Page 7 of By Any Beans Necessary

"Perfect, Tom. Just daydreaming about...pastries," she said, flashing her best customer-service smile.

"Make sure you're baking and not brooding," he joked before sipping his coffee and burying himself back into his newspaper.

"Brooding's more Jeff's thing," she replied quietly, her gaze slipping back to her ex, who was now disappearing out of sight.

The bell above the door jingled again, and Michelle looked up, hoping to see Jeff returning, but it was only the wind making its way through the shop. She sighed, turning her attention back to the pastries and the routine of her day.

As the morning wore on, Michelle found herself increasingly distracted. She'd catch herself staring off into the distance, her thoughts consumed by Jeff and the strange warmth that had taken root in her chest. It was uncomfortable, this feeling, like a shoe that was a size too small. She wanted to kick it off, to go back to the way things were before when she knew exactly where she stood with him.

But as much as she wished it so, she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him. It was like a magnet, drawing her in despite her best efforts to resist. She found herself watching for him out of the corner of her eye, hoping to catch a glimpse of him as he passed by the shop, perhaps on his lunch break.

The door opened again, this time with a rush of loud voices and the smell of teenage drama. Michelle braced herself, knowing exactly what was about to happen.

"Hi, welcome to the Coffee Loft," she greeted them with a smile plastering on her customer service face.

The group of teenagers didn't even look up; each one fixated on their phone screens while talking loudly amongst themselves. One of them finally glanced her way and rattled off the complicated names for their drinks.

"I want a venti double shot caramel soy latte with extra whip and drizzle," he said, his tone dripping with attitude.

Michelle fought the urge to roll her eyes. It always seemed like teenagers came in just to order the most complicated version of the trendiest drink they could think of.

"And I'll have a grande matcha green tea Frappuccino with almond milk and no whipped cream," another one chimed in quickly before turning back to her friends.

Michelle bit her tongue, resisting the urge to correct their pronunciation or lecture them on the importance of knowing where their food comes from. She took a deep breath and started typing in their orders, trying not to let their entitled attitudes bother her too much.

After repeating back all their orders correctly, despite some initial confusion due to them all having similar names, Michelle handed over their receipts and smiled at them. "Your drinks will be ready shortly."

She wasn't surprised when not a single one of them thanked her. Michelle couldn't help but be amused as she watched them struggle to find seats together, acting as if it was the end of the world. As Michelle watched the group of teenagers bicker over seating arrangements, her thoughts drifted back to Jeff, who had captured her attention. She wondered what he was doing at that very moment and if he ever thought about her the way she thought about him.

Just as she finished the teenagers' drinks and handed them out, the door opened again, this time with a soft chime that signaled the arrival of another customer. Michelle looked up, hoping to see Jeff, but instead, she saw Miss Betty and Miss Wilma, two older women with kind smiles and gentle eyes.

"Good afternoon, dear," Miss Betty said, her voice like a soft breeze on a summer day. "I'd like a small drip coffee, please."

"I'll have the same," Miss Wilma echoed.

Michelle smiled back, grateful for an easy order after all the commotion with the gaggle of teens. "Of course, coming right up."

As she prepared the women's coffee, Michelle couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort in their presence. It wasa stark contrast to the energy of the teenagers, who were still arguing over whose turn it was to buy the next round of drinks.

"Here you are, Miss Betty," Michelle said, handing the woman her coffee with a smile. "Is there anything else I can get for you today?"

"Now that you mention it, I was hoping I might be able to set you up on a date with my grandson," Miss Betty gently offered. "I'm telling you, my grandson would be perfect for you," the older woman insisted with conviction. "He's a hardworking young man with a good head on his shoulders."

Miss Wilma chuckled. "And I suppose my grandson isn't good enough for her?"

"Please, your grandson is too busy chasing after every pretty face in town," Miss Betty retorted playfully.

The two women continued their banter, debating over which one of their grandsons would make a better match for Michelle. As they chatted, Michelle couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and awkwardness at being the topic of discussion.

Deciding it was best if she politely turned them both down rather than let it go on, she gently said, "Thank you, ladies, but the Coffee Loft keeps me far too busy to date either of your grandsons right now."

"Oh, I see," Miss Betty murmured with disappointment. "Well, if you change your mind, do let us know."

As Michelle refilled the sugar and creamer containers, she couldn't help but overhear Miss Betty and Miss Wilma continue their conversation at the next table.

"Do you think she has someone special already?" Miss Wilma asked in a hushed tone.

Miss Betty leaned in closer as if sharing a secret. "I heard she has her eye on that former bartender who's attending the search and rescue academy now."

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