Page 7 of Gabriel & Skye

“How do you make that again?” I pique an eyebrow at May as she gives me a look.

“The same way you made the last three, except with a shot of chocolate.”

There are way too many coffee variations, if you ask me.

Mocha.

Latte.

Skinny latte.

Americano.

Macchiato.

Cappuccino.

Shots of vanilla/hazelnut/caramel.

Short. Long. Fat. Upside down.

Jesus.

Then there’s the whole pumpkin themed drinks for fall — side-note, they’re disgusting — but maybe that’s because I’m not a coffee drinker. I prefer sweet tea in the summer, and black tea in the winter.

“Aunt May, you can’t expect me to be an expert after one try,” I grumble. Like most of the folk around here, Aunt May isn’t my real aunt. Our parents moved to Georgia years ago, and then to North Carolina where we’ve been ever since.

Travis spent his early years here, moving when he was nine and I was four. We always loved vacations out here with Grandma and Grandpa. With the Sheriff retiring, he immediately seized the chance to apply for the position. Of course, my brother is exactly what this town needs, and one thing Stoney Creek is big on is trying to get younger people moving here. I can see why.

This little country town may be small, but it certainly is thriving. There’s always something going on. The townsfolk are like family; everybody knows everyone, and I have no doubt that there are busybodies and overly helpful do-gooders offering you unsolicited advice everywhere. Like Aunt May. She really is a character; she knows everybody by name, of course, and really has a love for the community. Her heart is in the right place.

“No one’s saying you have to be an expert,” she tuts. “But there is a manual right here, next to the coffee machine.”

I roll my eyes. Aunt May seems to think that I’m here for longer than I actually am.

When Travis suggested I have a working holiday here, I thought he’d gone a little insane. Not that I don’t like Stoney Creek, but things sure have changed since I remember them. I sheepishly haven’t been back in two years, and that was to visit my grandparents. I just completed my college studies as a teacher’s aide and have finished my practical and internship after changing occupations. I thought I wanted to be a nurse, but turns out I wasn’t cut out for some of the gorier parts of the job. My idea is to take a break in Stoney Creek, and enjoy a couple months of freedom before I head home and take a placement at North Carolina Elementary School.

My brother suggested helping at the Stone’s Throw Cafe and doing something different for a few months.

Aunt May and Uncle Mike are semi-retired. Their daughter, Caroline, manages the place, with the help of the grandkids after school. Most of the food prep is done by her in the kitchen, so you don't see her serving much.

May and Mike are always around, though, so I don’t think they can fully give it up.

“You’re not going to launch me onto unsuspecting customers right away, are you?” I ask May with a frown. I’m not sure I’m ready for that.

“Best way to learn,” Mike says behind us with a wink.

“I’m not so sure about that,” I say nervously.

The doorbell jingles as two tall, good-looking guys and a woman walk in. The taller of the two walks hand-in-hand with the attractive blonde. It’s easy to see they’re brothers, as they have similar features and the same oceanic blue eyes.

Aunt May greets them all with a smile.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite brothers!” she chimes, adding, “Don’t tell the other two I said that.”

The brother, with a slightly deeper hue to his eyes, catches my attention. He’s dressed in a dark gray suit which, for Stony Creek, seems a little overdressed. Though, he completes the look nicely with a white-collared button down and polished shoes. The only hint he could have an adventurous side is the deep purple hue to his tie. Some say purple is a sign of sexual frustration, but he could just like the color.

“We all know you like me the most,” the taller one says, planting a kiss on Aunt May’s cheek.

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