Maddox glared at the archway, his hand instantly going to his side where his sword normally rested.
“It’s probably Alice,” I told him. “Please don’t kill my employees.”
Alice was short and petite with blonde hair in a pixie cut. She beamed as I entered the main dining area.
“Hey,” I greeted her. “Thanks for getting here early.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” she said. “The idea of this café has everyone so intrigued. Coffee is a luxury many of us have no access to.”
She was right about one thing. Coffee was a freaking amazing luxury and should be worshipped like the god it was. But everyone should have access to it, which was why I hoped people gave my café a chance. Her statement helped ease some of my prickling anxiety.
“Feel free to help yourself to a cup before the doors open.”
Peter, the other worker I’d hired, arrived a few minutes later. He was a hefty guy with sandy blond hair and a face full of freckles.
An hour later, the bell Maddox had placed above the door sounded in a musical little jingle as the first guest arrived. The woman wore a flowy yellow dress and a white sun hat on top of her mousy brown hair.
“Welcome to The Brewed Muffin!” I greeted her before motioning to the archway. “If you’ll step through here, you can find a seat and look over our menu.”
“Thank you.” She followed me into the main dining area and sat at the bar before scanning the menu on the wall. “What’s the house blend?”
“It’s a medium brew coffee with toasted nut afternotes,” I explained. Another customer entered the room, followed by a third. I greeted them and told them about the menu. “Everything’s organized by category: hot and cold drinks, cookie and cake flavors, and a small selection of sandwiches. Please let me know if you have any questions.”
They nodded to me before finding a table and sitting. The first woman then ordered the house blend.
“Coming right up.” I turned toward the kitchen, almost colliding with Briar in my rush.
“Easy,” he said, gently grabbing my arm.
“People are here.” I buzzed with excitement. “Like real people. Oh crap. I need to get her coffee, then take the other people’s orders. I should probably grab the sample platter too and hand those out.”
“You don’t need to do everything yourself.” Briar skimmed his knuckles across my jaw. “That’s why you have help. Stop holding your breath.”
I filled my lungs with air and exhaled. “Okay. I’m breathing. See?” I exaggerated another inhale and exhale. “Gotta get to work!”
I gave him a quick peck on the cheek before going into the kitchen and pouring a cup of coffee. After placing it on a tray, along with the platter of cookies and bite-sized samples of cake, I returned to the dining room. Peter and Alice had taken the other orders.
“Here you go. One house blend.” I set the coffee in front of the woman. “If you need sugar or cream, let me know.”
“It smells wonderful.” As she lifted the cup to her lips, I held my breath—unintentionally—and waited in suspended anticipation for her reaction. She was my first official customer. Her eyes lit up. “It’s delicious.”
I could’ve cried. “Feel free to try a sample of cake or a cookie. The sugar cookie is amazing. I like to dunk it in my coffee.”
She smiled and accepted a cookie. I tried not to watch her as she took a bite—didn’t want to be creepy—but I slyly did so from the corner of my eye. She took one bite and nodded in satisfaction before breaking off a piece and dunking it.
Success.I carried the platter of samples to the other patrons for them to try.
With the first order completed, my former nerves gave way to delight. More customers trickled in, and soon, the main dining area swarmed with people.
Callum must’ve been a prophetic wizard or something because by late afternoon, word had spread through Bremloc, and the line was out the door, just as he’d said. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that level of success, especially on opening day. I would’ve been toast without Peter and Alice. They might not have been experienced with baking, but they were great with customer service.
Briar and Maddox helped too by delivering some of the orders to the waiting customers. Maddox was quick to clean off a table as soon as it was vacant, allowing more customers to sit. A sexy knight captain turned busboy. And Briar managed the payments, cashing out the customers. A physician turned fuckboy accountant.
Yeah, they were both getting laid that night.
“Evan’s café is busy!” a cheerful voice rang out before my demi-human bestie came into the dining area. Noah followed him, eyeing the people they passed. Kuya’s gaze found mine, and he quickened his steps, rushing over and hopping up on a bar stool. “A huge slice of Kuya Berry cake, please, with extra yummy frosting.”
“You got it,” I said before heading to the back to get it. I cut him a bigger than average slice and slapped on more strawberry buttercream frosting before pouring him a glass of milk. He bounced in his seat as I placed it in front of him. “Thanks for coming today.”
