The day dragged on like molasses in the midday heat. Nia wiped her brow as she balanced a tray of glasses, weaving her way through the café. Miss Ivy's place was the busiest spot in the village, serving everyone from fishermen to the occasional tourist.
"Nia, hurry up wid dem drinks! Yuh nuh see di man dem hot an' thirsty?" Miss Ivy barked from behind the counter, her voice sharp but not unkind.
"Mi deh pon it, Miss Ivy," Nia called, setting the tray down in front of a group of men arguing over a domino game.
"Ahh, finally! Bless up, Nia," one of them said, grinning as he reached for his drink.
She managed a tired smile before heading back to the counter, where Miss Ivy was waiting with another order.
"Nia, mi hear some big news dis morning," Miss Ivy said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"Big news?" Nia asked, adjusting her apron.
"Yuh remember Liam? Di Johnson boy?"
Nia froze. She hadn't thought about Liam in years, but the mention of his name sent a flood of memories rushing back. They'd grown up together, running barefoot through the village streets and swimming in the river. He'd left for Kingston when they were teenagers, chasing dreams too big for their small town.
"What 'bout him?" Nia asked cautiously.
"Him back inna di village!" Miss Ivy said, leaning closer. "Mi hear seh him do well fi himself. Big businessman now. Him say him come back fi invest in di community."
Nia frowned, trying to process the news. "Invest? Like wah?"
"Mi nuh sure yet, but yuh know how di village love a good story. Everybody a chat 'bout it."
Before Nia could respond, the café door creaked open, and a hush fell over the room. She turned to see a tall man step inside, his presence commanding attention. He had the confident air of someone who'd seen the world but hadn't forgotten where he came from.
It was Liam.
"Nia?" he said, his face breaking into a familiar smile as his eyes landed on her.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Liam," she said, barely above a whisper.
Miss Ivy gave her a knowing nudge. "Well, well. Look like old friends meet again."
Nia wiped her hands on her apron, suddenly self-conscious. "Long time, Liam. Yuh good?"
"Mi good, man. Mi jus' glad fi be home," he said, his voice warm with the lilting accent he hadn't lost despite his years away. "An' yuh? How life treatin' yuh?"
Nia hesitated. "Mi deh yah, yuh know. Same ol', same ol'."
His gaze softened. "Mi hear yuh a raise yuh son by yuhself. That nuh easy. Yuh a strong woman, Nia."
Her cheeks burned at the compliment. "Mi do wah mi haffi do," she said simply.
Before they could say more, Miss Ivy interrupted. "Liam, yuh gwine order something or yuh jus' come fi chat up mi waitress?"
Liam laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "Mi a order, Miss Ivy. Gimme one a yuh famous fish tea."
As he sat down, Nia busied herself with his order, her mind racing. Seeing Liam again stirred up emotions she hadn't felt in years-nostalgia, pride, and a touch of nervousness.
By the time she placed the steaming bowl of fish tea in front of him, the café had returned to its usual buzz.
"Thanks, Nia," he said, his eyes lingering on hers. "Mi hope wi get fi catch up properly soon."
"Yeah, maybe," she said, hurrying back to the counter.
Miss Ivy smirked as she watched Nia work. "Him always did have a soft spot fi yuh, yuh know."
"Miss Ivy, nuh start wid yuh mix up," Nia muttered, though her heart betrayed her with a flutter.
As the day wore on, Nia couldn't shake the feeling that Liam's return would bring changes to her life-whether she was ready for them or not.
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