Page 2 of Iris
Jewels Café is the best place to go for magical drinks. The older sign outside has something new written on it every day. It’s strange; it had been around for several weeks before I’d even noticed it. The door makes a cute jingle as I step inside. There are several customers waiting at the counter, giving their orders.
I get into line and glance around at the customers sitting. There’s a pretty woman with long brown hair in the corner. She is sitting across from a guy that looks really familiar. I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe he is on IG and I’ve seen him there? The last person, surprisingly, is just who I’ve come to see.
Wes is sitting a few tables away from the couple. I abandon my place in line to go over to him.
“Hey!” I sit across from him.
Wes is a big guy. With his build, you could just imagine what his big pawed hands could do if someone annoyed him. He is good looking and his personality is easy going. Just don’t mess with his mate. He looks up from his book as I sit down.
“Hi, Iris. What can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if I could schedule my shop cleaning? It’s that time already.”
“We can. Want the regular cleaning?”
“You know it.” I glance at his drink. “Coffee?”
He shakes his head, offering a shrug. “Amber is having fun trying to find a coffee drink I’ll like. This is a mocha.” He takes a sip from the jeweled mug. “Does three weeks on Monday work? You’re still closed on Mondays?”
“Yes, please. Still closed on Sunday and Monday.” I reach out and shake the hand he offers.
“You got it. See you soon.” He glances back to the book he’s reading.
The line has finally disappeared by the counter so I step up to it. Amber, one of the owners of the place and Wes’ mate, is manning the counter this morning.
“Iris! Mood Tea?” She lifts an eyebrow at me.
I shrug sheepishly. “Creature of habit. Yes, please.”
“Coming right up.” She turns to make my tea.
I lean onto the counter as I watch her. “Where are your other hotties?”
Amber jerks slightly before her face floods with red. “Um, well, they’re upstairs.”
“Those slackers are still sleeping?” Scoffing, even as I grin at her. “Why aren’t you taking Mr. Wes into the back and getting a quickie in?”
There’s the sound of Wes choking on his coffee behind me before he coughs, clearing his throat.
“You’re ridiculous.” Amber hands me my Mood Tea in a to-go cup. She is still blushing but I can see she is trying not to laugh.
Giving her my card to pay for it, I say, “Yup. But you like me anyway.”
“See you next time.” Amber waves as I leave the shop, sipping my tea.
Checking my phone for the time, I have just under fifteen minutes to grab my daily order of baked goods from Buttercup’s Bake Shop before I have to open the shop. It’s located a little further out in town, but my little car is a zippy thing, so I get there with time to spare.
Buttercup’s Bake Shop is one of my favorite places to visit. The smells that come out the pink door are to die for. The picture windows are already displaying the baked goods she’s made this morning. Even before I step in, I have drool pooling in my mouth.
Buttercup is behind the glass case that also serves as the counter. Her blonde hair is pulled up high in a ponytail. We’ve been friends ever since I got the idea to sell some pastries with certain flowers to help my customers get the right message across.
“Hey, sista from another mista.” My sing-songed greeting makes her snort at me.
“Your order is all ready to go. I’ve included some chocolate croissants. There’s an extra one in there for you.” Buttercup gestures to a small box next to her. “The macarons are dark chocolate with lemon filling today.” Her lips curve as I groan.
“Man, you know I love being a fat chick.” Squatting in front of the case, I'm trying to decide if getting half a dozen of the macarons would be a good idea.
“Do you ever fool anyone with your cute face?”
