Page 13 of Give Me Love

She holds up her hands. “Hey, I’m totally down with that. No more Mark.”

“Good, so what about this weekend?”

“I’ll call Austin.”

I smile.

She grabs her coffee cup and takes a sip. Scrunching her nose, she says, “Girl, go get me some cream and sugar.”

I laugh. “Coming right up.”

___________

I’m sorting through the pile of donated books at Mugs & Books when a man in a business suit walks in. Briefcase in hand and slicked back hair, he stands out in this free-spirited shop.

“Can I help you?” I ask, pulling my Pink Floyd T-shirt away from my skin as I stand. It’s so hot today, the air conditioner isn’t doing its best. This place needs an update, like I need a vacation.

“Yes, I’m looking for Karen Brookhaven.” He’s all business and no play as he runs a gold ringed finger over his brow.

“One second,” I say, turning to walk through the shimmery curtains leading to the back.

“Hey, Karen.” I knock on her open office door. She looks up from the paper she was focused on, a firm stress line in her forehead.

“Yes?”

“There’s a man here to see you.”

“A man?” she asks.

“Yeah. He’s in a suit and tie, not the type you’d see in Little Five Points.”

She lifts her bright blue reading glasses up on her head and rubs her eyes. Standing and pushing her chair back at the same time, she sighs.

“My head is killing me.” Her silver toned bracelets clink together as she moves her dark hair to the side.

“Want some hot tea?”

“No, I’ll be okay.” She pats my arm as she exits her office. I take the hair tie off my wrist and wrap my hair up.

Walking toward the books I was organizing, I hear Karen say, “Can I help you?”

Breathing in when I walk past the cranberry-scented candle burning, I sink to my knees as the man replies, “I’m with the bank.”

My ears shoot up, wanting to hear their conversation, but Karen directs him to the back.

Crap. I continue working, wondering what a man from the bank is doing here. I know Karen is planning on selling the place.

In fact, I’m the only one she’s told because she knows I’m interested. She wants to move to the beach to be near her kids and grandkids, but now my instincts tell me it’s more than that.

__________

I turn the sign on the door and click the lock before shutting off the store lights. The window lights stay on, giving the front of the store a soft glow. Making my way around the counter, I flip the coffee makers off and rinse the pots out before placing them upside down on a clean dishcloth.

This place has been my home ever since I came to Atlanta. I’ve worked here for nine years. It’s put me through business classes and given me a purpose every day.

It’s not a fancy place, with its bohemian style, but it’s comfortable and a quiet place for the locals to have coffee, read a book, work on their laptops, or just take a break from the city life.

Untying my apron, I make my way to the back after I blow out the candles. Karen sits in her chair with her hand resting under her chin. She looks up when I enter.

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