The Coffee Girl

by Shanna Hatfield

“We haven’t gotten to the preschool… yet,” Brenna said with a saucy smile. “I can’t wait for the baby to arrive. It will be extra fun if she arrives before Christmas.”

  “She? I don’t know much about babies, but I didn’t realize Greg and Avery already knew they’re expecting a girl.” Brock continued to rock the swing as they talked.

  “They don’t.” Brenna lowered her voice to a whisper, although no one was around to hear the conversation. “I just really want it to be a girl. They’re so much more fun than boys.”

  “What do you know of boys?” Brock glanced down into Brenna’s blue eyes. Mischief mingled with love in the warmth of their depths. “It seems to me you are sadly lacking in facts about little boys considering you only had one sister.”

  “I know they are ornery, smelly and messy, loud and obnoxious and…”

  “Is that so?” Brock pulled Brenna onto his lap and tickled her until she couldn’t catch her breath. When he stopped, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him so passionately, he didn’t know how he’d ever let her go and say good night.

  Finally, she grabbed his wrist and looked at the time.

  “We’ve got a big day tomorrow, so I better make this good night.” She stood and moved to lean against the front door. “I love you, Brock, so much.”

  “Even if I’m a messy, smelly, ornery boy?”

  “Especially because you are.” The heated look she offered Brock held sweet enticement.

  “I love you, too, my lovely coffee girl.” He kissed each eyelid, her nose, and chin before giving her one last kiss that made her knees weak and her head spin. “Save me a cup of coffee in the morning. I’ll be there cheering you on.”

  “I know you will, Brock, and I thank you for all you’ve done to help make my dreams come true.”

  “You tell me the dream and I’ll do my best to make it happen.” Brock’s voice sounded husky and low as he walked down the steps. He waved before climbing into his truck and driving away.

  Brenna would have spent more time mulling over Brock’s words if she didn’t need to rise at four the next morning to get everything ready for her opening day at the bistro.

  Early the next morning, long before the sun began to rise, Brenna stood outside the shop and admired the new sign that read “Trio Designs.” Avery, Brenna, and her mom agreed it was the perfect name for the store. The lettering on the window explained they offered floral and gift designs, home interior designs, and the bistro.

  Swiftly turning off all thoughts except getting food ready for the day and making coffee for the hordes of customers she hoped would arrive, Brenna greeted the part-time helper at five when she strode in the back door.

  “Morning, Jen,” Brenna said brightly. “I’m so glad you could come in early to help me today.”

  “I think it will be fun, except for getting up early.” The college-age girl grinned as she tied on an apron and started working on the list of things Brenna wanted completed before they opened the doors at six-thirty.

  Five minutes before her official opening, Brenna closed her eyes, said a prayer, and took a deep breath. She unlocked the door, shocked to see a line of customers had formed on the sidewalk including Brock, Mike, and Levi.

  “What are you guys doing here?” she asked, giving the two brothers a hug before kissing Brock.

  “Everyone needs to eat breakfast.” Mike walked beside Brenna to a table. She handed them all a menu and soon returned with a cup of rich, dark coffee for Brock. She took the orders from the other two while Jen seated the rest of the customers and their day began.

  Brock offered to stay and help, but she shooed him away, telling him to spend the day with Mike and Levi. She promised to call him when the breakfast rush was over and invited all three of them to come for lunch.

  Brenna planned to be open from six-thirty to eleven for breakfast and then serve lunch from eleven to two. She’d close the bistro then, clean up, and do prep work for the following day.

  She, along with her mom and sister, decided all three businesses would be closed on Sundays and Mondays, to give them two days of rest.

  The bistro was packed when Letty and Brandon arrived at eight to see how things were going.

  “I never expected a turn-out like this.” Brenna wiped moisture from her brow as she made another batch of breakfast quiche and popped it into the oven. At this rate, she’d have to order more product on Monday.

  “Everyone knows you’re a fantastic cook and there aren’t that many places to eat breakfast in town, so of course it would be a big hit,” Brandon said from the dish pit where Letty set him on dish duty. Letty and Brandon planned to just pop in to check on things but quickly jumped in to help Brenna.

