Page 37 of Caffeinated in Amesbury
Behind Cole, I finally spotted Thomas, his focused gaze never leaving the novel propped open next to the cash register. His fingers deftly navigated the espresso machine, pulling a perfect shot as he turned a page with his elbow.
"Multitasking, Thomas?" I quipped, leaning over the counter to peek at the book's title.
"Always," he replied without looking up, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. "One must be well-read to keep up with the literary elite of New York."
"Touché," I conceded, feeling a blush creep onto my cheeks.
Thomas finally looked up, his green eyes locking with mine, and something unspoken passed between us—a mix of understanding and affection that seemed to stretch beyond the confines of the cozy café.
"Your latte, milady," Cole interrupted, sliding the cup across the counter with a wink, effectively bursting their bubble.
"Thank you, good sir," I played along, accepting the cup as I stole another glance at Thomas. He had resumed his reading, but not before giving me a smile that felt like a secret promise.
"Seems you two have buried the hatchet?" I remarked to Cole, nodding subtly towards his brother.
"More like a temporary ceasefire," Cole admitted, leaning in conspiratorially. "But don't let the peace fool you. We're probably one 'creative difference' away from drawing battle lines in espresso grounds."
"Ah, the fragile truce of sibling partnership," I mused, my lips curving in amusement. "May it last at least through the holidays."
"Here's hoping," Cole agreed, raising an eyebrow. "Now scat, you're disrupting the workflow with your distracting big-city aura."
"Wouldn't dream of it," I chuckled, retreating to a nearby table with my latte, my heart lighter than it had been in days. Watching Thomas and Cole—a study in contrasts yet united by blood and business—she couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging.
"Maybe diamonds aren't the only things worth mining around here," I thought, savoring the sweet taste of coffee and the sweeter realization that sometimes, the most precious gems were hidden in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered in the heart of a small town at Christmas.
“I’ll see you guys later. I’m headed over to Blair’s.”
Blair’s living room was cheerfully awry with mismatched throw pillows and framed memories that danced on the walls.
"Blair, have you ever felt like your whole life is one big snow globe, and someone just gave it a shake?" I asked, watching the miniature flakes settle in the glass orb on the coffee table.
"Every time Cole leaves his socks on the floor," Blair quipped, her laughter tinkling through the air. "But seriously, what's up? You look more frazzled than my aunt’s Christmas sweater."
"It's just... I've built this career, climbed up so high on this New York ladder, but now..." My voice wavered, blue eyes reflecting the twinkling tree lights, each blink sending shadows to play across my face.
"Ah, you're talking about Thomas, aren't you? And this place?" Blair leaned forward.
"Exactly. I didn’t plan for Amesbury to feel like home, or for Thomas to—" The words caught in my throat, emotions tangled like the string of lights we'd wrestled with earlier.
"Or for him to make your heart do the jingle bell rock?" Blair finished for me, a knowing smile gracing my lips.
"Something like that." I chuckled despite the turmoil inside. "I just don't know if I can trade skyscrapers for sleigh rides."
"Hey, sleigh rides can be very romantic," Blair teased, then grew serious. "But honestly, where does your happiness live?"
"Right now? In a confused zip code," I admitted, tracing the rim of my mug.
Before Blair could respond, the cheery jingle of my phone cut through our heartfelt exchange. It was my boss from New York. I excused myself, stepping away to take the call, feeling like I was crossing an invisible threshold between two worlds.
"Hello?" I answered, my voice steady despite the quickening of my pulse.
"Felicity, darling! Merry Christmas Eve! I have fantastic news," her boss exclaimed, his voice crackling with static and enthusiasm. "We want to offer you a promotion. And not just any promotion – you'll be leading our new exclusive project. It's a big step up, and frankly, it has your name written all over it."
My heart skipped, then doubled its rhythm, pounding a frantic carol against my ribs. This was everything I had worked for, dreamed of. Yet, why did the thought of accepting leave a chill colder than the December air?
"Wow, that's—thank you. That's incredible," I managed, my voice a betraying mix of elation and apprehension.
"Take your time, think it over. But not too much time." he chuckled. "We need your magic, Felicity. You're meant for big things."
