Page 3 of Keeping Katie

Fuck, it’s going to be a long night.

2

KATIE

“Thank you so much!” I hand the iced, nine-pump caramel, three-pump vanilla, two-and-a-half espresso shots with whipped cream latte to the waiting customer. She should have just ordered a cup of pure sugar because that’s basically what it is.

I’m all about sweet things. My hips are proof of that, but there is a line. Nine pumps of caramel in a single cup of coffee is way over it. Who am I to judge, though? That lady’s daily coffee habit helps keep me afloat, so maybe I should start asking if she wants to add even more flavors to her order. Upsell and all.

When I look around the cozy shop, my shoulders relax. There are still a few people seated at tables, having their afternoon drink of choice while they do whatever it is they’re doing. Enjoying their lives and taking a calm moment to breathe. It’s heartwarming that they choose to come here. Most of them are regulars I see at least a few times a week. At least, I do now that I’m working more shifts.

Maybe I should have hired another employee after my last one left. At the time, the distraction of working more was nice, but now that one of my other employees needs time off to getready for her college finals, I’m working a bit more than I’d like. It’s a good thing I love my job. Some might feel like making coffee for a living isn’t a career, but it is for me. This shop was my parents’ dream, and now it’s mine to keep alive.

I glance up at the clock and push myself back from the counter. Enough daydreaming. If I don’t start my closing duties now, I won’t get out of here on time, and I’ve been here since five this morning. My bed is calling my name. After I head to my parents’ house to get some more packing done.

For the next half hour, I clean the espresso machine until it’s back to the glistening chrome it should be. Soft pop and country play over the speakers, and I end up humming along quietly as I work. One by one, customers leave, and the shop empties.

I start grinding coffee beans for tomorrow morning when the door chimes. After switching off the machine, I turn to meet the new customer at the register but when I see who it is, I practically run around to the front of the shop.

“Chloe!” We swing our arms around each other and hug. Then I realize she’s not here alone. She’s with another woman, and there’s a large, terrifying man lurking near the entrance with his eyes glued to them.

Chloe grins, her eyes sparkling. She’s so happy it’s vibrating off her. I’m thrilled she found Bash. I don’t know much about him other than what she’s told me.

“Hi! How are you? I’ve missed you,” she squeals. “Oh, this is my sister-in-law, Cali.” Chloe motions to the woman, then points toward the man. “That’s Patrick. He’s our chauffeur for today.”

When I peer back at him, I shrink under the glare he shoots our way.

“Not your chauffeur,” he mumbles.

Cali waves her hand dismissively. “He’s a bit sour about it. Don’t mind him. I love this shop!”

She walks around, looking at the various displays of gifts we sell. I turn my attention back to Chloe, my tummy doing a weird flutter.

“What are you doing here? Want me to make you your favorite drink?”

“As much as I’d love that, if I have caffeine this late in the day, I’ll be up all night driving Bash up the wall.” Chloe giggles and shifts from foot to foot for a second. “I just came to see how you were. We were in the neighborhood, so I made Patrick stop. How have you been?”

My heart squeezes as sadness settles over me. I know Chloe is asking from a genuinely caring place, but I hate the question. Is there a right answer? I don’t feel like there is. “I’m okay. Still working on clearing out my parents’ house. I need to get it up for sale soon. I can’t afford to keep paying the mortgage.”

Chloe brings her hand to her chest and steps forward, wrapping me up into another hug. “Is there anything I can do? Me and my friends can come help. You’d love them, and they’d totally love you.”

I hug her back and let myself find comfort in her arms. “Thank you for offering. I’m close to being done. I’ve been going there every night after work for a bit, and I think I only have a few more trips before the realtor can step in.”

She holds on for a long moment before she releases me and steps back with tears in her eyes. My mom always loved Chloe, and Chloe was always offering to help when her cancer returned.

I squeeze her arms. “I’m okay. I promise. Honestly, I’m ready to put all of this behind me and move on. Maybe make some friends or find a hobby or date. If I can ever find the time,” I huff and wave my hand dismissively. “I’m getting tired of only getting action from my smutty books.”

We burst out giggling. It’s nice to laugh. I haven’t been doing enough of it. Chloe suddenly stills, her eyes darting to mine andthen toward Cali before her mouth curls into a smile. “Yeah, you definitely should date. Find yourself a hot man with money who will sweep you off your feet.”

Shaking my head, I scoff. “I don’t need a man with money. Just someone loyal and funny. If he knows how to make me scream, that’d be a plus.”

Cali walks up as I finish and grabs onto Chloe’s forearm. “Oh my God,” she murmurs.

“Uh-huh,” Chloe replies.

I glance back and forth between the women. “I’m confused. What?”

Chloe shakes her head. “Oh, it’s nothing. Dating sounds fun, though! Do you have any prospects in mind?”