  “If it’s like this every morning, we might need more help.” Letty looked at the line of people waiting for a table. “This is so exciting, Rennie. I’m so glad you decided to do this with me.”

  “Me, too, Mom.” Brenna kissed her mother’s cheek in passing as she hurried out to a table with a large order.

  Letty took over hostess duties, seating guests and taking their orders, while Brenna cooked and Jen delivered plates and made coffee. Letty and Jen both bussed tables while Brandon did the dishes.

  When the rush was over and the crowd cleared at a few minutes before ten, they all collapsed at a table and looked around.

  “I guess I better get ready to open up my portion of the shop.” Letty issued a tired sigh as she got to her feet. Brock installed decorative hooks that held velvet roping across the entrances into both Avery and Letty’s portion of the store. It was easy to remove them when they wanted to be open and fast to put them up when their areas where closed.

  Avery and Greg waltzed in and looked around in surprise at the weary faces.

  “Did things not go well?” Avery sat down by Brenna, patting her on the back.

  “No, they went great. We’re just worn out and waiting for our second wind.” Brenna moved her feet from a chair so Greg could sit down. “I had no idea to expect so many people in such a short time.”

  “Well, you’ll have a better idea going forward,” Letty said, rolling the shoulders that Brandon rubbed. “At least we’ll have tomorrow and Monday to rest. You probably won’t be quite so busy on a weekday.”

  “Probably not, unless the commuters stop here instead of waiting until they get to the freeway. Mike and Levi said they’d spread the word with anyone they know driving down this direction.” Brenna got to her feet and surveyed the tables to make sure they were all clean. “I better get ready for the lunch crowd.”

  Lunch service was every bit as busy as breakfast had been. Mike, Levi, and Brock showed up at noon, looked at the crowds and lines and immediately jumped in to help. Mike bussed tables, Levi helped with the dishes, and Brock took orders as well as assisted with the seating. Jen waitressed while Brenna filled the orders as fast as her fingers could fly.

  When two rolled around, the last customer left and Brenna sank into a chair, resting her head on the table.

  “Brenna?” Brock hunkered down beside her, rubbing a comforting circle on her back. “You okay, baby?”

  “Never better.” Brenna lifted her head and smiled through her exhaustion. Coated in food she’d created, flour dusted both cheeks and her curls had long ago escaped the confines of her bun, but she looked happy. “Thank you all for your help.”

  “No problem.” Levi helped himself to a big sandwich and a plate of battered fries. Mike snitched a fry then went to fill a plate of his own.

  “Eat anything you want, guys, you more than earned it,” Brenna said in a tired voice.

  “You sure you’re fine?” Brock continued to rub a hand on her back.

  “I’ll be fine, just out of shape is all.” Brenna leaned her head against Brock’s shoulder. It felt so strong and wonderful beneath her weary head.

  “I, for one, am rather fond of your shape,” Brock whispered in her ear, making her blush.

  “Enough of that, you two. Ther
e are impressionable children around.” Mike tipped his head to Levi with a teasing smirk then took a bite of the sandwich he made to go with his fries. He waggled his eyebrows at Brenna, making her laugh.

  “Have you eaten?” Brock asked Brenna as he got to his feet.

  “No. I haven’t had time.” She started to rise from the chair.

  “Sit,” he ordered. His hand on her shoulder kept her from getting up. “I’ll be right back.”

  He returned with sandwiches and chips, since Mike ate the last of the fries. He went back to the kitchen and retrieved a pitcher of lemonade and a plate of brownies.

  Letty was busy with her own customers and Avery made Greg stay to help her handle the flood of business in the flower shop, so Brock fastened the ropes that separated the bistro from the rest of the store and turned the sign stand from open to closed. He sat down and enjoyed his lunch with two of his good friends and the girl he loved.

  After talking to Brandon a few weeks ago, the man assured Brock he had his permission and blessing to ask Brenna to marry him. They’d been so busy, though, he just hadn’t found the right time. He hoped once the grand opening was behind them and things settled into a routine, he could find a special way to pop the question.

