Enchantments and Espresso

by Jinty James

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  Apricot Health Balls in US Measurements

  Apricot Health Balls in Metric Measurements

  Enchantments and Espresso – A Coffee Witch Cozy Mystery –

  Maddie Goodwell 4

  By

  Jinty James

  Copyright © 2017 by Jinty James

  All rights reserved

  No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.

  CHAPTER 1

  “Have we got everything?” Maddie twisted around in the driver’s seat, as if asking Trixie, her Persian and familiar, and then turned to her best friend since middle-school, Suzanne.

  “I think so.” Suzanne scrunched up her snub nose, seeming to consider the question.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie agreed, sitting up straight, her fluffy white and silver fur and plumy tail looking especially well groomed.

  “Good.” Maddie started the car. “It won’t look very professional if we arrive in Aunt Winifred and then realize we’ve forgotten something.”

  “We’ve already gone over the checklist,” Suzanne assured her. “This is exciting! Our first catering job.”

  “I know.” Maddie smiled at her friend.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie joined in.

  Two months ago, Maddie had competed at Estherville’s inaugural coffee festival, and had won. That was where she had met Jill and Bob, baristas who owned their own cafés near Estherville, one hundred miles from Seattle.

  Although Jill and Bob hadn’t met before the coffee festival, they soon became friends – and perhaps something more? Maddie wasn’t sure, but they’d invited her, Trixie, and Suzanne, to cater their going into business together party.

  Jill and Bob were combining forces and turning their coffee shops into a small chain.

  “Now that we’ve got our own business cards, I’ll be sure to pass them out at the party,” Suzanne said, her strawberry-blonde ponytail bobbing.

  “Do you think that’s a good idea?” Maddie crinkled her brow. “I wouldn’t want Jill or Bob to think we were cutting into their business.”

  “Oh, pooh.” Suzanne waved her hand in the air. “I’m sure they wouldn’t think that – after all, they did ask us to do the catering. And if one of their guests is ever in Estherville for some reason, they’ll be glad to know there’s an awesome coffee truck in the town square where they can get their caffeine fix – instead of driving all the way back to Aunt Winifred or Redbud Glen to get a cappuccino at Jill’s or Bob’s.”

  “Maybe we should ask Jill first,” Maddie said, still doubtful.

  “Okay.” Suzanne acquiesced. “But I’m sure they’ll say yes.” She grinned.

  “Trixie, will you be okay playing in the garden with Jill’s dog Boyd?” Maddie asked.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie said primly, her turquoise eyes shining.

  When they had visited Jill’s cute café two months ago, Trixie had met Boyd and the two of them had seemed to have fun playing in the garden. Jill had asked them to bring Trixie today, in order to keep her large dog, Boyd, company.

  Suzanne checked her watch. “It’s 4.15 p.m. We should get to Aunt Winifred in thirty minutes. That should give us plenty of time to set up before the first guests arrive.”

  Although the party was a celebration of the two cafes becoming a small chain, the party was going to be held at Jill’s café.

  “Have you got all the health balls?” Maddie checked.

  “Yep.” Suzanne smiled. “I made six dozen – Apricot, Mocha, and Maple Macadamia. And Jill said she was going to make some brownies so the guests don’t go hungry.”

  “Did you do a Coffee Vision spell today?” Suzanne asked.

  “No.” Maddie shook her head. “I didn’t have time.”

  Ever since she was seven years old, Maddie had been able to see the future – or the possible future – in the next twenty-four hours, on the surface of a freshly made coffee. It didn’t matter if it was instant, drip, or an espresso she now made in her coffee truck, Brewed from the Bean.

  It had all started when she’d visited the local second-hand bookshop and bought a crumbling old copy of Wytchcraft for the Chosen for one dollar. Until recently, that had been the only spell she’d been able to master. But a few months ago, when she’d turn twenty-seven – or seven-and-twenty as the ancient tome had stated, she’d been able to execute some new spells – so far at the rate of one per month, after each full moon.

