Page 4 of A Little Cinny Latte
“That’s okay,” I reply, already heading back toward the door. “I gotta start unpacking the moving truck. Then, tomorrow, I need to make the drive back.”
“When will you officially be here in Olivia Cove?”
“Right after the holidays. Maybe as soon as January first or second.”
“Sounds good.” Tony grins. “I’m sure a certain little will be excited to meet you when you’re ready.”
Hours later, I’m still replaying Tony’s words in my head. I’m sure a certain little will be excited to meet you when you’re ready.
Pair that with images of Riley’s beautiful smile, or those heartbreaking tears running down his face, and I think I’ve gone insane.
Damn, I truly wish he put himself up for bid. Maybe then I’d have a shot at taking this boy out on a date. Was I foolish not to go over there and introduce myself?
I shake my head. No. Whatever Riley was going through, he needed his friends at that moment and not some strange older man making the moves on him. Remembering all the different Daddies in the audience bidding, I was one of the few men who actually had gray hair, a soft belly, and a few extra wrinkles around his eyes.
Riley might want a Daddy, but there’s no guarantee he’d want me.
After I finish unpacking the moving truck into my new house, I check the time and realize it’s just after midnight.
No matter how hard I work myself, I can’t stop thinking of Riley. An idea suddenly pops into my mind. Fishing out my phone, I shoot a text off to Hunter.
John: Hey, Hunt. How long are you at the club tonight?
Hunter: I’ll be here most of the night.
Hunter: I have to finish counting all the cash and checks that will be sent off to charity. Thanks for your donation, by the way. I just found the check you snuck into the charity box.
John: Perfect, this actually works out great.
If I want everything to unfold the way I pictured, I’ll need to hurry. An image of Riley smiling comes to mind.
Hunter: Why, what’s up?
John: I’ll be there in about an hour. I know my donation won’t win me a date, but I was hoping you’d be able to give Riley a gift if I left it with you?
Hunter: Okay, now you really caught my attention. See you soon.
Before I can overthink things, I reach for my keys and head out to the local twenty-four-hourWalmart.
It’s time to surprise my boy with a few Christmas gifts.
Chapter three
Riley
(December 15th)
The fresh aroma of coffee instantly calms me as I walk into Cinny Latte. Although this café is family-owned, I’m immensely proud of this little place. My twin sister, Beth, and I have worked hard to make this place a staple here in downtown Olivia Cove.
A mild heart attack a few years ago finally convinced our father he needed help. The coffee shop wasn’t doing so well financially, and he was ready to sell. Beth and I asked him to give us a year to turn the place around. We did a full rebrand, renamed Pop’s Café to Cinny Latte, and introduced fun, crazy coffee concoctions to the menu.
My sister walks out of the breakroom, grasping a huge mug. Honestly, the thing looks more like a soup bowl, especially by the way she’s cupping it with both hands. “You’re here early,” I say, noting the dark bags under her eyes.
“Yeah, couldn’t sleep, so I decided to switch with Meg. She wanted extra time this morning to study for her finals.”
Making my way through the ‘Employee’s Only’door, I flip on the lights and grin as soon as I see all the shiny new ovens and kitchen equipment. We recently upgraded this back room into my own little bakery. Ever since I started baking and adding my treats to the front display of the coffee shop, my sweets have been a hit. But last year, my baking career took off when my friend Jules invited me to participate in their Pride event.
Who knew my baked goods would be in high demand? I pick up my cute apron with tiny, illustrated apples on it and place it over my head. It might seem silly to some, but I love wearing things that call to my little side, and colorful aprons are one of those things. I go about my opening procedure and start the first few batches of my sweets.
