Page 28 of Misfortune and Mr. Right

Jacob passes Olivia on his way to the elevators. “Good to see you, Pennington. I think you get more beautiful every year.”

He’s not wrong.

Olivia shakes her head like my brother’s ridiculous. But she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and looks down after he gives her the compliment.

“Come on, Rhett,” I say.

Rhett comes to my call, racing past me into my apartment.

Olivia stands up, and we stare at one another for an awkward moment before she looks away and walks toward the elevator.

Chapter Nine

Logan

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

~ Sun Tzu

After Jacob left,I spent part of my evening looking through Yelp! reviews of local things to do. One of the top-rated spots in this area happens to be a coffee and tea shop called Serendipi-Tea. I decide to go out for my morning coffee instead of making it in the Keurig.

Who says I’m not fun?

Getting coffee at a trendy neighborhood cafe is the epitome of fun.

I pull up in front of Serendipi-Tea and find a parking spot. The shop fills the first story of a Victorian home. Inside, seating areas with comfortable chairs and sofas are arranged throughout the front of the room. Customers are gathered in a few of the clusters of furniture, while others sit alone with an open book or laptop.

There’s a touch of what I’d call whimsy to the decor. That’s the word I’d use if I were marketing this place. Whoever did the decorating has personality to spare. Antiques and a variety of tables and floor lamps make the space feel more like a home than a shop. It could appear hodge-podge, but instead, it comes across as curated and inviting. And the owner must have a green thumb. Potted trees and plants are scattered throughout the room, adding to the charm.

“Good morning,” the woman behind the counter greets me with a smile.

“Good morning.” I survey the hand-drawn chalkboard menu hanging overhead behind her.

“What’s good?” I ask her.

“Are you a first-timer?” she asks me.

“Yes. I am. I just moved into The Serendipity.”

“Ahhh. Well, welcome to Serendipi-Tea. I’m Nori. I recommend just about anything we serve, but you can’t go wrong with a honey lavender latte.”

“That sounds great. I’ll take a …” I look at the cup sizes labeled by ounces. “A twenty-ounce.”

“Coming right up,” Nori says with a warm smile. “Your name?”

“Logan.”

“Nice to meet you, Logan. I hope you enjoy your coffee. If you don’t, please let me know. We want to be your go-to coffee shop.”

“Thanks. From the smell of things, I can’t imagine I’ll be disappointed.”

Nori smiles and turns to make my order.

I step down to the end of the counter just in time to see the next customer walk in.

“Good morning,” Nori says.

I smile.

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