Page 43 of Espresso Your Love

Looking at the scene before me, I smile as I watch the town square come to life. The buzz of excitement as the vendors start setting up their booths, children running around, and my day-of volunteers putting everything in place.

“Good day, Miss Cassandra,” Old Man Tiller greets me as he pulls up in his old blue truck.

“Hello there, Mr. Tiller!” I wave and walk towards him. “Thank you again for letting us borrow your truck today.”

“Happy to help in any way. Apologies for those pesky goats gettin’ into the scarecrow. I try to keep them inside the fence, but they like to roam.”

“It’s no problem. They just wanted a little treat,” I tease.

He laughs. “Where do you want me to park?”

“Just drive through here, and my assistant will direct you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He tips his head. “The family is looking forward to the festival.”

“I hope y’all enjoy it.”

He drives off through the makeshift barrier and into the town square.

I click on my radio. “Hey Millie, please show Mr. Tiller where to park his truck.”

“Copy that, Boss,” she responds over the radio.

I feel so official now that I have an assistant. With the new clients, I knew I was going to need help so I spoke with the ASB director. I would allow high school students to gain experience outside of school functions while assisting me and taking some of the tedious tasks off my plate. She thought it was a fantastic idea, and Millie was the first one to express interest in it. So this is a trial run, for both of us to see if we work well together.

I watch her guide Old Man Tiller to the designated spot while I walk towards them.

My radio crackles. “Cassie?”

“Go for Cass.”

“We have a problem over at booth 14. Can you come by?”

“On my way,” I report back to them before turning to Millie.

“Can you start setting up the photo booth? I’ll be back in a few.”

“You got it, Boss,” she replies, earnestly.

I chuckle at her serious demeanor. Despite being a high school student, she possesses a level of maturity and drive that reminds me of myself at her age—eager to do well.

Glancing down at my watch, I make my way to booth 14. Nine in the morning and it’s the first of many issues we’ll run into today.

After quickly resolving the crisis with booth 14, I get called over to two more booths. When I finally catch a break, I radioMillie that I’m on my way and begin walking to Old Man Tillers’ truck when I see Ryan heading towards me.

My stomach flutters at the sight of him, and a smile instantly forms. Every time I see him, my heart starts doing somersaults. I’m doodling “Cassie and Ryan” in my mental notebook. It’s like an invisible magnet pulling us towards each other, and I can’t escape him.

“Why hello there, Officer Hayes.”

“Ms. Thompson.” He returns a smile to me.

“And hello there, Max. Can I pet him while he’s on duty?” I ask. I have always wondered how that works when you know a dog outside of the job.

“Just a quick one.”

“Hi, cutie.” The pup’s ears perk up. “I’ll make it up to you with extra pets later,” I whisper to him.

Ryan laughs at our interaction. “So, I didn’t know you’re a firefighter.”

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