Page 29 of There’s Trouble Brewing

Mark gestured to the bright, spacious interior that was sparkling from all the hard work. “The store layout is simple. It keeps everything efficient. Customers flow in from there.” He pointed to the entrance, where Sue smiled and handed a sample cup of coffee to townsfolk as they passed by.

Emily nodded. “Then straight to the counter. We can handle the busiest crowds.” She led the inspector’s gaze along the polished floor.

The inspector leaned slightly forward and began to scribble a note on his clipboard, the sound of pen scratching on paper filling the room. His eyes, sharp and inquisitive, briefly flickered up to meet Mark’s before he asked, “And how do you handle employee training?” His voice was calm yet probing, seeking to uncover the layers of procedures they had in place.

“We focus on cross-training,” Mark said, stepping forward with an earnest expression. “Everyone knows every position. Our trainer makes sure of it.”

Emily motioned to the staff, working with military precision. “Schedules are staggered for overlap during peak hours with regular cleaning of machines and counters.”

The inspector’s gaze followed the synchronized ballet. “You’ve certainly got a solid system.”

Mark felt a growing sense of assurance. Emily’s presence was like a steadying hand on his shoulder, and he found himself moving with newfound ease. “We’ve drilled the team on health codes. We hold practice inspections just to make sure they are following all the proper procedures.”

With a nod, the inspector gestured to behind the counter. “Let’s see your equipment.”

Mark led the way, gesturing to the high-end machines and neatly stacked supplies. “Everything’s top of the line, self-cleaning and easy to sanitize.” He walked briskly with Emily by his side, his words quick and full of certainty.

Emily flashed a warm smile, her expression brimming with confidence. “We’ve got a well-organized maintenance schedule,” she explained, “that effectively keeps breakdowns at bay.”

The inspector jotted down meticulous notes on his clipboard. His eyes remained fixed on the baristas, who moved gracefully behind the counter. They wiped surfaces with swift, efficient motions, ground beans with rhythmic precision, and poured lattes with an artful flair, their actions seamlessly interwoven like a finely tuned dance.

Mark’s mind ticked with each motion, checking off mental boxes and planning his words with precision. This was going to go flawlessly. It had to.

Next up, Mark and Emily led the inspector to the brewing stations. “We have backups for every critical piece,” Emily explained, her hands danced through the air, illustrating her points.

Mark gestured toward a variety of items scattered around the shop, each carefully arranged and meticulously placed. “We exceed requirements for full operation,” he declared with pride. “Our motto is to always be overprepared.” As he spoke, his voice reflected his dedication to ensuring everything was in perfect order, and they were ready for any challenge.

“I can see that. Very efficient,” the inspector finally remarked, his voice carrying a subtle but discernible tone of approval. His eyes, sharp and observant, scanned thescene with an expert’s precision, noting the careful organization and seamless operation before him. The faintest hint of a nod accompanied his words, as if to punctuate his recognition of their hard work.

Mark glanced at Emily, catching her eyes for a moment. They shared a wordless communication, one of mutual accomplishment, knowing that they were on the right path to passing.

The break room was next. Cozy and clean, with a sense of order that matched the rest of the shop. “Staff training materials, all organized,” Emily said, gesturing to a row of binders.

“Your documentation is impressive,” the inspector stated in an improving voice.

Mark’s shoulders eased, and he let out a breath he didn’t realize he'd been holding. It looked like all the hard work was going to pay off, and Birdie’s sabotage wasn’t going to work after all.

They continued to follow the inspector as he did one final check of cleanliness after going through the storage areas. Emily anticipated every question, answering with smooth assurance while Mark filled in gaps with quick, certain comments. Between the two of them, they covered everything, and the inspector had nothing but approving nods.

The inspector placed his clipboard in his folder and closed it, nodding to them. “Everything is in order, just like the last time. You’re ready to open.”

Mark felt a palpable weight lift from his shoulders. The long-held tension, a relentless knot of anxiety wound tightly within him, finally unraveled and broke free. As the inspector turned and walked away, Mark experienced a profound sense of release.

“Take that, Birdie. We passed with flying colors,” Emily shouted, pumping her fist in the air.

Mark returned her smile, a warm pride blooming in his chest. “We did it.” Then, turning his attention to the baristas, he added, “All of us, together.”

The shop erupted in excitement, and the baristas high-fived each other, their enthusiasm a jubilant chorus that filled the room.

Mark turned to Emily, his smile wide and full of triumph. “Thank you for all your help. We couldn’t have done this without you,” he said, the words ringing with a mixture of disbelief and joy.

Emily laughed, the sound vibrant and alive. “I told you we had nothing to worry about.”

The coffee shop echoed with communal cheers of clinking cups and thrilled voices as they shared in the triumph of their passed inspection. Then, out of nowhere, a change in the air’s current, an unease rippling through the room, turned his attention to the door. Birdie’s silhouette was impossible to miss, as disruptive as a cell phone at church. The baristas exchanged glances, whispers curling around the older woman as she made her entrance.

Emily stiffened at Mark’s side, the smoothness of her earlier confidence gone rigid.

Mark saw the flicker of determination in the older woman’s eyes as she moved across the room, her words cutting through the chatter with sharp, precise edges. “You should know that you won’t be able to brew up any more trouble around here.”

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