Page 85 of Every Thought Taken

Her closed eyes crack the slightest bit as she purrs louder. Curling into a tighter ball, she drapes her tail over her eyes, a silent message for me to let her sleep.

“Fine,” I whisper. Tugging the throw blanket off the back of the couch, I create a soft, warm nest. Gently, I move Smoky to the nest and rise from the couch. “You hang out here. Guard the fort. I’m going for lunch.” I check the time and note it’s not eleven yet. “Or brunch.”

Smoky digs at the blanket a few times before sitting down and licking her fur. I scratch her head and get a scratchy meow in return.

I pad down the short hall and head for the closet when I step inside my room. Tugging a cream off-the-shoulder top from its hanger, I fetch a pair of black denim jeans. I ditch my camisole and pajama shorts for the outfit, then go about brushing my hair and teeth. After adding eyeliner and a swipe of lip gloss, I slip on cream flats, shoulder my purse, and give Smoky one last scratch.

“Later, pretty girl.”

Locking up, I jog down the stairs from the apartment and round the building for the sidewalk. One of the best parts of renting or owning the spaces on Main, we have the choice to also have the second floor. Most businesses own the space above their store, but some opt to sell or rent out the apartment.

Like Lessa, I live above my business. Not only do I save money, but I can be in the shop in seconds.

The two bedroom, two bathroom is more than plenty for me and Smoky. Before Gayle sold me the shop, the space sat empty for years. The previous renters lived there for more than a decade and upgraded much of the space. Aside from adding a laundry room, they’d torn down the walls between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. The open floor plan made the smaller space feel large and welcoming. With a few tweaks with walls, they’d also expanded the bedrooms and bathrooms.

For eight hundred fifty square feet, my apartment is cozy and more spacious than imaginable.

As I walk toward Java and Teas Me, several residents greet me with a wave or smile and “good morning.” I return the sentiment in kind. One of my favorite parts of living here is how considerate everyone is. Like all cities or towns, there are grumps and complainers. But most of them keep to themselves or huddle together to whine. We happy folks do our best to avoid them.

I tug open the door of Java and Teas Me and inhale the scent of heaven. Mandi greets me with a jovial, “Welcome to Java and Teas Me.” When I don’t see Lessa behind the service counter, I scan the dining room. Not spotting her, I assume she’s either in the back or, by some miracle chance, took the day off.

I step up to the counter. “Morning, Mandi. Been busy today?”

She blows out a breath, the wisps of hair on her face floating up, then falling back in place. “Yeah. We’re almost out of scones and muffins.” She straightens the stack of numbered table tents. “Lessa ran down to Sweet Spot to see if we can get more.”

No days off for Alessandra Everett.

“Wow.” I tip my head toward the packed tip jar on the counter. “At least it’s a good tip day.”

“Best perk of the season.” Smiling, she rests her hands on top of the ordering kiosk. “What can I get you?”

“Large iced matcha latte with oat milk, and add vanilla.” I scan the menu board overhead. “And a slice of the vegan sausage and cheese quiche.”

Mandi keys in my order. “Eating here or taking it to go?”

It’s been a while since I’ve occupied the quirky dining room. “Here, please.”

Grabbing a table tent, she keys the number in with my order then hands it over. “Quiche should be out shortly. Let me get your drink.”

I shove cash in the tip jar and move down the line and wait for my drink. With another scan of the dining room, I opt to sit out on the patio. The day is too nice to be inside.

Drink in hand, I weave through the tables and step out onto the semi-enclosed patio. I sit at a table for two near the rail, sag into my seat, and sip my latte as I wait for the rest of my order.

People bustle on the sidewalks on either side of Main. Children point at the candy and ice cream shops. A handful of people stand in front of For the Love of Paws, hands cupped to the glass as they watch puppies play not far from the window. Others stand near the small cart outside Rosie’s Bouquet and ponder which flowers to purchase.

As a kid, the warmer months always brought residents from sister towns and tourists from far away. The influx of traffic and people in town was nice. New faces and possible friends. But in the past three years, the number of visitors has increased quite a bit and I have mixed feelings about the change.

More visitors means more money for the stores and town, which is wonderful. But in the same breath, it brings in unsavory people.

Crime had always been low in Lake Lavender. Unfortunately, that statistic is no longer true. During the last town meeting, the mayor prattled off the higher crime numbers. Figures that did not include the vandalism and fire at Java and Teas Me. The only thing the mayor and sheriff offered… stay vigilant and report anything suspicious.

“Here you are, Lena.” Mandi startles me from my introspection.

My eyes shift from the plate to Mandi. “Thank you.”

“Welcome. Nice seeing you.”

“You too.”

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