Espresso Your Heart

Epilogue: Double Shot of Romance (Allie)

I was just about to start cleaning up for the night when the door to Pages & Lattes burst open with dramatic flair. In stumbled Jamie and Ava, both drenched and laughing so hard they could barely stand. They paused in the doorway, gasping for breath, then made a beeline for the counter where I stood, both amused and a bit bewildered by their appearance.

"Okay, you two look like you've swum across a river. What happened this time?" I couldn't help but quip as I reached under the counter for two towels and handed them over.

"It was supposed to be just a movie night," Jamie said, taking the towel with a grateful smile. He started drying off his hair, sending water droplets flying in every direction.

Ava chimed in, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "Let's just say, the movie was a disaster, and then nature decided we needed a bit more excitement, so it threw in a downpour right as we left."

I laughed, shaking my head as I started preparing their usual post-date drinks—a cappuccino for Ava and an espresso for Jamie. "You guys really know how to pick them, huh? What was the movie?"

"'Exploding Ninjas of the Deep'," Ava replied, trying to keep a straight face.

"Epic title," I commented with a smirk. "Sounds like a hit."

"Oh, it was explosively bad," Jamie added, which earned a groan from me and more laughter from Ava.

As I worked the espresso machine, the familiar warmth and sounds of the cafe enveloped us, turning the damp evening into another cherished memory. I placed their drinks on the counter, watching as Jamie and Ava settled into their usual playful banter, a routine that had become as much a part of the cafe's ambiance as the aroma of fresh coffee.

"Here you go, try not to drink this one in the rain," I teased, sliding the cups across the counter.

Ava picked up her cappuccino and raised it in a mock salute. "To surviving ninjas and downpours."

"And to the best barista who always knows how to warm us up," Jamie added, lifting his espresso in toast.

They picked up their drinks and moved toward their usual table by the window, which had always been Ava's spot but now it felt like theirs—a small but significant change that symbolized the new phase of their relationship.

As they settled in, Ava glanced back towards the counter and called out, "Oh, by the way, my brother will be here in a bit to pick us up. He's just around the corner."

"Got it," I replied with a nod, watching as the couple turned their attention back to each other, slipping effortlessly into their private world.

The cafe was quieting down for the evening, and I began my routine of tidying up. I was wiping down the counter when the bell over the door chimed again. I looked up to see Ava's brother—handsome as ever—stepping inside, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on his sister and Jamie.

"Hey, just a minute, finishing up our drinks," Jamie called out to him, gesturing to their nearly full cups.

"Take your time," he responded with a casual wave, then walked over to the counter. "Could I get a double shot of espresso, please?" he asked, his tone friendly and relaxed.

"Coming right up," I said as I began to prepare his drink. I noticed him watching my work, a curious expression on his face.

"I've heard quite a bit about you from Ava and Jamie," he started, leaning against the counter.

"All good things, I hope?" I smiled, pressing down on the espresso machine lever. "They've told me a bit about you as well—mostly that you're the mysterious brother who suddenly appears to whisk them away."

He laughed, a sound that was warm and easy. "Mysterious, huh? I guess I can live with that."

I placed the double shot of espresso before him. "Here you go. Mysterious and caffeinated."

"Perfect combination," he grinned, taking a sip. "Thanks, Allie."

As he enjoyed his espresso at the counter, I glanced over at Jamie and Ava, now lost in conversation at their shared table, and then back at Ava's brother who seemed content to enjoy his coffee and the casual chat.

"It's not just the coffee that keeps this place alive," I remarked, a hint of pride in my voice as I wiped down the counter. "It's the stories, the new friendships, and all the unexpected moments that happen right here."

He smiled, nodding in agreement. "I can see that. It's a special place, isn't it?"

"Definitely," I confirmed with a smile, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction. "And it looks like it's just gotten a little more interesting."

We shared a knowing look, acknowledging the subtle shift in the café's atmosphere—a mix of old comfort and new possibilities that promised many more stories to come at Pages & Lattes.