Page 14 of Beanful Wishes

“Is it me, or is it busier than usual?” Kathryn asks while making yet another pumpkin spice latte.

“Definitely busier.” I’m taking orders and making drinks as fast as I can to keep up.

By the time Matthew walks in, the coffee shop is humming. He looks around and a huge grin spreads across his face. “Business is booming, isn’t it?”

I nod and get back to work. He ties an apron around his waist and takes over at the register.

An hour later, there’s a lull and I get a chance to catch my breath and make myself a much needed Americano.

“Jake, I have to hand it to you.” Matthew walks over, clapping me on the shoulder. “This Wishing Wall of yours is the best thing that’s ever happened to this franchise!”

I can’t help smiling at his enthusiasm. “Glad it’s working out for the business, Matthew.”

“Working out? It’s a goldmine of good PR!” He pulls out his tablet, showing me how often the small coffee shop has been mentioned across various social media sites in the past twenty-four hours. “If we keep this up, we could be looking at expansion opportunities by the end of the year.”

As Matthew continues to gush about potential growth, a fresh set of customers stream in. I excuse myself to help Kathryn fulfill the counter, grateful for the distraction.

As I work, my mind wanders to the Wishing Wall. What should the next wish be? There are so many deserving ones, each with its own potential to make a difference. A young student wishing for help with college tuition, an elderly couple hoping to renew their vows, a single mom looking for a break...

“One Lofty Caramel Macchiato,” I call out, handing the drink to Fiona, one of our regular customers.

“Thanks, Jake,” she says, then hesitates. “Hey, I just wanted to say... what you’re doing with that Wishing Wall? It’s really something special.”

A warmth spreads through my chest. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

By the time Julie and Kathryn come in and the morning rush dies down, I find myself gravitating toward the Wishing Wall. I scan the new wishes, each one tugging at my heartstrings in its own way.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Sophia’s name flashes on the screen, and the flutters in my stomach have nothing to do with the three shots of espresso I had this morning.

“Hey Sophia,” I answer, trying to keep my voice casual.

“Jake! Are you busy?” She sounds excited. But when have I ever seen her anything but enthusiastic? The woman is a powerhouse.

“Just the usual morning madness. What’s up?” I ask.

“Could you meet me at the local community center? There’s something you need to see.”

I glance at the clock, then at Kathryn, who’s already shooing me toward the door. “I can be there in twenty minutes. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s great,” Sophia assures me. “Just... trust me on this one, okay?”

I end the call and hang up my apron, my mind spinning with ideas. Whatever Sophia’s planned, I have a feeling it’s going to be good. And if I’m being honest with myself, I’m looking forward to seeing her just as much as I am to finding out what she’s up to.

I make us each a coffee to go and look around the building to see if there’s anything else I should take care of before heading out.

“Go on,” Kathryn says, practically pushing me out the door. “I’ve got things covered here. And Jake?”

I turn back, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t forget to breathe when you see her,” she teases.

I roll my eyes, but the heat rises in my cheeks as I walk out, eager to drive off.

I spot her car the moment I pull into the community center parking lot. My heart rate picks up a notch as I grab the two coffees from the cup holder. I’m not sure when I started automatically getting her a Lofty Spiced Vanilla Latte along with my own drink, but it’s becoming a thing.

As I walk toward the entrance, I see her through the glass doors. She’s pacing, her dark hair swaying with each step, completely absorbed in whatever she’s reading on her phone. The sight of her hits me like a punch to the gut. I’m falling for her, hard and fast, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. Who knows what will happen when she’s done with her story about the Wishing Wall?

“Hey,” I say, as I push through the door. “I come bearing caffeine.”

---