Page 23 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

One thing I hoped for was good sales to compensate for all of my efforts. The coffee shop opened for business and on the first and second days, I had only two to five customers to attend to. It was encouraging to an extent, though I wanted more.

“No, I will not take credit for anything. I have only done right by Madeline, and I shall continue.” He said, humbly.

“Thank you.”

“Well, it’s my pleasure,” he grinned.

“What can I get you?” I asked.

“Latte will be the best for this morning,” he responded.

On the fourth day after the coffee shop officially opened for business, I met two new faces in the neighborhood; Tina and her mother, Nora. They were lovely people and were easily excited. It was fun, especially talking to Tina. She was sixteen years old with a clever mind. Her eyes always sparkled with warmth, and her smile was always broad and inviting.

I found the atmosphere around both mother and daughter relaxing and full of laughter. Then, I instantly decided keeping them around would be very healthy.

Sometimes, Tina lent me a helping hand with carrying out the shop’s affairs, and we even grew closer since I felt a sense of belonging whenever I was with her. Her mother, Nora, had known my aunt Madeline, which made it all easier.

Aunt Madeline, Nora confessed, taught her more than makeup, and, being a girly girl, she taught her how to be responsible and reliable. More and more, I found myself swinging at my Aunt Madeline’s worthwhile life. Only those who knew and were close to her could testify.

Saturday came with much contentment, and it had begun to look like what I had always wanted was no longer far-fetched.

Sales had boosted, and it had become far easier to prepare coffee to customer satisfaction than in the first few days. I could only commend my tenacity for that; I never stopped practicing and taking courses over and over again.

Funny how the men wouldn’t stop praising me to the skies and the women cheering me on. I was happy.

I had called my mom and told her. Hearing her say she was truly happy that I was happy gave me even more joy. I never thought I could want anything more. I told her Jacob was duly minding his own business and wouldn’t trespass or do anything funny. It relieved her to hear that.

A child with ribbons in her blonde hair cycled over and parked her bike in front of the shop as a customer made his way out. Then she walked in.

“Hello,” she beamed a smile. She was adorable.

“Hello.” I smiled in return.

“I want to get a hot chocolate.” She said.

“Very well, give me a minute.” I said before going to get it for her, by the time I returned there was a woman beside her who beamed at me with a soft smile.

I could immediately tell it was her mother, “I have told you to slow down a bit when you are on that bike, honey,” she chided

I watched the scene between the both of them trying to stifle a giggle as I remembered a couple of times when my mom had asked me to do something and I did the opposite.

The door opened again, and the one who opened it caught my attention. He was all suited up and had dark glasses on. He walked with a magnificent gait and gave off a cryptic vibe.

“How may I help you?” His appearance baffled me.

“Good day.” His voice was gruff.

He extended his hand for a handshake before I could respond to his greeting. I warmly shook his hand. Then he dipped his hand inside his inner pocket and extracted a brown envelope. Tendering it to me, he stood aside without a word.

The girl’s fat-padded eyes closely studied him.

It was unusual, and I was at first reluctant to open the envelope.

“You have to open it up to know what’s in there.” The girl’s voice came while I still pondered what to do.

Then she childishly beckoned to me. I leaned over the counter. Cupping her hand over her mouth, she whispered with a child-like propensity;

“I think this man is a detective like Sherlock Holmes.”

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