  “The full moon is tomorrow night,” Suzanne reminded her.

  “Mrrow!” Trixie agreed.

  Maddie smiled at the cat in the rear-view mirror. Trixie had entered her life just over a year ago, and Maddie had slowly come to the conclusion that the feline was her familiar. When Trixie wasn’t keeping them company in the coffee truck, she was at home, usually sitting on the sofa, guarding Wytchcraft for the Chosen.

  “I wonder how many guests there’ll be,” Suzanne mused.

  “Jill didn’t seem to know exactly,” Maddie replied, focusing on the road as she drove. “She just said to be prepared to make a lot of expressos.”

  “And that’s one thing you’re awesome at.” Suzanne laughed. “Are you sure you don’t want to enter any more barista competitions? You placed second in that big one in Seattle last month.”

  “No.” Maddie shook her head. “I haven’t changed my mind. I was so nervous before the competition – I’d rather focus on our business and try to grow it.”

  “Which is what we’re doing with this job,” Suzanne assured her. She pulled out a business card from her purse and turned it over. “Maybe we should have added catering to our card. It just says Brewed from the Bean, Estherville, WA. With our names and a picture of Trixie.”

  “I think it looks attractive – and professional,” Maddie said, not having to look at the card in Suzanne’s hand to know what it looked like. Silver and fawn on white card stock, with smart lettering that was a close match to the lettering on their coffee truck. When they’d first opened their coffee truck, they hadn’t even thought about business cards. Perhaps they should have.

  “Totally,” Suzanne agreed. “I know! When we run out of these cards – and we might after today if Jill’s okay with me passing them out – we can order more and this time add “Catering” to the description.”

  “Okay.” Maddie nodded.

  Before long, Maddie pulled up outside Jill’s café in Aunt Winifred – it was at the end of the main street lined with a variety of small shops.

  The exterior of the coffee shop was newly painted cream with accents of yellow and almond. Jill and Bob’s Coffee Shop was written on one of the large glass plate windows.

  Since they’d arrived early, there was parking right outside the café.

  “Mrrow?” Trixie peered out of the car window, as if expecting Boyd the dog to be waiting for her on the sidewalk.

  “I’m sure he’s looking forward to seeing you, Trixie,” Maddie assured the cat.

  Since Trixie was already wearing her turquoise harness, Maddie walked her up to the front door of the café, Suzanne by their side.

  The clear glass door trimmed with mahogany flung open.

  “Oh, good, you’re here.” Jill beamed at the
m in relief. A plump, jolly looking woman in her forties, she looked a little frazzled. She’d attempted to tame her blonde hair in a knot at the back of her head, but frizzy tendrils had escaped and flew around her face.

  “Mrrow,” Trixie greeted her.

  “Hello, Trixie.” Jill bent down to the cat. “Boyd’s been waiting to see you. He had so much fun last time you visited him.”

  Trixie looked pleased, and gazed into the café, as if expecting Boyd to suddenly appear.

  Maddie didn’t think Boyd – or Jill – were magical in any way, but who knew? Or maybe Trixie was willing Boyd to appear – and as she’d helped Maddie last month with a spell, maybe it wasn’t so crazy to think that.

  “Boyd’s in the garden.” Jill straightened up.

  “Is that Maddie?” Bob appeared behind Jill. “Come in, come in.” He gave them a welcoming smile. Short and burly, he seemed to be around the same age as Jill.

  “Hi, Bob,” Maddie replied.

  “Hi.” Suzanne greeted him.

  “Mrrow.”

  “Hi, Trixie.” Bob smiled at the cat. “As soon as Trixie’s in the garden with Boyd, I can help you girls unload.”

  “That would be great,” Maddie replied. Although Jill and Bob were supplying the coffee, she’d brought a couple of bags of beans – just in case they ran out. As well as Suzanne’s health balls.

  Jill led them to the little garden at the rear of the property. A large, black, shaggy dog of indeterminate breed raced to greet them.

