Page 3 of There’s Trouble Brewing

Emily wanted to ensure they knew what they were in for. “Just be ready to work hard. You can plan on hands-on training sessions and written tests to make sure you’re up to speed.” She saw the full weight of what was ahead settle in and was grateful for their dedication. “But remember the most important part: stay connected with each other and our test customers that I will be bringing in down the road. That’s what will make you great as a barista.”

Taking one last look at her notes, Emily felt satisfied with how the meeting had gone. The baristas seemed equally pleased, and their enthusiasm was contagious.

“Are we going to have to wear costumes?” Bryan asked with a frown. “I see a box of them over there,” he shrugged toward the photo op area.

“I thought we all left that behind when we retired,” Nancy grumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Uh oh,” Emily teased. “Do you guys have something against tights and a cape?” All three of the baristas’ eyes grew wide with terror, and before one—or perhaps all of them—quit, she quickly told them, “No costumes. Just aprons and nametags.”

A collective look of relief washed over their faces.

“Thank goodness,” Nancy grumbled. “I don’t want to give up my yoga pants and T-shirt for this job.”

Emily suppressed her laugh, not wanting to make things awkward. Instead, she wrapped up their meeting. “All right, everyone. That’s all for today. Make sure to write down any questions you have for me, and we will start your training tomorrow afternoon.”

The baristas filed out after saying goodbye, and Emily turned her attention to Mark. “Do you have any other questions for me?”

Mark shook his head. “I think you covered it all.”

“Okay, so once I settle into my room at the hotel, I’ll prepare the training materials for tomorrow, and we can go over them together in the morning before the baristas get here.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Mark agreed.

“If there isn’t anything else, I’m going to take off,” she told him, waiting for the coffee shop owner’s go-ahead to leave.

Mark opened his mouth as if he was about to say something, then closed it.

“Is there something you need to ask me?” she questioned with a quirk of her eyebrow.

He shrugged. “It’s no big deal. We can handle it tomorrow. I’m sure you’ve had a long day already.”

“I have, but a few minutes more won’t hurt anything,” she assured him. “What’s up?”

“Okay, you asked for it.” Mark hesitated for a moment as if trying to find the right words. Eventually, he let out a heavy sigh as he rubbed the stubble on his chin. “I’ve got a problem. And I think you’re the only one who can help.”

Chapter Two

"So what’s going on?” Emily questioned, breezy and bright.

“I’m having problems with the espresso machine,” Mark admitted sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. In all honesty, he was losing the battle every time he touched the machine, but he didn’t want her to know how bad it really was.

“Yeah,” she nodded, “They can be difficult sometimes. It’s really more temperamental than broken, is my best guess. But you can’t let it see you sweat. That’s how it wins.”

“Feels like it’s winning,” Mark grumbled as they moved over to the machine behind the counter.

“Not if I can help it,” Emily said, cracking her knuckles for effect.

Just like that, she was on it, her sleeves rolled, her hands quick and sure. And all he could do was watch in amazement. Within mere seconds, she had the espresso machine doing its best impression of a pressure cooker, steam and all. She stood behind it, flipping switches, hittingbuttons, and dumping shots into cups with practiced ease. He couldn’t help but be impressed with how effortlessly she worked in what seemed like chaos to him.

“You’re really good at this,” he praised. “I can see why they sent you to train my baristas.”

“And you,” she corrected. “As the owner, you should know how everything works in your coffee shop.”

He nodded. “That makes sense. Lead by example.”

“That’s right,” she told him. “First responders always get that part of it best.”

Emily talked him through each move like she was reciting a favorite recipe, words mixing with the whirl and hum that filled the room.

---