Averyn Marylyn is a young part-time barista working in a cosy cafe owned by a French woman in bustling London. The cafe, a favourite haunt for soldiers, becomes a hub of activity, especially when the prestigious Colonel Calliax Andres becomes a regular patron. However, Averyn's days are far from ordinary, as she finds herself entangled in a complex web of relationships and emotions.
Enter Zayden Doun, Averyn's childhood friend and a young private with a British-Chinese heritage. As Averyn navigates the ups and downs of her daily life, she finds solace and support in Zayden's unwavering friendship.
But it's Colonel Andres who proves to be the most enigmatic figure in Averyn's world. Despite his esteemed rank, the colonel's demeanour oscillates between a prideful soldier in public and an annoying jerk in private. Every encounter with him leaves Averyn frustrated and exasperated, yet there's an undeniable tension simmering beneath the surface.
As Averyn grapples with her feelings for both Zayden and Colonel Andres, she finds herself drawn into a whirlwind of emotions, navigating the complexities of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. Will she succumb to the charms of the dashing colonel, or will she choose the comfort and familiarity of her childhood friend? And amidst the chaos of her personal life, will Averyn be able to find her voice and stand up for what she truly believes in?"
Averyn: "Welcome to Le Petit Café, where every cup tells a story."
Colonel Andres: "I'll have my usual, and make it quick."
Averyn: "Pleasure as always, Colonel."
Zayden: "Hey, Ave. Long time no see."
Averyn: "Zayden! It's been too long."
Colonel Andres: "You're wasting your time here, Averyn. You should be doing something more... worthwhile."
Averyn: "I'll decide what's worthwhile for myself, thank you very much."
Averyn: "Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves."
In a war over the food court, an eager barista battles the confident competitor--and her own heart.
***
Young barista Cora Chun takes pride in being a Cool Bean, even after years without a promotion. So when Farron Kam, the younger assistant manager of the competing smoothie shop, flaunts her hatred for her job, Cora is determined to crush her to a pulp.
What she doesn't expect is for Farron to take her up on the challenge.
With that declaration of war, the two begin a battle over the food court: who can serve the most customers, who can close up the fastest, who can grab the last loaf of bread at the supermarket...
But as the rivalry begins to blend with romance, Cora has to decide if she is fighting a battle over beverages, or one over her own heart.
***
NOW SERVING:
✓ Sapphic workplace rivals-to-lovers
✓ Genderfluid love interest (with a cool tattoo) (and a motorcycle)
✓ First love and found family
✓ Opposites attract with a height difference
✓ PUNS GALORE
FEATURED:
★ @FreeTheLGBT Pride Awards 2024 - Second Place
★ @ChickLit Serialized Spotlight, @ContemporaryLit, @lgbtq
Word Count: +90k
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romcom, Comedy, New Adult
☆ This story is only available on Wattpad by @laurendoubleu