Page 127 of A Dash of You

“Welcome back, Sora!” Olivia throws me a bouncy wave as she greets a customer, and I smile back at her from the table.

I missed it here. Even though I wasn’t gone for that long, it seems like a lifetime ago. I’m happy in this town with these people and baking seems like the right path for me.

“Are you sure everything is all right? You’re safe now?” Shelby asks from the wooden chair across from me, her eyes gloss over with emotion.

I am safe.

“Yes.”

She lets out an anxious breath then nods. “Well, there is something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” When she slides an envelope my way, I grow nervous.

“What’s this?”

“Open it and find out.”

I do, taking out the piece of paper folded inside. When I read the typed print, I cover my mouth to stifle a gasp. This is nowhere near what I expected to read. This can’t be real, can it? “Shelby?” I struggle to say her name.

“I know it’s a lot. But you see, I knew it’d be you when I hired you. I sensed it in my heart. In my soul. And there hasn’t been and never will be a better match for this place than you.”

“You’re gifting me the café?”

“Me and Frank decided together. I’d tell you we talked it over, but that would be a lie. It took us both a whole five minutes to come up with the idea.” Shelby leans forward, taking my hand. “I know it will be in excellent hands. And that alone will let us retire in peace. These old bones aren’t what they used to be.”

My tears fall on our hands.

“Oh honey. I don’t mean to make you cry. You don’t have to accept it. I just thought—”

I reach across the short square table and hook both arms around Shelby’s neck as I sob. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

Her smile grows against me. “Oh dear. I’m so glad. I’m so happy.”

Then panic hit. “Wait.” I pull away, wiping tears off my cheeks. “I don’t know the first thing about owning a business. What if I run the place into the ground? What if it’s a total disaster waiting to happen? What if—”

“Now those are a lot of what ifs.” Shelby stands and I follow. “I will teach you everything I know. But I believe in you. You’re a smart, capable woman. This place will thrive more than it ever has. I mean, just look at how much it’s grown since I hired you. You’re a professional already.” With a warm smile, I’m hit with more overwhelming emotions.

“Okay. Okay, yeah, I can do this.” I take a deep breath and then let out a huge squeal. The customer at the corner tablejumps, almost spilling their coffee. “Sorry.” I give him a wave as he flashes an awkward smile.

Holy shit. I was going to own the café.

Me.

My lip quivers. “Shelby…”

“Yes, dear?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But here’s the deal… no more thanking me.” Shelby lands a warm peck on my cheek. “Thank fuck. Now me and the Mr. can finally go on all those beach trips.”

With wide eyes, I burst into laughter. Shelby does the same. This may be the only time I will ever hear her curse.

Forty-One

The pub’s packed. Townies everywhere. Shelby wasted no time in planning her and Frank’s retirement party. It’s only been two weeks since I took over the café. For two weeks, I’ve finally been able to breathe. No more Jason. Things have been going well, considering the building is still standing. A good sign as of right now, anyway. Anything is possible, although I am confident that I can keep it up and running. To ease the workload, I hired more employees to help run the front, and I now solely focus on baking and management. I tried to convince Lana to work there a couple of days a week, but she’s been too busy painting and teaching to even think about picking up more work. I worry about her being there all those late nights.

“This is my best retirement party ever!” Shelby holds up her shot while wrapping an arm around her husband.

I’ll admit, seeing Shelby with a drink in her hand and it not being tea, is considerably hilarious.

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