Page 22 of There’s Trouble Brewing

“Like we’re ready for anything,” she assured him. “Thanks to you.”

“Thanks to us. I couldn’t have done this without you,” Mark confessed, his eyes warm with something that went beyond gratitude.

“We still have a few things to do tomorrow,” Emily reminded him, “but we’re well on our way.”

Emily felt the draft before she saw her ex, the door swinging wide to let in more than just the heat. It was a face she’d never wanted to see in Faith Valley again after the incident at the festival.

Mark was at her side in an instant, the shift from surprise to anger playing across his features like a lightning strike. “You’re not welcome here,” he growled, his voice cutting through the shop’s noise.

The baristas exchanged looks, eyes darting between Emily, the unwelcome guest, and Mark.

Emily’s stomach did a nosedive as her mind scrambled to process his sudden appearance. Why did he decide to come back after what happened? It was like the cruelest joke was being played on her just when she thought things were falling into place.

The only thing that made it better was having Mark by her side, unwavering and fierce, his words a sharp, clear command that left no room for argument.

Dave glanced from Emily to Mark, his expression morphing into one of irritation. “Just wanted to see if you changed your mind about getting back with me. I get thatthings were heated the other day, but you know you miss me,” he coaxed with a smug grin.

“No, I don’t,” Emily stated firmly. “I thought that made it clear when I ended things with you and left town.”

Mark stepped closer, his posture rigid with controlled anger. “You got your answer. Now leave,” he demanded, his voice a low rumble that filled the space with authority.

“What are you going to do, tough guy? Hit me?” Dave challenged. “I dare you.”

Emily’s heart hammered in her chest as she watched the standoff, her mind racing. It was just like Dave to show up and try to pick a fight. It was one of the reasons she ended things with him. She was over dating guys who carried a chip on their shoulders.

“This is my place, so I don’t have to fight you. All I have to do is call the cops and tell them you’re trespassing,” Mark threatened. “I’d get out of here before it comes to that. You don’t seem the type who would want a run-in with the law.”

Dave’s eyes widened with fear for a split second before he shrugged. “You don’t intimidate me, man.”

“That’s not what he’s trying to do, mister,” Bryan interjected, coming up beside Mark and building a wall in front of Emily. “He’s trying to warn you because the cops around here don’t take kindly to strangers showing up and causing trouble.”

The tension crackled like static in the air. Dave held both men’s gazes for a long moment before giving one last spiteful glance at Emily before turning around to leave.

As the door slammed behind Dave, a collective sigh seemed to sweep through the room. Emily leaned against a counter for support, her legs feeling unsteady.

“Are you okay?” Mark’s voice was gentle now, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder.

She met his concerned blue eyes and managed a shaky smile. “Yeah. Thank you,” she murmured. Then, glancing around, she added, “Both of you for the support.”

The gratitude she felt was overwhelming, not just for both men helping to defuse the situation but for standing by her side without hesitation.

Mark nodded, his gaze still intense with protective fervor. “I meant what I said. He’s not welcome here.”

“And we have your back, just like you have ours,” Bryan added.

“I was just about to get the broom and swat him out of here,” Nancy chimed in, eliciting a laugh from all of them.

Emily nodded, her heart warming with an emotion she hadn’t anticipated feeling so strongly. Trust. At this moment, in this crisis-turned-camaraderie, trust had woven itself deeply amongst all of them.

“Let’s get back to it,” she suggested, eager to regain some sense of normalcy and focus on their impending challenge. “We need to be ready for the inspection on Thursday.”

Together, they returned to their tasks, each movement and decision drawing them closer as a team. The shop transformed under their hands, every surface gleaming, every cup and spoon in its place, the very image of readiness.

As they worked, Emily found herself glancing at Mark from time to time, reassured by his presence. He caught her looking once and gave her a small smile that made her heart skip a beat.

Finally satisfied with their efforts, they gathered the staff for a final pep talk.

“We’ve done everything we can,” Mark began confidently. “No matter what happens during the inspection, I’m proud of every single one of you.”

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