Because of You

Chapter 1

"Is that everything, Anne?"

"Yeah, that's it. Thanks again, Lacy. This would have taken me all day to finish setting up if it weren't for you." I smiled gratefully.

This was it. All my years of hard work have finally paid off. Tomorrow was the grand opening of my cafe and bakery, Joe's. All the furniture was set up, and the appliances were all in working condition. I had a few employees, but I would be looking for several more when the time came.

I couldn't be happier right now. Everything was working out like I planned. I don't expect Joe's to make a big hit right away, even though I've been advertising the grand opening forever.

"Yeah, no problem. I'll be here early on in the morning to help you set up. Bye, Anne!" Lacy yelled from the front of the room.

Lacy is my best friend. We went to the same culinary school together, and instantly became best friends. That was seven years ago. It's unreal how lucky I got to have her by my side. I've been planning this cafe for the past year or so, and she's been through it all. And there's been a lot to go through.

Getting the money to start up my own cafe was easy. My parents left me a good amount in their will, so it covered it all. Finding a place to buy was the hard part. As much as business is booming in Seattle, I didn't want to settle on anything. I had been dreaming about this forever, and I wanted to be happy with my decisions.

I found this great, little place downtown. It's nestled right between these few boutiques, and it's absolutely what I pictured.

When you first walk in, you'll be wrapped in warmth. The walls are made of brick, so it feels nice and cozy. Sadly, the fireplace on the back wall couldn't be used. The whole, "it might cause the entire place to catch in flames" thing didn't appeal to well to the fire department. That's understandable though, and I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt in the process. So now, I've cleared out the fireplace, and placed a few shelves there. Eventually I will fill them completely with books. I have a few placed there now, but books can be expensive, and that is not a top priority as of now.

The furniture that I found looked absolutely stunning, surrounded my the brick walls. I purchased two caramel brown leather sofas, and a few arm chairs to acomaodate it. Then, there was several tables and chairs placed carefully around the remainder of the room.

As soon as you walked in, the counter and bakery station was to your right. I already had my menus placed everywhere around the room, so it would encourage others to look upon it, and possibly try something new.

I stood glancing around the room for a few moments more, and decided it was time to head on home. Everything looked perfect right now, and hopefully everything would go perfectly tomorrow at the grand opening.

It took me less than ten minutes to get home. I live with my grandparents, just like I have my whole life. When I got old enough, they converted their guest house into my personal sanctuary. It was reallly almost like another house itself. It wasn't huge of course, but plenty big enough for me. It had a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a little living room up at the front of the house. It was perfect, well, for me it was. I had pictures hung up everywhere. Most of them were of my grandparents, and Lacy. Those were the most important people in my life.

I had several of my parents and I, before they died of course. We looked happy, and I longed to really know them. My Papa said they were really great people. You could see the truth in his eyes when he said that.

I quickly washed my face, and turned out all the lights. I crawled into bed, eager for the morning to arrive. My last thoughts revolved around the cafe.

Tomorrow's the day; the day it all changes.

~~~~~~~~

I woke up to my alarm blaring my ears out. I decided to wake up and hour earlier, that way I could make sure everything was running smoothly at the cafe.

I dressed in a white button up shirt, and rolled the sleeves up to my elbows. My pants were dark washed jeans, and I had on my most comfortable pair of flats. Half of my hair was pulled back, and clipped with my lucky hair barrette. My face was already sparkling with excitement, so I brushed some mascara over my eyelashes and I was good to go. I grabbed my purse from the kitchen counter, and made my way to the back door of my grandparents house.

I was greeted by my Nana, who had the kitchen smelling of her famous cinnamon biscuits. "Morning Anne. Did you sleep well?" She asked as she poured my thermos full of coffee.

"I did! I'm surpised though, I was so anxious for toay to be here."

She chuckled at me. Right on que, my Papa walked into the room.

"Morning Pumpkin, ready for today?" He really didn't even need to ask that question. I had practically been bouncing on my feet for the past few weeks, eager to start my own business.

"More than you could ever know, Papa!" Grabbing my coffee, I waked to my car. Just before I got in, my Papa yelled after me.

"I'll be there in a hour, or so to get started baking. Love you Pumpkin!"

"Love you, Papa! See you later."

I arrived at the bakery within minutes. I immediately began sweeping, and preparing some coffee for myself, and the other workers. I had three people that were going to be baking in the back, and two who were going to work the counter and coffee station.

My Papa was among those who worked in the kitchen. It might seem strange to others that a grandfather was employed at his grandaughter's business, but he was the reason to all of this. He inspired my love for baking, and he paid for my entire college tuition. So, I gave him a job, and named my cafe after him: Joe's. His name's Joseph, but I shortened it, and he approved so it all worked out.

Lacy would also be in the back, baking. She was a genius back there, just like my Papa. They got along great, and that really made me happy. She was practically family to my grandparents, since she was always around.

I would be back and forth for a short time. I planned on working the counter for a while, so I could get to know my customers, and watch how everything went. I would still be baking, but just not as much as those who would be assigned to the kitchen.

An hour passed, and my Papa arrived dressed in a white t-shirt and kahki pants. He'd be wearing an apron most of the time, so there was no reason for him to go overboard on the outfit.

Lacy arrived shortly after, along with the rest of the employees. They all got to work, whether it be making pastries, or setting up the coffee station.

I glanced at the clock, it was 7:52 a.m. In eight minutes, we would officially be open. I couldn't wait.

~~~~~~~

Hey guys! I decided on writing a new story, along with my other one called Twisted! Let me know what you guys think. I really have high hopes for this one! I've been working on some new ideas, and this is what I came up with, but as mellow as it might seem right now, do not be fooled. There is WAY more to come along, and I hope you guys stick around to find out. Anyway, comment and vote if you think it neccesary! Thanks so much guys!

-Samantha