Finding Us (Christian Interracial Romance)

Faith Over Fear

Cecilia

June 5 

The scent of freshly ground coffee beans greets me as I push open the door to Smooth Brew. The familiar hum of conversation, the soft hiss of steaming milk, and the clatter of cups create a comforting rhythm. I adjust my apron and step behind the counter, tying my curls into a high bun.  

"Morning, Cec," Ezra calls from the espresso machine, his sleeves rolled up, revealing his inked forearms. He flicks a lever, pulling a shot of espresso. "Did you sleep well?" 

I grab a clean rag and wipe down the counter. "Not really. Spent half the night going over what I should say for my cousins' podcast. Reagan and Stella are totally excited and I don't want to let them down. 

Ezra smirks. "You? Nervous? Miss Public Speaker herself?" 

I groan. "It's different! It's their show. I'm just the guest." 

He hands a cappuccino to a waiting customer before turning to me. "Relax. You asked them for a reason." 

I exhale. "Yeah, yeah." 

The morning rush kicks in, giving me no time to overthink. Hours pass in a blur of orders—iced caramel macchiatos, matcha lattes, oat milk cappuccinos. By the time my shift ends, my feet ache, and my ponytail is hanging on for dear life. 

June 6

My phone buzzes as I park my Kia on the driveway of my parents' house. I glance at the screen lighting up on my phone and it's a text from Reagan. 

Reagan: We still good for the podcast next week? 

Me: Of course! I'm working on some notes now.

Reagan: You don't have to prepare so much, Cec. Stella and I are handling the notes. The only thing you can do is merely you being yourself. That's what we want.

Me: Easier said than done. 

Reagan: You'll be amazing. Trust me. 

I smile, tucking my phone in my pocket as I approach my parents' house. Inside, Mami is chopping vegetables and Dad is watching TV while he is sitting on the couch. 

"Hey, sweetheart," Mami says, glancing up. "You had a long day?" 

"Yeah," I reply, dropping onto a stool. "And my podcast nerves are getting worse." 

Dad chuckles. "You'll be great. When are you doing the big podcast again?"

"Next Saturday on the seventeenth." 

He nods. "Your faith, career, and personal growth sounds right up your alley."

June 9

Stella FaceTimes me while I'm at Smooth Brew, taking my break. Her face is framed by a halo of curly obsidian hair and she's grinning. 

"You ready?" She asks. 

I sip my strawberry flavored water. "Not even close." 

"Girl, you'll kill it. Just remember—it's a conversation, not a speech." 

Savannah plops down next to me, stealing a fry from my plate. "She's been stressing about this for days." 

"Of course she has," Stella laughs. "Cecilia, just trust God and trust yourself."

"I'll try," I say. 

June 10

Saturday—my day off. I sleep in a little, then spend the morning journalling and listening to serene instrumental music. It's a quiet, peaceful start to the weekend and I need it. In the afternoon, I meet one of my best friends, Avery for lunch at a local cafe. 

"So, tomorrow's church and then podcast prep?" She asks, stirring her iced tea. 

I nod. "Yeah, I need to finalize my thoughts. 

"You've got this," she assures me. 

June 11

Church. A place that always centers me on a Sunday morning. The choir sings and I close my eyes, letting the music wash over me. Pastor Jerome's sermon is about stepping into discomfort to grow in faith.It feels like he's speaking directly to me. 

After service, Athena finds me while Anneliese is balanced on her hip. "Wanna have lunch?" 

"Absolutely."

We head to a nearby small cozy cafe, settling into a booth. Anneliese sits between us in a high chair, her chubby fingers reaching for my charm bracelet. 

"Cecia!" She exclaims, her big brown eyes lighting up. 

I grin. "Hi, cutie. You want to try my smoothie?" 

She nods eagerly, so I offer her a tiny sip. She scrunches her nose, but then giggles. "Cold!" 

Athena laughs, shaking her head. "She does this every time. Acts surprised like she didn't just beg for a taste." 

Anneliese claps her hands, then suddenly points at my plate. "Fries?" 

"Oh, so you want my food too?" I tease, handing her one. She takes the smallest bite, chewing thoughtfully before declaring, "Yummy!" 

Athena watches with an amusing expression. "You know she's completely wrapped around your finger, right?" 

"And I have no complaints," I laugh. 

Between bites, Athena asks, "So, how's the podcast prep?" 

I exhale. "Better, I think. I'm still nervous, but everyone keeps telling me to just be myself." 

Athena listens, nodding. "Because that's all you need to be. Cece, it's okay to be nervous. You've got this."

She's right. "Yeah, I do," I sigh. Then I smile, reaching out to ruffle Anneliese's soft curls. "With you two hyping me up, how could I not?" 

June 16

Tomorrow's the big day. I'm in my room and laying in bed as I'm watching reruns of Living Single. I press my hands together, clasping my fingers and close my eyes. 

"Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart filled with anxiety and worry. I'm doing a podcast with Reagan and Stella tomorrow. Please grant me peace of mind and calm my nervous heart. I trust in Your loving heart and know You will heal this stress. Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me. Just as the night is becoming morning, please give me the clarity with the light of God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen." 

Right after I finish praying, I suddenly feel this huge weight being lifted off my shoulders as electricity flows through my body. My phone buzzes beside me and the screen lights up. Picking it up, I read the notification that I just received a text from Jeremy.

Jeremy: Hey, Cecil. Do you have plans tomorrow?

Me: Yeah, I'm gonna be on my cousins' podcast. After that, I have no plans. What's up?

Jeremy: I'm thinking maybe you and me could grab a bite to eat.

Me: Absolutely, I'd like that... under one condition.

 Jeremy: What is it?

Me: We order from DoorDash and grab a bite to eat at your house.

Jeremy: Deal! I'll text you some meal options and I'll see you tomorrow. Good night, Cecil. 

Me: Good night, Jere Bear. 

Jeremy: I can't believe you still call me that. 

Me: Boy, I'll see you tomorrow. 

I laugh as I picture him cringing when I used to call him Jere Bear from our childhood since he calls me Cecil. As I'm prepared to speak on Reagan and Stella's podcast along with seeking God to give me a spirit that is not of fear, but of power, love, and self control in addition to Jeremy asking me to have something to eat with him, I'm ready for tomorrow. Estoy lista.