Page 139 of Daily Grind
He frothed the milk for Justin’s drink, and finished both off. Despite Eli’s remark, Justin was blushing furiously when Brian turned around and placed the drinks on the counter.
Still, he gave a sheepish shrug. “He’s telling the truth.” He picked up both drinks while Eli handed over his credit card.
Brian snorted and rang them up. “See you at three.”
As they wandered out of the shop, Brian leaned back against the counter and took out his phone. His frantic texts to Rob from the previous day were still there. Well, at least that was in the past—and remained a caution for the future. He typed out a new text.
Spoke to Sam. We’re talking at 3. I think this might work.
The look in Sam when Justin had walked in—Brian was sure Sam already understood what Brian needed and wanted. But then, Sam was a master of his business.
His phone buzzed. Two texts in rapid succession. The block must be off.
Good to hear.
How are you doing otherwise?
Brian glanced up, but no one else looked like they might walk into his shop.
Doing better than I have in a long time. Thank you. For yesterday. For everything.
He had hope and that was something he’d been lacking for a long time—since before he’d met Rob, if he were being honest with himself.
Someday, he ought to apologize to Anita for being such a shit. They’d not been right for each other, but he hadn’t really handled it well, in retrospect.
You’re welcome.A simple reply. Brian could almost hear Rob’s voice.
He typed rapidly on the phone.I love you, you know.
I do know. And I you.
The bell on the door rang.Customers.
Take good care of them.
He nodded and shoved the phone into his pocket. Back to basics. He pushed off the counter, and the smile came naturally. “Hi, what can I get started for you?”
* * *
A little after three o’clock,Brian found himself sitting in a chair in Sam Anderson’s office. Justin sat next to him and Sam across the desk. He’d never felt more out of place in hislife.
Despite Justin’s t-shirt, jeans, and bright pink hair tips, the way he sat spoke of business and an edge he’d not seen in the coffee shop. This was as much Justin’s domain as Sam’s.
“So,” Sam said, “you’re looking for a business plan.”
No surprise in Justin. Likely he had talked to Sam.
“Or something.” Brian fiddled with the edge of his shirt. “The margins have always been tight, but now they’re gone and I can’t turn things around.”
“And you’re stressing yourself—and everyone else—out trying.” Soft words from Justin.
He didn’t even flinch. “Pretty much.” He leaned back. “I can’t keep doing what I’m doing.”
Sam tented his hands. “Plus, you have more reasons not to be at the shop all the damn time.”
His cheeks heated. “There’s that, too.” He paused. “So how does this work?”
Sam flattened his hands against his desk. “We’re going to figure that out.”
