Connie's Cafe/Book Shop

Chapter 3 - The Opening

Saturday dawned cloudy with promises of rain. Funnily enough the weather didn't seem to help or hinder her Saturday morning trade. In fact she often sold more on rainy days.

Today Connie was quite excited, it was the opening of her 'family/children's area.'

She and Tim had worked quite hard all week designing the area, ensuring it was safely away from the main door. The shelves around the area were low which meant that parents could keep an eye on their children from anywhere in the shop or the cafe area. Connie had made a small gate which although wasn't 'escape' proof at least provided some comfort. She had taken Tim's advice and put up a notice asking parents to be vigilant and small children were not supposed to be left unsupervised.

She had filled the area with comfortable bean bags, a couple of large rugs and a couple of small, low tables with some lego and toys. All around the outsides were small shelves filled with second hand children's books for them to read. It really looked warm and inviting.

Connie hoped this would bring in more families and help her sales grow!

Connie quickly brushed out her hair, checked herself in the mirror by the door before locking up, descending down the four, short flights of stairs which lead out to the road. The shop entrance was right next to her apartment block door. Tim was patiently waiting for her.

"Come on slow coach" he reproached as Connie worked the locks and turned off the alarm, "Busy day today."

"Hopefully" Connie answered with a smile. She checked and repositioned the large sign in her shop window which advertised the opening of the children's area. "Get the coffee, use the strong, black beans they have a good aroma and I could die for a cup, I haven't had any breakfast this morning!"

"Sure thing" answered Tim busying himself with the coffee. Just then Adam from the bakery across the road came in with the usual tray of pastries.

"How are you all this fine morning?" he called out cheerfully, "Here you go love, I've included the mini doughnuts you asked for and we've added a few Banana Puffs, see if your customer's like them." he added.

"Umm they look and smell good, I'm sure we'll sell them!" Connie replied happily.

Connie placed the pastries into the cabinets and slowly turned and perused her shop. Everything was tidy and clean. Shelves were full of wonderful books and everything looked inviting. Now just to wait for customers!!

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They had a very busy day which passed quickly. The children's area was a success, the cafe did well, all the pastries sold and a record number of books.

As Connie shut up the shop and bade goodbye to Tim she felt both happy and exhausted. She made her way up to her apartment, let herself in and was immediately greeted by Peach, her ginger tom cat.

"Come on Peach, let me walk" Connie laughed as Peach circled around her legs. Connie made her way into her kitchen, refreshed her cat's water and food, cleaned out the litter tray and ensured Peach's area smelled clean and was tidy. Leaving Peach enjoying her dinner, Connie made her way into her room, stripped down and walked into her on-suite bathroom. She turned the shower on full, Connie loved the water coming out hard and cool. She stood under the strong flow of water and relaxed, letting the water massage her aching muscles.

After her shower she slipped into some comfy leggings and an oversized jumper and made her way back to her kitchen. Peach rubbed himself against her legs, Connie poured herself a rather large glass of wine and headed for the fridge. She rummaged through and found the salmon streak she had bought the day before, brought out a ready made salad and proceeded to salt and pepper the salmon, she added a little olive oil and placed the salmon on a hot grill.

She placed her grilled salmon on her plate, added the salad and made her way over to the sofa, placing her bottle of wine, plate, glass and cutlery on the little table next to the sofa she reached out for the remote control and turned on the T.V.

Connie was quite content with her life. She had a thriving business plus income from her rented apartments. A lovely large apartment, a wonderful cat and all the comforts anyone could ask for.

She buried herself into her overstuffed sofa and enjoying her salmon and wine she relaxed and let herself be drawn into the film that was just starting.

Life was good.

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