Page 17 of All Too Well
“Some things never change, Berry. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
He turns and leaves, and I stand here, seething at the nickname that I never wanted to hear again. I am not a stupid strawberry.
“Yeah, I’m sure you will.”
After the worst night’s sleep ever, I’m ready to tackle my story.
I wanted to go straight to the firehouse, but instead I go to the cute little coffee shop, Prose & Perk, in the center of town. While the ad for the lodge said it had a coffee maker, it is probably from 1997, and I’d rather drink sludge, which is what I’m sure that would be anyway.
I park the car and see a text from Caroline.
Caroline
So, did you talk to him yet?
I sure did.
Caroline
And?
And he’s still hot and I love him.
He’s not all that interested in the article, buuuuuut ... I found out he’s still playing sports!
Caroline
Really? That’s great! You have the perfect angle then.
Right! I’m totally going to get to write what I want after this. I’ll wear him down so I can get the interview, but this is perfect.
Caroline
I’m excited for you. You got this.
Thanks! I’m heading in for coffee now and then to get started on this story so I can get home.
Caroline
Happy writing.
The Main Street area of Ember Falls is picturesque, and I found a spot right outside the coffee shop. The street is lined with old brick buildings with storefront windows and what look like apartments above them. A few stores have more ornate facades to mirror the older look of a more Victorian-style home. There’s a pizza place, a printing store, a small handbag boutique, and ... coffee.
The bell above the door chimes, and I’m taken back in time as soon as I enter.
The tables are all mismatched with random chairs, and the walls are decorated in pages from thousands of books, all layering over each other to create a beautiful wallpaper. At a long counter in the back, it’s nothing but shelves of books with bent spines and old leather that create the most comforting scent.
Coffee, books, and happiness.
“Good morning!” a girl calls out from the back.
“Good morning. Where do I go to place an order?” I ask, trying to move toward where I think she is.
She lifts up part of the counter and peeks out. “Sorry, we’re a bit hidden back here. Oh, you’re new in town!”
I smile. “I am. This place is amazing. I’m so glad I stopped to get some coffee.”
“We have plenty of that here. I’m Hazel. It’s nice to meet you, and welcome to Prose & Perk.”
