Page 26 of Beau

“Damn snow,” he swore as he climbed into his truck, started it, and drove out of the lot to head home.

Chapter Four

Brenna’s eyes fluttered open on Saturday morning, greeted by the warm rays of sunlight streaming in through her windows. She couldn’t help but smile as she got out of bed and walked over to the window, taking in the peaceful scene outside. The snow had finally stopped overnight, and although it still blanketed everything, she could see Mr. Barton hard at work clearing it with his backhoe. Despite being in his eighties, the man never slowed down and always made a point to help the towns when snowstorms hit.

After slipping on her robe, Brenna headed to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. It had been a long week with school being closed due to the inclement weather, but she was eager to get back into the classroom and teach her students.

As she waited for her coffee to brew, she heard Mr. Barton’s backhoe coming to a stop outside. Curiosity piqued, she walked to the door and opened it, feeling the cold air rush in. She saw her mother handing Mr. Barton a steaming cup of coffee, and when her mother waved at her, Brenna couldn’t resist waving back. Mr. Barton tipped his hat in acknowledgement before taking a sip of the hot beverage. Brenna smiled and retreated inside her warm apartment, grateful that the snow had finally stopped. Tonight, she might even be able to see Beau, and that thought brought a spark of excitement to her.

Once she finished her coffee, she headed for the bathroom to take a quick shower. As she did, her phone buzzed from her pocket. She looked at it to see a text from Beau.

Are you still up for tonight?

I am, if you think you can make it here.

Roads aren’t bad, so I’ll see you around six. Have a great day.

You too. See you then.

Brenna smiled as she entered the bathroom to shower then she would make a trip to town to pick up some things.

As she drove along Main Street, the vintage buildings and charming storefronts caught her eye. Despite the occasional rough weather, this little town remained resilient, and its small businesses continued to thrive. Finding a spot to park, Brenna stepped out of her car and made her way into The Everyday Grind, a local coffee shop owned by her best friend, Celine Nelson.

Pushing open the door, Brenna was greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. She was surprised to see the place bustling with customers and shook her head in amazement as she waved at one of the workers behind the counter.

“Hi, Ainsleigh. Is Celine here?”

“Yeah, she’s in her office. You can go on back.”

“Thanks.” Brenna smiled and headed toward Celine’s office. She knocked on the door, opened it, and peeked inside. “Hey.”

“Brenna! What are you doing out in this weather?”

“I had some things to pick up and thought I’d stop in to see if you could grab lunch?”

“Yes, I’m starving. Just let me shut the computer down, and we can go.”

As they walked along the sidewalk, they caught up on each other’s lives and shared laughs along the way. Celine had purchased the coffee shop over the summer, and it had quickly become a popular spot in town. Brenna stopped by one day and immediately hit it off with Celine, forming a fast friendship.

After entering the diner, they greeted familiar faces and settled into a cozy booth. As they removed their winter gear, Brenna couldn’t help but admire Celine’s natural beauty; long wavy blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and piercing blue eyes.

“What’s been going on with you?” Brenna asked.

“Working. Working. Working. Oh, and did I mention I’ve been working?”

Brenna chuckled. “But you love the shop, right?”

“I do and I love this town. I am so glad I came here.”

“I’m glad you did too. Have you heard from Blaine?”

Celine toyed with the napkin holder and shook her head. “No, and I pray I never do.”

“I hope not too.”

“What can I get you two lovely ladies?” Connie asked as she set two empty coffee mugs down and poured coffee into them.

“I’ll take my usual, Connie, please.” Celine said with a smile.

---