  “Woof!” His big pink tongue lolled out of his mouth, and he seemed to be smiling.

  “Mrrow.” Trixie pulled on the harness, something she rarely did.

  “Okay, Trix.” Maddie bent down and unbuckled the harness. The early summer weather was pleasant, with a cool breeze that ruffled Maddie’s shoulder length hair.

  The Persian dashed after Boyd. The green lawn surrounded by small shrubs and flowering bushes made it seem a fun place to play tag.

  Which is what Trixie and Boyd were doing. First Trixie chased after Boyd, then Boyd turned around and chased after Trixie.

  “If they need a nap, Boyd’s got a kennel over there.” Jill pointed towards the back of the garden. “I’m sure he’ll share with Trixie.”

  “Oh, look.” Suzanne’s voice was hushed.

  Trixie and Boyd now seemed to be playing peek-a-boo. Trixie coyly turned her head away from the dog, then quickly looked back at his smiling face, then repeated her action again and again.

  “That’s so cute.” Jill smiled. “I wish we could stay and watch them for the rest of the day, but we need to finish setting up for the party.” She hesitated. “In fact, I’ve started to wonder whether we should have organized this event.”

  “Why?” Suzanne asked.

  “It’s probably nothing.” Jill shook her head. “Maybe I’m just not cut out to organize something like this. We’re still not sure of exact numbers – not many of our customers have told us that they’re coming, but Bob’s grandmother is.” Jill sounded as if she didn’t relish the idea.

  “Oh?” Maddie hoped she wasn’t prying.

  “I’m probably being silly.” Jill forced a laugh. “Bob said she’s a great old lady, very independent – and very keen to attend today.”

  “That’s nice of her,” Suzanne said encouragingly.

  “I know.” Jill nodded. “And she does sound like an interesting lady – she’s even driving here from Redbud Glen and she’s in her eighties. But I haven’t met her before today.”

  “Oh.” Maddie understood Jill’s reservations. It would be a bit stressful to meet your business partner’s – and boyfriend’s? – grandmother at your first official event.

  “Forget I said anything.” Jill shook her head as if to clear it. “We better go inside and finish setting up for the party. I’m sure some guests will arrive.”

  Maddie noted Jill’s strained smile as she and Suzanne followed her into the café.

  “I hope people turn up,” Suzanne whispered to Maddie as they trooped inside.

  “I know,” Maddie replied, wanting the party to run smoothly. She didn’t think Jill needed any more aggravation right now.

  Bob helped them unload the car, and then showed them around the coffee shop. The interior was light and airy, with wooden tables and chairs of a cinnamon hue dotted around the space.

  “If you can make the espressos, Maddie, Jill and I will circulate with our guests, and we’ll take over when you need a break.”

  “No problem.” Maddie smiled at the burly man.

  “And Suzanne, if you can hand the espressos around, and take special orders if anyone wants something different.”

  “Got it.” Suzanne nodded, her ponytail bouncing.

  “When you’ve gone around the room with one tray of coffees, take a tray of brownies and health balls and offer them to the guests. That will give Maddie a chance to catch up with the next batch of coffee orders,” Jill added.

  “Sure.” Suzanne smiled. “Hey, Maddie and I finally got business cards made.” She plucked one from her purse and showed it to Jill and Bob. “What do you think?”

  “It’s a good likeness of Trixie.” Bob handed the card back to Suzanne.

  Maddie looked sideways at her friend. Perhaps now wasn’t the right time to ask about passing out their business cards at the party. Especially since Jill still looked worried about the event.

  “Is it okay if I pass them out during the party?” Suzanne continued, as if she didn’t see Maddie’s little look. “So they know who’s doing the catering.”

  “Although I’ll be using your beans,” Maddie hastily put in. “I totally understand if you don’t think it’s a good idea about our business cards—”

  “It’s okay, Maddie.” Jill spoke. “It’s a good opportunity for you girls.”

  “Thanks, Jill.” Suzanne grinned, pushing the card back into her purse.

