Page 34 of All You Need Is Macchiato

Maybe courage starts with being willing to fall.

Maybe some wishes don't come true until you're brave enough to help them along.

I stand, pocketing the card and my pride. The night stretches dark before me, but for the first time since Kathryn left, I know exactly where I'm going.

Some risks are worth taking.

Even if you have to climb down from your self-built walls to take them.

Chapter Thirteen

Kathryn

Cam doesn't look up when I enter his office, too engrossed in whatever's on his phone screen. His feet are propped on his sleek desk, his designer shoes probably worth more than a week's coffee sales.

"We need to talk." I close the door behind me with more force than necessary.

"About the latest numbers?" He doesn't bother looking up. "Because they're still not where they need to be."

"About your actual plans for this place." I move to stand directly in front of his desk. "Because I'm starting to think we have very different visions."

That gets his attention. He lowers his phone, studying me with that calculating smile that never quite reaches his eyes. "Different visions?"

"The Wishing Wall is working. Community engagement is up. We're building something real here?—"

"We're running a business." He drops his feet to the floor, leaning forward. "All this community focus is charming, but let's be realistic. Elk Ridge isn't exactly a growth market."

"Growth isn't just about numbers."

"Actually," he stands, moving to the window, "it is. And the numbers tell me it's time to cut our losses."

The words hit like ice water. "What?"

"Come on, Kathryn." He turns back, spreading his hands. "Did you really think I'd stick around this backwater town forever? Running a quaint little coffee shop while the real opportunities pass me by?"

"This isn't just a coffee shop." My voice shakes slightly. "These people trust us. They've made this place part of their community?—"

"And they can make somewhere else part of their community just as easily." He shrugs. "That's the beauty of small towns. They adapt."

"You're selling." The realization settles like lead in my stomach. "That's why you let me try all these initiatives. You wanted to boost the sale value."

His smile turns patronizing. "Smart girl. Though I did hope you might be interested in other opportunities. Your talent is wasted on community projects."

"My talent is exactly where it should be." I gesture toward the main room, where Annie's helping Old Joe pin up another wish. "We're making a difference here."

"Difference doesn't pay the bills." He returns to his desk, shuffling through papers. "I've already had interest from several buyers. Major chains looking to expand their mountain presence."

"Chains?" The word tastes bitter. "You'd turn this into another generic coffee stop?"

"I'd turn it into a profitable business." He pulls out a folder labeled "Potential Buyers" and sets it deliberately on his desk. "Which is more than your wish walls and farmer's markets have managed."

"Our numbers are improving?—"

"Not fast enough." He checks his watch, dismissing me. "Face it, Kathryn. Elk Ridge is a stepping stone, nothing more. Smart people know when to step off."

The sunlight catches on the Wishing Wall, turning the cards to stained glass. Through the office window, I can see Marie arranging fresh flowers on the counter, Sara delivering her daily pastries, locals gathering to check their wishes.

"You're wrong." My voice steadies. "About this town, about this place, about everything."

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