Chapter 8 #2
“I am doing well. The café is too, but I need to do more, Ash,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. It’s not about the money. It’s about feeling like I’m doing something with my life, giving back, and helping others.
“You always do that,” Asher mutters.
“Do what?”
“Try to fix people,” he says quietly. “Just don’t forget to take care of yourself too.”
“Who needs to do more?” Reuben cuts in, walking behind the counter.
“Mills here got a second job overnight watching Josh’s new partner’s baby,” Asher adds pointedly.
Sometimes I wish I didn’t have so many siblings. But I know they mean well. They always have.
“I don’t need you guys to debate my life decisions,” I snap a little more sharply than I mean to. “I’m fine. Really. I took the job because I want to help. Nothing more, nothing less.”
They both nod, though I can still see the concern there.
Thank God Melanie, Harlow, and I are having a girl’s night. I need to get so much off of my chest. Not only about my annoying and overbearing brothers but also about my new boss.
A few minutes pass when there is a knock at my door and all four of my siblings stand at the door with a bag of Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough and chips.
“Look, I know Asher and I may have overstepped, but we are only worried about you. And before you say anything, we only called Kenna and Lu because we are no good at girl talk,” Reuben says.
Gosh, I love my brothers, overbearing or not. I have neglected going to family dinners and sibling sleepovers the past few months, but I have made a better effort.
“I don’t need to talk—I’m really fine. I agreed to watch the baby on a whim after overhearing the dad’s rough interview at the café. He seems nice, and I just want to help however I can,” I explain to my siblings.
They all nod knowingly. I have always been the sibling who was organized in her life. Always making lists and schedules to ensure my life goes exactly as planned. I can understand why this is shocking to them, but It works for me.
I even made a list to prove It.
The next week is going to be hectic, I’ll admit, but not for the reason my siblings believe. I just have to figure out how to separate my feelings for Gabriel and be the best nanny for Aura.
I glance at my phone. The screen lights up with a message from Gabriel.
Gabby
See you on Sunday. Bring your best coffee game.
I almost smile but quickly put the phone away. He’s just being casual. Nothing more.
I close up the cafe a little after noon since the workers are coming in sporadically to complete minor details in the cafe. All that is left to do is install the rest of the lights, and the sink in the bathroom, and pass all our inspections before opening day.
I spend the rest of the day before getting ready for girl’s night in one of the oversized chairs I ordered in front of the windows.
I ordered greenery to hang from the ceiling along the walls, a few types of fancy glasses for the drinks, gold silverware, and black polka dot plates that have gold rims.
One of my favorite things I’ve been able to do for the cafe is customize the style and vibe through the furnishings, decor, and even the flatware.
It’s more than a business. It’s an extension of who I am—soft, warm, detailed. Just like I want to make Aura’s world feel.
I check the to-do list I made this morning to see what else needs to be done before I leave.
1. Train new employees
2. Order glasses, silverware, and plates
3. Have Asher hang the light above the syrup wall
4. Write the grand opening menu
5. Go to girl’s night
I jot down a rough draft idea for the menu that is getting featured during the first week of Beanstalk’s opening.
After I know what vibe I want for the menu, I close my notebook and go up front to make a quick batch of cookie dough to take to girl’s night.
When I arrive, Harlow isn’t there yet. Melanie greets me at the door with her usual enthusiasm.
“Hey, girlypop! Come on in! I just ordered our three signature pizzas, and I got yours just how you like it. White pizza with tomatoes, onions, spinach, and ricotta. Weird but if you like it, I will always support your culinary expertise,” she says, grinning widely.
As we wait for Harlow to finish eating, Melanie and I settle into our blanket fort in the middle of the living room. We watch The Princess Diaries and eat pizza, but my mind keeps drifting back to Gabriel and Aura.
The way Gabriel’s brow furrows when he’s concentrating, the little crease by his eye when he smiles—small things I didn’t notice at first but now seem etched into my mind. I try to shake it off, but the pull is persistent.
“So, what is the news on Mr. Hot Dad?” Harlow asks after taking a bite of her pizza.
I shrug, trying to sound nonchalant. “Not much. We met to discuss the logistics of the job. The next day he came to the café and brought me a homemade Italian soda.”
“Wait—he made it?” Harlow’s voice perks up.
“Yeah,” I say, unsure where she’s going with this. “He brought it in a tumbler with a pink straw.”
“Babes! That is huge! He brought you a soda that he made?” Harlow asks eagerly.
“Girl, he totally bought that cup just for you,” Melanie adds.
I try to play it cool, though deep down my heart does a little flip.
Why am I thinking about him so much?
“Because,” Melanie says, reading my mind like she always does, “you’re starting to like him. Not just Aura. Him. And that’s okay.”
Harlow and Melanie exchange excited glances. “Operation Single Dad is looking better and better!” Harlow declares.
I roll my eyes, but all that is on my mind is Gabriel.