Page 15 of Cups of You

Benjamin’s smile was ever-present though his lips did twitch slightly when his gaze slid over the two women.

“Good morning Mrs. Carmichael.”

“Good morning Bennie. You are looking handsome as ever,” Mrs. Carmichael gushed, and Amber had to fight from scrunching her nose up. She didn’t disagree with the woman’s assessment. Benjamin was as good looking as he had been when Amber first saw him, but she disliked hearing that from the other woman’s mouth.

He nodded. “Thank you. What can I get you today?”

“Oh, you choose. You always know just what I need.” Mrs. Carmichael turned to Amber. “Bennie, have you met Amber? She’s Jackie’s niece.”

“Of course,” he replied picking up a cup. “She’s been in a few times.” His lips twisted and his eyes crinkled when he looked at Amber. She felt a small ball of warmth bloom in her chest and gave him a nod. She might have even returned his smile if not for her unwanted companion.

“It’s not every day a former local comes back, especially unmarried. Maybe you two should—”

“What can I get for you Amber?”

She was grateful that he had the sense to cut in before Mrs. Carmichael kept going. “I’ll take my usual but without the extra shots today.”

“Sounds good.” Benjamin picked up another cup. “I’ll have those drinks ready for you two in a bit.”

Amber dipped her head before moving to the same empty couch she had occupied the last time she came in.

If she had been thinking clearly, she wouldn’t have left space open for another body. She looked to the ceiling and asked God for strength and patience when Mrs. Carmichael sat down beside her.

“That Bennie sure is a cutie. Don’t you think?”

Here she goes.Amber knew better than to think that was an innocent question. There was no such thing as an innocent question when it came to this woman.

“He’s fine,” Amber answered carefully. “He makes excellent coffee.” She could see Mrs. Carmichael staring at her but refused to turn and acknowledge the woman. She was doing everything she could to show just how little she wanted this conversation without being outright rude.

“And he’s so thoughtful and sweet. I told my youngest to find her a Bennie and settle down, but she refuses to listen.”

Amber hummed noncommittally and counted the bricks on the wall. She was contemplating the merits of saying fuck it to politeness and just getting up mid-conversation when Benjamin’s voice rang out.

“Amber? Your order is ready.”

She jumped up from the couch relieved that she could get away from her unwanted shadow. She turned to give Mrs. Carmichael another brittle smile. “Well, it was good to see you Mrs. Carmichael. Have a great day.”

Amber bolted to the coffee counter and begged anyone who was listening to keep the other woman from following. Benjamin was chuckling softly when she walked up.

“What?”

He shook his head. “You look like Ms. Jay does whenever she gets roped into conversation with Mrs. Carmichael.”

She grimaced not bothering to hide her displeasure. “That woman is a menace. All she does is talk shit.”

His chuckle morphed into full belly laughter and Amber found her eyes drawn to him. The sound washed over her, and she felt her cheeks heat. When he looked at her again, his brown eyes were practically sparkling with mirth.

“You’re not wrong about that,” Benjamin conceded. “I usually like to talk with my customers when they come in, but my objective when it comes to her is in and out in the least amount of time.”

Amber snorted and her lips twitched in amusement. “An excellent strategy when dealing with her.” She picked up her cup. “Well, I should get back. I spent more time walking than I had planned.”

Benjamin’s smile slipped slightly. “Oh, you’re leaving already?”

She gestured behind her. “I already got followed in and I’m trying not to get drawn into anymore coded conversations that might end with my name cruising through the gossip line.” Amber tried to ignore the tiny part of her that wanted to stay and relax more. That couch was her favorite and she was a miffed that she wouldn’t get to enjoy it longer.

“Besides, I’m sure you have to get back to work.”

He nodded slowly.

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