Page 10 of Only Ever Yours
“Isn’t there someone who can cover?”
“Nope. Tia’s gone away for her boyfriend’s birthday. I’m stuck.” He tilted his head and fixed me with an expectant look. “Don’t suppose you’d consider helping meout?”
“Hey, two minutes ago you were telling me I needed a break.”
“What else were you going to do today? Hang out with Ella?” Finn crossed his arms over his chest.
I sucked in my lips. “I guess you never lose the skill of latte art.”
Finn beamed at me. “Thanks, Sis. I owe you one.”
An hour later, we were in Sutton’s Gym, which was in an industrial unit on the outskirts of town. I had only seen a few photos of it, and seeing it in person made it all the more real. Finn showed me around. There was the reception area with a good-sized coffee shop, two large rooms with space for exercise and dance classes, plus two more areas with all the latest gym equipment.
“You did all this?” I couldn’t quite believe how professional it all looked. The last time I’d seen it, the place had resembled a building site.
“With a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Mostly mine and some of Jase’s, too. I’ve got a number of personal trainers, some women who run yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes, and a lady who wants to start a youngsters’ dance class.” Finn radiated pride. “And Jess and Tia, who run the coffee shop between them,” he said, bringing us full circle and back into the coffee shop. “It’s a fairly simple operation.” He gestured to the menu on the wall that showed all the coffees and cold drinks they sold.
Scanning the sign, I saw there was nothing I couldn’t make even though I would be a little rusty, and it would take a moment to get up to speed on the machine. The door opened, and two women, both pushing buggies, walked in.
“Morning, Finn,” they chorused in unison.
“Hello, ladies.” He grinned. “This is my sister, Hollis. She’s going to be making your coffee today.”
“Ooh,lovely. Two extra-hot, flat whites when you’re ready.” They found themselves a seat and started chatting.
“Guess I’ll get started, then.” I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I walked behind the bar area and stared at the coffee machine.
“Oh, I got you this.” Finn tossed a T-shirt towards me. “I don’t have uniforms. If you’d wear this, it would be much appreciated. Can’t remember what size you’d be, so I hope it fits.”
I unfurled the black T-shirt, which had Sutton’s Gym’s logo emblazoned over the left breast. Tugging it on over the T-shirt I already wore, it was a bit tight but would have to do for now as I had coffee to make.
The morning passed by in a blur, with a steady stream of customers. The majority were mums catching up with their friends as Finn had predicted, and I served premade smoothies and juices to the gym-goers. Shortly after one o’clock, the coffee area was empty as people took advantage of their lunch breaks to use the gym. Despite my concerns, I had actually enjoyed myself that morning. The routine of making drinks and creating the coffee art had had a soothing effect. The serene sensation soon disappeared as I checked my phone. Messages from my boss, the woman I’d rented the flat from, and my ex filled the screen.
Alissa
Hi Hollis, hope everything is okay. Do let me know when you think you’ll be back. We have a few new projects coming online soon.
Kim
I heard you’re away for a bit. Is it okay for my cousin to sleep over this weekend? She has her own key.
Gil
Where are you? I need to see you. We were meant to be together.
Thankfully, in the sea of shit, there were a couple of bright sparks.
Ella
Pop into the shop when you’re next in town. I’ve got some new stock in that would be perfect for you.
Jase
Couldn’t pick up a box of peppermint tea, could you?
The last message had me sniggering. Jase always knew how to make me smile. I remembered my high-maintenance request when I’d turned up at the garage yesterday. Maybe he was hoping I’d stick around after all.
I didn’t know what to say to Alissa. Although it had only been twenty-four hours, it felt like she was already pressuring me to come back. After a moment’s thought, I sent her a vague response saying I wasn’t sure, but I’d keep her updated. Gil’s message filled me with dread, but at least he didn’t have any idea of where I was. Deciding to ignore it, I replied to Kim to tell her it was fine for her cousin to stay. Finn appeared as I pressed send.
