Espresso Your Heart

2- Coffee, Quips, and Misunderstandings

I hurried through the morning chill, the golden glow of sunrise just peeping over the horizon. My steps quickened as I approached Pages & Lattes, fuelled by the anticipation of seeing Ava again. The door chimed cheerfully as I pushed it open, stepping into the warm, inviting smell of coffee and old books.

Mr. Thompson, the owner of the café and a longtime friend of my parents, was just locking the register as I walked in. His face broke into a wide, genuine smile upon seeing me.

"Morning, Jamie! Here before the sun today, I see," Mr. Thompson greeted, his voice as rich and comforting as the coffee he brewed.

"Morning, Mr. Thompson," I replied, shrugging off my jacket. "Yeah, I thought I'd get a head start on things. You know, make sure everything's perfect."

Mr. Thompson chuckled, drying his hands on a towel as he leaned against the counter. "Expecting someone special, perhaps?"

I felt my cheeks warm slightly, but I smiled. "Maybe I am. You know, Mr. Thompson, ever since I was a kid, I've loved this place. It's been like a second home to me. I remember running around these tables, hiding between bookshelves. I've always dreamed of one day opening a cozy book café just like this."

The older man's eyes twinkled with approval as he nodded, placing a fatherly hand on my shoulder. "I've watched you grow up right here, Jamie. From that little boy hiding behind book stacks to the young man making every customer feel at home. You've got the passion and the know-how. That's what it really takes. I started this café with nothing but a dream and a few old books. You've already got a head start."

"Thanks, Mr. Thompson. That means a lot, coming from you," I said, feeling a surge of hope and determination. I had been working here since high school, learning the ins and outs of the business, and more importantly, understanding what made a place special enough to become a part of someone's daily routine.

As Mr. Thompson nodded and started to retreat towards his office upstairs, the bell chimed again. I turned to see Allie and Ava pushing through the door, laughing about something that had happened at the bus stop. Ava looked up, her eyes meeting mine, and her smile broadened.

"Looks like I'm not the only one who's early today," I commented, my nerves buzzing with excitement.

Allie shot me a knowing look, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, we ran into each other at the bus stop. Figured we'd come in together. Ava here couldn't wait to get started on her reading!"

Ava rolled her eyes playfully at Allie, then turned to me. "Well, I guess some of us just appreciate a good morning read with excellent coffee."

I laughed, already feeling like the day was off to a great start. "Then let's make sure you get the best seat in the house," I said, gesturing towards her usual spot by the window.

As the girls headed to the table, I felt Mr. Thompson's pat on my shoulder as he passed by.

Approaching Ava's table with her favorite cappuccino in hand, I noticed her current book was almost at its end, and a spark of an idea flickered in my mind.

Placing the steaming cup gently on her table, I ventured, "I see you're almost through with your book. Thought you might like a new recommendation?"

Ava looked up, her eyes brightening at the offer. "That sounds wonderful, Jamie. What do you have in mind?"

"I recently came across 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl," I said, my voice tinged with enthusiasm. "It's not just a book; it's an experience. Frankl's thoughts on finding purpose even in the most dire circumstances—it's profound. I thought it might resonate, given your interest in psychology."