Page 20 of Caffeinated in Amesbury
"Quality work," I teased, shaking my head. Cole joined in the laughter, the sound mingling with the jingle of bells strung across the counter.
"Okay, okay," Cole conceded, hands raised in mock surrender. "So, electrical engineering isn't my strong suit."
"Understatement of the year." The mirth in my voice filled the room, a stark contrast to the worries that had darkened it days before.
"Alright, literary genius," Cole shot back playfully. "I'll handle the carols, you fix the Great Light Debacle of 2023."
"Deal," I agreed, already untangling another set of lights.
As I worked, my thoughts drifted to the shelves of well-thumbed books that lined the walls, imagining the stories they would share between sips of coffee and bites of pastry. The anticipation of seeing the town come together warmed me more than any open fire could.
"Think anyone will actually show up for the caroling contest?" Cole asked, a twinge of doubt lacing his words.
"Are you kidding? In this town, they'd sing at a tax audit if there was free food involved," I responded, banishing the flicker of apprehension with humor.
"True," Cole admitted, a grin reclaiming his face. "And wait 'til they hear my 'Jingle Bell Rock' solo."
"Please tell me you're joking."
"Guess you'll have to wait and see."
As I watched his brother drape garlands around the room, the infectious excitement for the Caffeinated Christmas Blend Bash was as palpable as the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. Together, we were more than just business partners; they were the pulse of a small-town Christmas, beating strong against the chill of winter.
"Okay, so... how does one perform CPR on a coffee machine?" I quipped, eyebrow arched as I stood beside the sputtering espresso maker, which had chosen this moment—of all moments—to cough its last.
"Easy," Cole replied with a grin that belied the severity of the situation. "Just whisper sweet nothings into the steam wand and promise it a vacation in Italy."
I chuckled despite the stress knotting my shoulders. "Right. And if that doesn't work?"
"Plan B: Beg."
"Fantastic." My tone was dry as the Sahara, but I knelt before the contraption, hands poised as if to resuscitate it through sheer willpower. My fingers danced over the buttons like a pianist's, coaxing the machine back to life.
"Come on," Cole murmured, leaning over my shoulder. "Don't let us down now."
In a burst of mechanical compassion, the espresso maker whirred back into action, spewing forth a stream of liquid gold. The brothers exchanged a look of triumph; our shared victory was silent but electric, as tangible as the grinds we brushed from our hands.
"Never doubted you for a second," I lied, grinning as Cole threw an arm around me.
"Let's not make a habit out of this," Cole said, eyeing the machine warily. "One Christmas miracle per season is my limit."
"Agreed."
With our obstacle conquered, we set about finishing our preparations with renewed vigor.As I affixed the final ornament to our makeshift tree—a quirky amalgamation of mugs and book spines—I allowed myself a moment of stillness. The shop, usually so vibrant with chatter and the clinking of cups, was oddly serene, waiting to be filled with the joy of the season.
"Looks good," Cole said, stepping back to admire the handiwork. "I mean, if we don't win 'Best Decorated Business' this year, it's rigged."
"Absolutely," I agreed, though my thoughts were already on the morrow, on the faces that would light up at the sight of our holiday haven. Would the town embrace our efforts? Would it be enough to keep Caffeinated Bliss open for one more year?
"Hey, Thomas," Cole's voice cut through his reverie, "you think they'll remember this Christmas?"
"Remember it?" I echoed, eyes meeting his. "They'll talk about it for years to come."
"Good," Cole nodded, satisfaction lacing his tone. "Because I've sprinkled enough Christmas spirit in here to give Santa a run for his money."
"Is that so?" My lips twitched upwards, gaze sweeping over the masterpiece.
"Absolutely," Cole affirmed. "And speaking of money, if this doesn't bring in the crowds..."
