Finding Us (Christian Interracial Romance)

Stillness In the Sunset

Cecilia 

The espresso machine hisses, releasing a puff of steam that curls toward the ceiling. I wipe down the counter, the cloth warm and damp beneath my fingers. The rich aroma of coffee hangs in the air, mingling with the sweet scent of caramel syrup. I breathe it in, savoring the comfort it brings. Smooth Brew is bustling as usual, the murmur of conversations blending with the occasional clinking of ceramic mugs. But the rush is dying down. My shift is almost over.

"Ceci, can you pass me another sleeve of cups?" Savannah asks, her curly hair bouncing as she tries to reach the top shelf. She's a good four inches shorter than me, so her struggle is real. I chuckle and grab the cups, handing them to her.

"You know, you could just admit you need my height advantage," I tease.

She sticks her tongue out. "Whatever, skyscraper."

I shake my head, glancing at the clock. Fifteen minutes to closing. I roll my shoulders, easing the tension from the day.

Ethan steps behind the counter, untying his apron. "I finished the stock check. Derrick says we're good to start closing." His dark eyes flick to me, a playful smirk on his lips. "You singing for us tonight, superstar?"

I roll my eyes, already used to the routine. "Not a chance."

Savannah gasps dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "Oh, come on! One song? Just a little something?"

"Nope." I pop the 'p' and toss my rag into the laundry bin. "I'm off the clock in more ways than one."

Ethan chuckles, shaking his head. "Can't blame us for trying. Grammy award winner working the espresso machine—still feels unreal."

I give him a look. "It's just a job. And I'm just Ceci."

Derrick emerges from the back, keys jingling as he heads to lock the door. "I like having a celebrity on the team," he says, grinning. "Makes this place feel fancy."

I laugh, leaning against the counter. "Well, I'm glad to bring some sparkle to Smooth Brew."

We share a laugh as we finish cleaning up, the familiar rhythm of closing routines setting in. It feels good. Normal. Exactly what I need.

Just as I'm hanging up my apron, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I glance at the screen and a smile spreads across my face.

Group Call: The Cousins

I answer, balancing the phone between my ear and shoulder as I clock out. "What's up, troublemakers?"

Misty's voice is the first I hear, loud and unapologetic. "Ceci! We're bored. How about we have a road trip around the neighborhood?"

"Yeah!" Reagan chimes in. "We haven't seen you in forever!"

"That's not true," I counter, grabbing my bag. "I saw y'all last week."

Lizzy groans dramatically. "That's like, forever in cousin time."

Ronnie laughs in the background. "Come on, Cece. You know you wanna hang out with us."

I can't help but smile. "Alright, alright. I'm on my way."

Savannah winks at me as I head for the door. "Tell the cousins I say hi!"

"Will do," I call back, pushing the door open. The warm Los Angeles breeze greets me, carrying with it the fading scents of summer flowers and city life.

The drive to my cousins' house is quick, music blasting from my speakers. A mix of old-school R&B and bachata, beats that thrum through my veins like second nature. I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, feeling the familiar rhythm.