Page 70 of His Big Bad Stick

Apples and clitorises, okay?

Without Colver helping me get away from Simon, my current life status would not be possible. And everything Colver said came true.

His lawyer scared the hell out of Simon to the point where Simon actually apologized to me. He sent me a text. He sent me flowers. That was a little cringey. Then he showed up to my place in person. I kept a straight face, he looked nervous, and I told him to just stay away from me.

I haven’t seen him since.

Now, how did I end up with a new gallery…?

I smile and look to my left.

I swear I can smell the coffee through the wall, but it’s a memory instead of actually smelling it. My nose wrinkles and my senses demand coffee.

The long walk next door takes me a handful of seconds.

I can’t believe how busy the place is.

I kind of step and wiggle my way through the crowd and I see Jess behind the counter, scrambling in a happy, controlled way.

All it takes it one look from her… help.

Okay, who is Jess?

No need for an entire book dedicated to Jess, but her grandfather owned the entire building. He sold it to her. She opened her dream bakery-slash-coffeehouse. A smoothie place had been her neighbor for a couple years before the owner decided to go to medical school.

Enter me.

A chance conversation with Jess because I wanted coffee is what has me opening a new gallery next door.

As for right now, I’m hurrying behind the counter to grab a spare apron.

“Rebecca called off again,” Jess whispers to me. “I love the girl but I have to let her go. Every single time she has a test she calls off.”

“I can’t believe how busy this place is,” I say. “This is great for you.”

I turn and jump right to the register.

Everything is done on a big, digital screen.

Hit the screen, take the payment, and the order is processed.

It’s not that hard.

It’s not the first time I’ve jumped behind the counter to help Jess either.

Actually, the day I signed my lease for next door, I ended up working behind the counter. It was nowhere near as busy as this. I think Jess was testing me that day, just wanting to see what kind of person I was.

Order after order…

People paying with cash, credit cards, using their phones and smartwatches.

Jess dances between the big coffee machines and the bakery case with such soft grace. A big smile on her face. Every single customer gets a thank you, stop by again.

She’s the perfect business owner.

The rush does quiet down.

When it does there are four people sitting at tables.

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