The Whispers of Cupid

Chapter 6: The Great Coffee Spill Mess

Sara Reyes had always considered herself pretty composed. She wasn’t one to lose her cool easily, especially in the morning. But today, as she stepped into Bella’s Café, the sight before her made it hard to hold back a laugh.

Ethan was behind the counter, but instead of his usual slightly disheveled look, he was covered head-to-toe in what looked like a fresh brew of caramel macchiato. His apron was drenched, his hair dripping with sticky coffee, and there were puddles forming at his feet.

Sara’s eyes widened, and despite her best effort, a giggle escaped her lips. “Ethan…what happened? Did the coffee machine finally win?”

Ethan glanced up at her, clearly defeated. “Sara, it’s been a morning. I don’t even know where to start.”

Sara made her way to the counter, stifling another laugh as she reached for a napkin. “You’re supposed to make the coffee, not become one with it.”

Ethan groaned dramatically, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand, which only smeared more coffee across his face. “I swear, this place is cursed. First, the blender exploded, and then, I tripped over my own feet while trying to save a cup, and boom—caramel macchiato everywhere.”

Sara couldn’t hold it in anymore. She burst out laughing, leaning on the counter for support. “I’m sorry, but this is too good. You’ve officially become a walking coffee advertisement.”

Ethan rolled his eyes but couldn’t help grinning. “Glad I could brighten your day, Miss Reyes.”

Just then, Bella emerged from the back, holding a mop and shaking her head. “Ethan, dear, you’re not supposed to wear the coffee. You’re supposed to serve it.”

Ethan pointed at the counter defensively. “It wasn’t my fault! The blender had a mind of its own, and then gravity did the rest.”

Bella sighed, handing him the mop. “Why don’t you clean up this mess and then maybe—just maybe—try making coffee with a little less...enthusiasm.”

Sara, still chuckling, took a seat at one of the stools near the counter. “You know, I almost want to stick around just to see what happens next.”

Ethan groaned as he began mopping up the coffee catastrophe. “Please don’t. I can’t handle the pressure of performing in front of an audience.”

“Oh, but you’re so good at it!” Sara teased. “I mean, look at you—you’re practically a comedian.”

“Comedian? More like a walking disaster,” Ethan muttered, dunking the mop into the bucket with a heavy splash.

Sara watched him, shaking her head with a smile. “I’m impressed, though. You managed to turn an ordinary morning into a full-blown spectacle.”

Ethan shot her a playful glare. “Keep laughing, Sara. You’re up next. I’ll make you a coffee so good, it’ll—”

“—end up all over me?” Sara finished for him, raising an eyebrow. “Thanks, but I think I’ll pass.”

Just as she said that, the door to the café swung open, and in walked Tom, the town’s resident handyman, with his usual cheery demeanor. He took one look at Ethan, soaking wet and mopping the floor, and burst out laughing.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our favorite barista, showing us how not to make coffee,” Tom said, clapping Ethan on the back, sending more coffee splattering.

Ethan groaned. “Why is everyone ganging up on me today? I’m just trying to do my job.”

“Looks like your job is more of a hazard than a skill,” Tom joked, settling down at the counter. “Better be careful, or you might get sued for emotional distress.”

“Emotional distress?” Ethan said, raising an eyebrow. “I think I’m the one suffering here. Do you know how long it takes to get caramel out of your hair?”

Sara giggled, leaning over the counter. “Maybe you should write a survival guide. ‘How to Survive the Perils of Small-Town Coffee Shops.’ You’d have a bestseller in no time.”

“Right,” Ethan snorted, as he finished mopping the floor and grabbed a towel to clean his face. “First chapter: How to avoid a coffee shower. Step one, don’t be me.”

Tom chuckled, reaching into his pocket for a tip. “Well, at least you’re keeping things interesting. Not many baristas can turn a simple coffee run into an event.”

Ethan sighed dramatically. “Great, I’m not even a barista anymore. I’m an event coordinator.”

“An entertaining one at that,” Sara chimed in, still amused by the whole situation.

Bella, who had been watching the scene unfold with a smirk, finally spoke up again. “Ethan, why don’t you go change and try this again? And this time, try not to fight the equipment.”

Ethan grumbled good-naturedly. “Fine, fine. I’ll be back—less caffeinated, hopefully.”

As Ethan disappeared into the back to clean up, Sara turned to Tom, who was still chuckling. “You know, he’s actually pretty good when he’s not accidentally turning himself into a human coffee spill.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Tom said with a wink. “But hey, at least he’s good for a laugh.”

Sara nodded, sipping her drink thoughtfully. “Yeah, he definitely makes things more…interesting around here.”

A few minutes later, Ethan reemerged, fresh apron on, and his hair no longer dripping with coffee. “Okay,” he said, holding up his hands, “I’m ready for round two. No spills this time.”

Sara smirked. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Ethan shot her a look. “Don’t jinx me, Sara.”

Tom watched as Ethan carefully—very carefully—began to make another caramel macchiato. The tension was palpable as everyone held their breath, waiting to see if disaster would strike again. But this time, Ethan successfully poured the coffee, added the syrup, and steamed the milk without a single mishap.

He placed the cup in front of Sara with a triumphant grin. “See? No spills. I told you I could do it.”

Sara raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of her drink. “Well, well. Looks like you’ve redeemed yourself, Parker.”

Ethan puffed out his chest dramatically. “That’s right. I’m officially a professional.”

Tom clapped his hands. “Bravo, Ethan. You didn’t even trip this time.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Tom,” Ethan said dryly. “Glad to see everyone has so much faith in me.”

Bella walked over, giving Ethan a light pat on the shoulder. “Good job, kid. Now just keep it up for the rest of the day.”

Ethan’s face fell. “The rest of the day? I used up all my luck on that one cup.”

Sara laughed, shaking her head. “Well, at least you’ve proven you can do it. Now you just need to make sure you don’t end up in another coffee disaster.”

Ethan sighed. “Easier said than done.”

With one final grin, Sara picked up her drink and gave Ethan a playful wave. “Good luck, Ethan. Try not to burn the place down.”

Ethan waved back, already eyeing the coffee machine warily. “Thanks. I’ll need it.”

As she walked out of the café, Sara couldn’t help but smile. Life in Bellwood was never dull—especially with Ethan Parker around.