  “We coffee folks have to stick together,” Bob said. “If a customer at your coffee truck mentions visiting Aunt Winifred or Redbud Glen, you can tell them about our cafes. Hey!” He hurried off and came back in a flash, holding out some business cards. “Why don’t we swap some of our cards? We’ll give some of yours out to our customers here if they mention going to Estherville, and you can do the same with our cards.”

  “You’re on!” Suzanne plunged her hand into her purse and held out a wad of business cards. “I packed plenty for today.”

  Maddie groaned silently. Sometimes Suzanne could be a little too enthusiastic.

  Suzanne and Bob swapped their stack of cards, looking pleased with themselves.

  “I guess we better continue setting up for the guests,” Jill said. “Maddie, do you want to test our espresso machine, so you’re familiar with it before everyone arrives?”

  “Of course.” Maddie hurried around to the counter.

  “You could make me an espresso,” Suzanne called out, as she helped Bob carry some chairs to the side of the room.

  Bob and Jill had decided to move the tables and chairs to the edges of the room, leaving a large space in the center for the guests to mingle and for Suzanne to circulate with her trays of espressos and sweet treats.

  “Good idea,” Bob commented, carrying two chairs at once. “And I think Jill and I could use one as well.”

  “Coming right up,” Maddie said, familiarizing herself with the machine.

  “Not for me, Maddie,” Jill spoke up. “I don’t think I need anything else to make me jittery.”

  Maddie gave her an understanding smile as she nodded.

  In a couple of minutes, the machine was hissing and burring as Maddie made the first espresso.

  “We’ve got light, and dark roasted beans. So customers can choose which roast they’d like – or even try both and do a taste test.” Bob grinned as he pushed a wooden table to the side of the room.

  “Suzanne, yours is ready,” Maddie called out.

  She’d deliberately given her friend the first espresso in case it
wasn’t up to scratch, since this was the first time she’d used Jill’s espresso machine. When Jill had hired them for the party, Maddie had suggested she come over for a trial run of the machine, but Jill had waved away her suggestion, stating she was sure Maddie knew what she was doing. But she didn’t want to disappoint anyone, especially her bosses for today.

  “Thanks!” Suzanne sipped from the tiny white porcelain cup and then tossed the rest back in one gulp. “Yum!”

  “Was it really okay?” Maddie whispered.

  “It was perfect, Mads. Make one for yourself and then you’ll see.”

  After Maddie pulled a shot for Bob and handed it to him, she hurried back to the machine and made one for herself. Suzanne was right when she told Maddie not to doubt herself.

  The rich, dark roast with hints of fruity complexity put a smile on her lips – and her taste buds.

  “I think we’re all ready.” Bob dusted his hands off. He wore dress jeans and a navy button down shirt, looking smart yet casual at the same time.

  “Do you think anyone will come?” Jill peered through a large window near the entrance door.

  “Of course they will.” Bob wrapped his arm around her shoulder, causing her to blush.

  Maddie and Suzanne exchanged a quick glance. Perhaps this was a romantic relationship – as well as a business one.

  Maddie noticed a slender woman wearing a pink floaty dress and pink stilettos tip-tapping along the path to the front entrance. Her long brown hair was a darker shade than Maddie’s.

  “Vanessa’s here.” Bob hurried to open the door.

  Maddie, Suzanne, and Jill exchanged a wide-eyed look. Who was Vanessa?

  “Am I the first one here?” the woman giggled, clutching at Bob’s arm as she entered the café. “I hope you’ve got lots of coffee ready for me!”

  “Come in and meet everyone.” Bob steered her in the direction of the three women. “Vanessa, this is Jill, my partner, and our caterers for today, Maddie and Suzanne.”

  “We run a coffee truck called Brewed from the Bean in Estherville,” Suzanne said.

  Maddie waited for Suzanne to pull a business card out of – where? She must have put her purse away somewhere, but Maddie was sure her friend had stashed the cards somewhere on her person.