my entire body against it.”

He glanced down at my legs, still decidedly in front of me, and raised a brow. “Well, it isn’t as though there’s much of your body. You’re quite short.”

“I… Well, I…” I sputtered, surprise painting my features before the scowl I knew I often wore covered my face. “Well, that’s just rude.”

“It’s not rude,” he stated. “It’s just a matter of fact.”

I dusted off my apron, which was covered with wet coffee grounds, then stared at my hands for a moment, realizing what I had just done. The sticky substance was trailing down my arms, straight into my sleeves, as I continued to sit in the mess.

Really, I didn’t know how to recover from this with someone so handsome, yet so ordinary and annoying, above me. Was he just going to stand there?

Oh, he probably wants a drink!

“Were you wanting a beverage, sir?” My voice had an edge to it, but that couldn’t be helped when dealing with him.

“Ah yes, Calista…” His voice trailed off as he read my name tag. “But I wasn’t sure how to ask, and besides, I don’t mind waiting. I’d be happy to help you get this all sorted.”

He was trying to be helpful, but his offer only fueled my annoyance. “I can manage.”

“Yes, yes, I know.” His smile was dazzling, and I had to remind myself that his appearance was truly quite ordinary. It didn’t matter if there was something about him; one couldn’t afford to get involved, especially with humans being as rare as they were. Sure, some passed through here and there, but this wasn’t exactly prime traveling season—it was at least four months past the season.

“I’ll help, anyway,” he offered.

“You can’t just do whatever tickles your fancy around here.”

“Why, I haven’t tickled anyone’s fancy!” he shot back. “I haven’t even said hello to a fancy.” His last words were delivered as though they were a joke.

“No, no, I didn’t mean a living fancy. I meant a passing fancy.”