Page 51 of Cups of You

Jackie nodded. “That sounds good baby. You have anything else planned for the day?”

Amber walked carefully around her before pausing at the doorway. “Well, I might head over and see if Benjamin needs more help. I can bring home some muffins if you like?”

“That sounds perfect, baby.”

Amber nodded once sharply and made her way to the kitchen. She didn’t understand why, but she had an intense need to get back to the café and she knew she would drive herself crazy if she didn’t.

EIGHTEEN

Benjamin looked down at his phone smile tattooed on his face. He hadn’t expected the texting to continue with Amber after he had sent her a thank you for helping him out. Surprisingly, that text had led to them talking about other things related to coffee and the conversation took off from there.

It had been three blissful weeks of getting to know more about Amber and trying to keep up with her was challenging in all the best ways. She would often stop by late morning and chat with him between customers. She had only joined him behind the counter two more times, but they had worked together so effortlessly that he knew now the first time wasn’t a fluke.

He had worried at first that maybe he was seeing her as this caricature of the amazing person he had built up in his mind thanks to Jackie’s stories of her. But getting to know Amber was quickly becoming one of the highlights of his day.

She was sarcastic without being mean, and prickly about the most random things like the type of peanut butter you should buy or how you shouldn’t wear socks with sandals. Benjamin had never been one to poke at someone before, but he found himself unable to resist poking at Amber in ways that made her poke back in response.

A few times, he even wondered if maybe they were reaching the line of what would and would not be considered flirtation. He would readily admit that he wanted to cross that line if asked, but he wasn’t sure where she stood. Was she the type of person who was always flirty? If so, then maybe he shouldn’t see it as a step towards something. It was so hard to tell when he had never really seen her interact with someone outside of Randy, Sam, and the random patrons at the café.

“Hey Benji. Why the long face?”

Benjamin looked up. “What?” He smoothed out his expression when he saw his new favorite customer, Lindsey, staring at him from across the coffee counter.

“You look like you’re deep in thought about something unpleasant,” she replied. “Just wondering if everything is okay.”

He snapped out of it and fixed a smile on his face. “Oh yeah, everything is fine,” he insisted quickly. He reached for a cup already guessing what her order would probably be. It had been the same every time she came into the café since moving back to town a few weeks ago. “The usual for you?”

Lindsey nodded. “Yes, please. And could you make Avery’s drink as well? I’m going to take it by the school for her as a little surprise. I’m sure she could probably use it.”

“Oh?” He asked teasingly. “Is there a reason why she would be tired enough to need what I’m sure is her third cup of coffee before the day is even over?”

She laughed. “I am not the type to kiss and tell.” She leaned over the counter and pitched her voice lower. “But if you throw in one of those special muffins I know you’re hiding in the back, I might give you a couple highlights.”

Benjamin laughed and shook his head. All the women in this town were feisty as all get out and it amused him to no end. “Avery would probably throw a fit if she knew I let her secrets go for so little.”

Lindsey leaned back as the café’s front bell rang out. “You underestimate both of our love for your muffins.”

“He does have great muffins.”

Benjamin choked on a laugh and nearly crushed the cup in his hand when he heard Amber’s voice. She was looking at Lindsey, but he only had eyes for her.

“Amber,” he croaked out trying to cover up his reaction to her presence. Lindsey covered her mouth behind her hand, but he could see she was trying not to laugh at him.

Real smooth. Next time just announce to the world that you’re in love with her and get it over with.

He reached for a new cup and tossed the other one away. “I didn’t know you were planning on coming in today.”

Amber’s gaze was still on Lindsey as she replied. “I’m sure.” She took a step forward as Lindsey turned around. Her expression was blank, but Benjamin swore he could see a glimpse ofsomethingthat made him equal parts confused and hopeful. Amber stuck her hand out.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Amber.”

Lindsey gave Benjamin a glance before reaching out to Amber.

“Lindsey Cunningham. Nice to meet you.”

Amber smiled though to Benjamin it looked more like the smile you gave before you went to stab someone. He didn’t know what was going on, but alarm bells were ringing in his head and he quickly spoke up to try to break the weird tension in the air.

“Lindsey just moved back to town a few weeks ago,” he said looking back and forth between the two women. “Did you two go to school with each other?”

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