A New Leaf (Hemlock #1)

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Finn

The pretty plant girl with large brown eyes wants to know more about Frank and possibly about me as well.

Which could be a delusion on my part.

My heart skips a beat. Heat spreads from my cheeks to the tips of my ears. Internally, I’m hoping she just thinks my flushed face is from the cool air. It’s taking every bone in my body not to smile because if I smile too big, Charlie may run away. She seems like the type of person who doesn’t like to make a big deal out of things and keeps it pretty low-key. Instead of screaming, “ Yes! Absolutely. Are you free now? I’ll buy lunch. Do you like sandwiches? How about coffee? I know a place . . . ” I simply say, “Sure, I’d like that,” while giving her a small, reassuring smile.

She turns to grin at me, and that single dimple makes its appearance. “Well, Vera and I should get back to work. It’s cold out here, and my ass is caked in mud.” She laughs. “Also, your glasses are a little fogged up.” She motions to her face like she’s wearing a pair of invisible glasses.

And she said she was embarrassed.

More heat crawls up my neck that’ll make my glasses even foggier. I casually shrug. “It happens sometimes. Perks of wearing glasses.” And being around a beautiful girl . But I kept that an inside thought. “I’ll let you get back. I’ll see you around, Charlie. Hopefully soon.” That last part was barely audible, but I’m assuming she still heard it by how her eyes lit up for just a moment.

Charlie walks over to Vera, clips her leash on, and walks away from Frank and I. As I watch her, she glances over her shoulder, back at us, and gives a shy wave. A sudden wave of guilt washes over me as I think about seeing her tonight. I should’ve said something, but I was so caught off guard by her sudden warmth that my brain was misfiring.

Now, I’m knee-deep in two emotions—anticipation and anxiety. I’m excited to see her, but scared about how she’ll react.

Finance-geek-turned-business-owner is a new territory for me. Today is the grand opening of Dark Side Brews and my stomach is twisting with anxiety as I wait and think about all the strangers who may pop into my shop. Thankfully, I’ll see at least one familiar face today.

My grandpa, Arty.

Growing up, I’ve always been close to my grandpa. He taught me how to swing a golf club and talk my way out of speeding tickets, and was there for me whenever I needed advice.

Arty is also a smooth talker, and guilt trips me into smuggling mini liquor bottles in my coat whenever I visit him at his retirement home.

Today, he and a few of his friends are visiting my coffee shop as their “daycation,” which is a weekly program offered by their retirement home.

My arms are crossed as I lean up against the shop counter, watching the large white van pull up in front of Dark Side Brews. I smile to myself, knowing my grandpa and his friends will be my first customers.

Arty and four of his buddies get out and slowly walk inside the shop with their walkers.

“My favorite grandson!” Arty yells, shuffling over to me to give me a hug. I bend down, wrapping his frail body in my arms.

“I’m your only grandson, old man.” I laugh.

He waves me off. “Nonsense. I got around back in my day. It wouldn't shock me to learn that I had a few other grandchildren running around somewhere. Woodstock was life changing .” He gives me a mischievous wink and I try to hide my visible cringe.

The last image I want today is my grandpa seducing some woman at a music festival in the sixties.

“Well.” I clap my hands, laughing. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. What can I get you guys to drink?”

The five men give me their orders and my barista gets to work. While their drinks are being prepared, Arty pushes his walker around the coffee shop, admiring the space. As he shuffles around, his blue eyes are bright and crinkled at the corners with happiness. A smile tugs at the corner of his lips and it’s infectious. While his four friends are chatting at a nearby table, my grandpa continues to look around.

I walk up to him and lean my hip on an unoccupied table. “All right, tell me your thoughts. I know you have them.” My tone is humorous and light because my grandpa always has thoughts.

“You did good, son. I’m real proud of you,” he says. “I know you’ve been talking about this for years and it’s so nice seeing someone you love chase after their dreams.”

A lump swells in my throat.

Well, damn. He’s getting sentimental in his old age.

“Thanks, grandpa. That means a lot.”

“But—” he adds.

I press my lips together, fighting the urge to smile.

“—I think there needs to be a lava lamp . . . or three.” Arty winks and I shake my head laughing.

“Go sit over there with your friends, old man,” I joke, jerking my head in the direction of his buddies. “I’ll be over with your drinks.”

After I bring my grandpa and his friends their coffees, I sit and chat with them for about an hour until I have to kick them out. The daycation van was impatiently waiting in front of Dark Side Brews and I knew they had to get back to the retirement home. I give my grandpa one last hug before I make sure they all safely get into the van and no walker is left behind.

The rest of the day goes by in a complete blur—new faces, unique drink orders, and finding a rhythm with the staff proves to be challenging yet rewarding. Needless to say, the grand opening of Dark Side Brews was a success and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. I hired great baristas who know exactly what they’re doing. They’re quick and efficient, which is how these locals like it.

Despite all of my concerns, fears, and anxiety about opening the shop, today made me realize that life is too short not to take risks that can make a positive impact. Sometimes, what we desire most is on the other side of our greatest fears.