Page 70 of Yours Temporarily

EPILOGUE

Zuri

Abuzz with chatter and activity, the café is now as real as my engagement. I stand back, savoring the unreal sensation as people walk in or out, food bags in hand, my café logo displayed on the reusable bags.

Despite my reluctance to broadcast the opening on social media, the little I mentioned on my blog has drawn a surprising crowd, enough to escalate my heart rate as I weave between tables, ensuring every guest feels welcomed.

I steer clear of the cash register, given my desire to be everywhere at once, and instead, walk to a table close to the door where a middle-aged couple hovers by the entrance. In a navy pantsuit, she checks behind the door, perhaps reading the sign. They might be looking for an office in the building.

“Hello.” I give a little wave, and they look at me. “Are you here to have lunch?”

The woman brandishes a flyer. “Is this Zuri’s Daylight Café?”

“Yes, it is.” Smiling, I introduce myself as the owner.

The man gestures toward the paper, then nudges his charcoal jacket aside to tuck his hands into the pockets of his tan pants. He rocks back on his heels as he cranes around. “My wife and I own Local Lens, a media company for small business owners.”

The woman steps forward. “The COO of Stone Financial Enterprises dedicated his March financial advice column, which usually focuses on debt management and financial planning, to talk about this café instead. We’d like to schedule a time to talk about your café and your cookbook.”

Stone Financial’s COO. Jer. I grin.

“Jeremy Kress often leads free workshops and seminars on financial wellness. He’s a great supporter of local entrepreneurs and innovators,” she explains.

“Our media company wouldn’t be in business if it weren’t for him,” the man chimes in.

“He supports small businesses?” This newfound aspect of the man I’ve grown so fond of further captivates me.

Listening to the couple recount the annual challenges and competitions Jeremy organizes in partnership with their media company—offering funding, mentorship, and publicity for entrepreneurs—astounds me. I always knew Jeremy was kind, but his humility kept this detail from me. As my respect and affection further deepen, my chest swells. All this time he’s been silently supporting and rooting for me, even from behind the scenes.

“Thanks for coming.” I welcome them inside and direct them toward the line to take orders. “Once you’ve placed your order and paid, feel free to find a spot to sit.” I glance over the crowd, skeptical of finding an empty seat. “That’s if you’d like to dine in.”

As passionate as I still am about making the café a place for people like Damien and Jeremy to step away from their desks when it’s mealtime, implementing online orders and designated pickup times has been a game-changer. It’s allowed us to efficiently prepare and pack meals, so at least those people who can’t—or won’t—take time out for lunch will be getting good food, not skipping meals.

Thanks to the employees of Stone Financial and other nearby offices, the café has been bustling since ten thirty, even before our official opening time. Opting to open the doors thirty minutes early seemed a kindness rather than letting our eager patrons wait outside. Good thing I’ve planned our regular hours to start at seven a.m.

When I return to the kitchen, Jeremy’s voice rings out, directing Lexi to the cash register. “We can’t keep customers waiting. Use Zee’s phone for the app to process payments.”

“I’m mostly here to take pictures.” Despite her protest, Lexi sets her camera aside on the counter’s far corner and takes my phone from Jeremy to man the register.

Nico calls out for a server to pass him a disposable container, ladles pasta into it, and hands it over. “We have to move fast.”

Wes flips sandwiches on the griddle, and Nina oversees quesadillas, while Damien and Olivia are tasked with the southwest rolls, packaging them as orders come in. Jill monitors the incoming online orders, relaying them as they’re keyed in at the register.

Everyone is unified in their green aprons, adorned with cooking utensils and the café’s name—a thoughtful gift from Jeremy just two days prior.

I search for where I might be of use, but everyone has their responsibilities well in hand.

“Is it slowing down out there?” Smiling, Jeremy passes covered containers toward the counter.

“I heard you’re the reason for the crowd today.” I refer to the couple from Local Lens.

“Don’t believe all the rumors.” He winks, sending a flutter through me.

“It looks like I’ll need to hire two more people.” I whisper to Jeremy, struggling to hide my awe over the café’s popularity.

“You’re not wrong.” Nico calls out from the stove, always alert and observant. “We can’t play hooky and skip work every day.”

“Thank you so much, everyone.” I raise my voice above the clamor, my gratitude enveloping each team member.

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