The Barista Diaries: Love At First Brew

Chapter 11: I Love You A Latte / This Is Too Much To Handle

I finally feel like I've got some inspiration for this story again- anyways, here's a new chapter before I sign off for the holidays and new year! Enjoy! And make sure to take time for yourself this busy season of life!

The next couple days...

After Pete and Alexis' adventure a couple days ago to his old stomping grounds, they both realize they love each other. I think we've already realized how much they love each other by now. Anyways, Pete got a call to host a latte art workshop at Brew Blends tonight. He's bit of an expert in this area so this workshop will be comfortable for him to host.

Around 5:30pm they leave to head to Brew Blends and Pete gets all setup as soon as he arrives; He lets Alexis grab a bite and a treat before the workshop begins. He explains why latte art is so popular and which specific milks froth really well to make the iconic art on top of the lattes. He demos first, and he makes the heart first to start. Then he has everyone pair up and they try to recreate what he made. Everyone takes turns at the espresso machine and also using the milk frother, too. Pete demos one more piece of latte art which is the tulip- this does take everyone a minute to try it out. As soon as the night does end, Pete recommends them a coffee to brew at home and gives them customizable stencils they can use at home to practice more latte art. Pete says "Thank You" to everyone for coming and he walks his girl out to the car.

"You did a wonderful job this evening! I learned a lot about it." saysAlexis. "It was something I first tried at the first place I worked at and found I was naturally good at. Usually things like that take their time to do that anyways." says Pete. "Right I so agree."says Alexis. "I think I should make the latte art maybe a class I teach on the side or maybe should I stick with it as a workshop?"says Pete. "I think a workshop is better." says Alexis. "I agree. I just needed another opinion that's all." says Pete. "You good?" says Alexis. "I just think about my parents' a lot that's all." says Pete. "I know they would be super proud of you! And they would've probably liked me too." says Alexis. "Yeah, they would be. They would've loved you. Because I always felt pressured by them to find someone and after they died I felt more of a pressure to still find someone and I thank my lucky stars I did. I didn't love the idea of being pressured but here I am now." says Pete. "You don't ever have to feel pressure to find someone but I'm glad you took your time to find that someone." says Alexis.

"I'm glad I did, too. I just think about my parents a lot." says Pete."I know you like to keep their presence alive. I wish I felt the same way about my parents- it's complicated right now." saysAlexis. "I know it is with them being divorced and all. But if you ever need to talk, I'm always here to listen; Always." says Pete. "I thank you for understanding. It's nice to have someone that will listen." says Alexis. "Not a problem." says Pete. "I just don't love the part of who I want to live with." says Alexis. "Who would you rather live with?" says Pete. "My mom; she's my best friend besides you of course." says Alexis. "Not that I should ask, but is your Dad a lot?" says Pete. "He can be sometimes. We seem distant and not cause of the divorce." says Alexis. "I didn't know that. I see why you would rather live with your mom instead." says Pete. "She's easier to be around and I can talk to her more about things rather than around my dad." says Alexis."Again, not that I should ask but do you feel your dad doesn't understand you?" says Pete. "I think so sometimes. I know he's my dad and all but I just don't know." says Alexis. "You ready to go home?" says Pete. "Yes, I would love to. Again, thank you for listening to my problems." says Alexis. "Not a problem. Have I said I loved you today?" says Pete. "No, you haven't- I'll say it first- I LOVE YOU!" says Alexis. "I love you, too." says Pete.

They drive home and see that Alexis' mom pulled in. "Hey, mom; what's up?" says Alexis. "It's your dad." says Diana. "What happened?" says Alexis. "I found out something- he never told me he had a drinking problem- and I guess this was after our divorce he started compulsively drinking. I think the divorce took a toll on him. I just found out he died of an alcoholic overdose. I wanted to come by and tell you. I know you and your dad didn't have a great relationship even when him and I were married. I just thought you should know." says Diana. "I don't know what to say. I don't even know how to think right now." says Alexis. "Hey, if you want to come back to the house and hang out there for a bit. Pete can come too to provide you some comfort." says Diana. "That sounds good; babe, do you mind staying with me at my mom's house?" says Alexis."Yes, I can- I know this hard on you and you know I lost my dad to a drug overdose so I can understand this pain you are in. You've got me always. I'll stay with you." says Pete, giving his girl a quick smooch. "You are so nice, Pete." says Diana. "She's my girl; I've got to protect her." says Pete. "He's always protected me ever since we met so yeah. I'll grab our stuff and we can follow my mom over to her house. Sound good?" says Alexis. "Yes, it does. Come here." says Pete, giving his girl another kiss and a hug.

They grab their things and head over to Diana's house. Pete helps with bringing everything in and he smiles at his girl. He still counts his lucky stars everyday that he met Alexis. Hopefully, I can help her through this tough time in her life. I know the feeling of losing someone but the loss of someone that you had an unsure relationship with is trickier. Whatever she wants to do, I'll do. I'll help my girl. - Pete thought.