  Covertly glancing at Brenna, he smiled to himself as he watched her nearly falling asleep over her lunch. Today would not be the day to have her undivided attention.

  Brenna finally mustered the energy to return to the kitchen and clean up before going home and taking a nap. She shooed the guys out the door, promising to be at Brock’s for dinner later.

  She made it home and in the door before collapsing on the couch in the living room.

  The next thing she knew, incessant bells rang around her. Awakening, she realized the doorbell rang. Since no one else was home, she managed to pry open her eyes and stagger to answer it.

  “Delivery for Brenna Smith.” Greg smiled around a huge bouquet of beautiful summer flowers.

  “What’s this?” Brenna no longer felt drained as she carried the flowers into the house and set them on a table near the door.

  “I guess someone, besides all of us, thinks you’re pretty special.” Greg grinned at her. “It sounds like you had a gangbuster business today. Congratulations!”

  “I did. And a lot of extra hands that pitched in. I’m definitely going to hire more help.” Brenna dug the card out of the bouquet and opened the envelope.

  She smiled as she read it:

  My lovely coffee girl,

  Congratulations on your first day of business.

  I knew you could do it and I’m so proud of you!

  Love you,

  Your construction man

  Brenna looked at Greg with teary eyes and sniffed.

  “If you’re going to get all emotional and sappy on me, I’m out of here.” Greg took a quick step toward the door.

  Laughing, Brenna swatted his arm. He gave her a one-armed hug and ruffled her already messy hair.

  “We’re all proud of you, Rennie. You did great today.” Greg squeezed her shoulders affectionately. “And in case it comes up, I think Brock is a great guy who’ll make you very happy.”

  “Thanks.” Brenna swiped at the tear that trailed down her cheek. “Now, get out of here. I’m sure Avery has you running errands along with deliveries.”

  “She’s a slave-driver, for sure, but what’s a guy to do?” Greg teased as he went out the door. “I’m not supposed to come back without a pint of salted caramel ice cream and a chocolate bar.”

  “And so it begins.” Brenna waved to her brother-in-law as he left. She was so happy for both Avery and Greg, and pleased her sister was so well loved by her husband. Greg would do his best to supply whatever it was Avery craved during the next several months of her pregnancy.

  Brenna carried the flowers with her up to her room and set them on her desk before falling back on her bed and going to sleep. She woke up as her mom gave her a little shake.

  “Honey, are you okay?” Letty asked as Brenna finally opened her eyes.

  “Hi, Mom. I’m fine. What are you doing home early?”

  “I’m not early. It’s almost five-thirty. I thought you were going over to Brock’s for dinner. Did you decide to stay home?”

  “No!” Brenna jumped up from the bed and glared at the clock.

  “I slept much longer than I planned. I’m going to grab a quick shower then I’ll be out the door.” Brenna pulled clothes from her closet and tossed them on the bed.

  Letty noticed the flowers on Brenna’s desk. “Those are gorgeous.”

  “You’ll never guess who sent them,” Brenna said with the impish look her mother loved.

  “Let’s see. Could it be Brock? Isn’t he the man who makes lovey-dovey eyes at you during dinner, and kisses you a lot longer than he should on my porch swing? The guy you’re completely nuts about?” Letty laughed when Brenna grinned and shooed her out the door.

  Ready in record time, Brenna grabbed a pie she’d made the previous afternoon and stashed in the back of the fridge for dinner tonight. She assumed she wouldn’t have the time or energy to make anything after her first day at the bistro.

  “Don’t wait up for me,” she called as she hurried out the front door then drove to Brock’s.

  Uncertain who would be at Brock’s for dinner, Brenna felt relief to find only Mike’s truck at his house.

  She raced up the front walk and didn’t bother to knock before going in. The house was quiet, so she hurried down the hall to the kitchen and left the pie on the counter before going out the back door.

  Brock grilled something that smelled wonderful on the barbecue while Mike and Levi played with Mutt, taking turns tossing a stick for the dog to chase. When he saw her, Mutt barked and ran her direction.

