Page 61 of Coffee Break with the Billionaire

“Don’t want your first day of work splashed across the tabloids?” the king guffaws.

I shudder. “Definitely not.”

What would people think of me working for Silas? A Billionaire Brat getting her hands dirty making coffee for the masses? They’d think it was a lark, a prank, that somehow, I was doing this only to make a grand announcement about some coffee-based skin moisturizer.

Not one of my millions of followers would believe that I’m working at Coffee for the Sole because I want to. That Ilikeit. It’s been fun making coffee and talking to the customers and getting to know Leodie and Jem.

And Silas.

For once, I don’t care what other people think.

“I had an idea for that store beside the coffee shop,” I tell Edie and Stella. “The one that’s sitting empty.”

“They made the best pizza back in the day,” Edie reminisces.

“I thought Silas could open a club, targeting younger women who want a place to go. To dance, serve fun cocktails instead of beer. Although your honey mead is very tasty,” I add to the king.

“Another bar in town?” Gunnar asks. “We’ll be seeing more of Lyra coming home in that case.”

“A dance club?” Stella frowns. “Like with the bright flashing lights and theboom chicka boommusic?”

Gunnar and Kalle share a glance. “I’m not sure that kind of music,” I offer. “But maybe a little stage area? You could sing.” Stella inherited her father’s musical ability.

“Maybe,” she hedges.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Edie says, her dark eyes lit with excitement. “I would love to go someplace for a drink without someone asking me for a beer.”

“I think you’re talking about competition, and Idon’tthink it’s a good idea,” Kalle grumbles.

“This will target a very different customer,” Edie reminds him. “The King’s Hat isn’t really a girlie bar.”

“Call it the Queen’s Hat,” Stella suggests with a mischievous grin.

“No,” Kalle rumbles.

“Women looking for a good time. Sign me up,” Gunnar says. Stella’s grin fades and she gives him a sharp look. “I mean… you would have a wonderful time there,” he adds to Stella.

“And as a trial run, I’m having my birthday party there,” I tell them, thinking I should throw Gunnar a rescue.

Gunnar groans. “Not another Fenella birthday party. I don’t think Battle Harbour has recovered from the last one.”

Five years ago, Gunnar brought our friends for a visit to celebrate my birthday. It had been a great few days, but I feel this year might be a little different. I’m older, wiser.

My friends will be here, but so will Silas.

It’s surprising how much I want him to be there.

“I remember that night,” Kalle says in his gruff voice. “You’re not stepping foot in my bar with that birthday ribbon thing again.” But he says it with a grin.

“Which is why I’m making my own bar,” I tell him with a cheeky smile.

And then I feel the king’s gaze on me. “You think we need another drinking hole? Guess you best tell me more,” he invites. “Because anything that makes my people happy is good for business.”

Instead of telling him of my plans, I switch the subject. “Did you know Silas would like to build an observatory like in Nova Scotia?” I ask him instead. “He’d love to showcase Laandia as a destination for star-gazing. People go to Iceland and the Northern Territories to see the northern lights but there are just as good spots in Laandia.”

King Magnus glances at Duncan and then Kalle. “I have to say, I never considered what’s in the sky above us,” he admits.

“I think it would be an excellent boost for tourism. He’s taken me out to see the stars twice, and I have to say, the views are very impressive.”

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