  “Down, Mutt,” she commanded before the dog could jump on her. She wore a new pastel floral sundress and the last thing she wanted on it was paw prints. However, she did take his scruffy face in her hands and whispered how much she loved him in his ear, making the dog’s tail wag with excitement. Affectionately rubbing his head, she gave him a final pat. “Go play, Mutt.” The dog returned to gnawing his stick.

  “Hey guys.” Brenna waved at Mike and Levi before walking over to Brock and kissing his cheek. Lowering her voice, she stood on tiptoe and placed her lips close to Brock’s ear. “The flowers were gorgeous. Thank you so much.”

  “You’re welcome.” Brock turned his head and gave her a quick kiss. “You look lovely, as always.”

  Brenna blushed. She busied herself pouring a glass of iced tea before sitting down next to Mike.

  “I can’t thank you guys enough for jumping in to help today. You all were lifesavers.” Brenna leaned back in her chair and looked at the two brothers.

  “Glad to be of service.” Mike threw the stick for Mutt to chase. “It looked like you had your hands full.”

  “Anytime you need help, just let us know.” Levi leaned around his brother to see Brenna.

  “Thank you for that offer. I need to hire a busser and a dishwasher. If I do that, I think we can handle everything just fine. Since you jumped in and saved me today, though, you guys have an open invitation to eat at the bistro anytime you like, on the house.” Brenna sipped her tea, watching as the dog brought the stick back to Mike then plopped down on her foot. She gave the dog’s ears a good rub before reclining in her chair.

  “You don’t know what you’ve done, coffee girl,” Brock teased from his spot at the barbecue. “They’ll be in there every Saturday eating up your profits, scaring away paying customers. Bad move on your part. Very bad.”

  “You, be quiet.” Mike pointed at Brock with Mutt’s stick. “This wonderful lady knows exactly what she’s doing, so you stay out of it. In my opinion, she’s a smart business woman who obviously cares about keeping her favorite customers happy.”

  “Coming from you, I think that’s a great compliment.” Brenna offered Mike a gracious smile.

  “Don’t say I didn�
��t warn you,” Brock cautioned as he placed grilled chicken on a platter and took it inside. Mike and Levi washed up then helped set the table while Brock grilled some bread and Brenna made a green salad. They sat around the dining table, teasing and laughing until the sun set. After they finished eating pie, Mike and Levi headed home, leaving Brock and Brenna to clean up the dishes.

  Brock could tell she was still tired and walked her to her car much earlier than he wanted or planned. He pasted on a smile to hide his disappointment at not spending more time together.

  “You did great today, Brenna. I knew you’d be a big success.” He leaned against her car, inhaling her fresh scent as he held her close.

  “It was definitely a team effort. Thank you for coming to the rescue, again.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head against his chest. Closing her eyes, she soaked up his warmth, breathed in his scent, and found herself not wanting to leave the circle of his arms to go home.

  “Anytime, coffee girl.” Brock tipped her chin up and planted a soft kiss to her lips.

  Despite her exhaustion, Brenna found herself caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that descended upon her anytime Brock held her close.

  Slowly sliding her hands up around his neck, she pulled his head down and deepened the kiss. Brock groaned and drew her closer until there was no space left between them. He pillaged her lips with his while his hands wove a magical trail of tingling sensations along her back and around her sides. With languid limbs, she clung to him, no longer able to stand on her own.

  “Brock,” she pleaded, not sure what she wanted, but knowing whatever it was, he was the only one who could provide it.

  He stared into her eyes, glowing from an inner fire. Brock absorbed the heat, let it consume him before kissing Brenna again with barely restrained ardor. His lips caressed her neck, her jaw, trailed over her cheeks, before returning to claim her mouth, to drink in the divine nectar that was uniquely her.

  Finally, he released her lips and let out a shaky breath. She trembled against him as he rested his forehead against hers.

  “Are you cold?” He gently rubbed his hands along her back while her arms still encircled his neck.