Page 103 of The Wedding Run
“What does this thingamajig mean?” Charlie asks as she pushes a button that causes a horrifying red light to glare at us. The machine squawks. We quickly unplug it and start over.
Once we have the basics down and have successfully made espressos and regular coffee, I begin working on foam art for lattes.
Elle pulls up tutorials on YouTube. “It has to be a heart. Only a heart will do.”
“We get the symbolism,” Charlie says sarcastically.
We come together to watch a few videos, and then I try my version.
I present them with a cup. “What do you think?”
Charlie tilts her head as she looks down at the wonky heart I created with foam.
Elle crinkles her brow. “It’s an elephant. Right?”
“What does an elephant have to do with love?” Charlie demands. “It’s a pelican.”
“A pelican says love? No! It’s a lobster!” Elle exclaims. “Like inFriends. ‘He’s my lobster.’ I get it.”
“So,” Charlie asks, “she’s saying, ‘You’re my pelican?’ I don’t think so.”
“It’s not a pelican. It’s a lobster.”
“It’s a heart!” I admit.
Charlie shakes her head. “I don’t see it.”
“You need more practice.” Elle pulls up another video. “But don’t give up. Maybe it tastes better than it looks.”
“That’s all that matters,” Charlie agrees.
“Or is it the gesture that counts the most?” Elle braves the first taste and licks the foam off her upper lip. “Not bad. Really!”
“But not good.” I feel defeat wedge between my ribs and heart.
Charlie reaches for the cup, but we snatch it away in time before she sips.
“Stick to herbal tea,” Elle says as she tastes again. “This is better than instant.”
I glance at the dozen used cups lining the kitchen counter. “Is it better or worse than the last one, though?”
“Better. Definitely better. We’re making progress.”
I toss the latte out and brew another cup.
Elle groans. “I’m getting a coffee buzz.”
“We need cake,” Charlie suggests.
“Always,” Elle agrees.
I search for another instructional video.
“I have a feeling,” Charlie says, “that you could offer Luke a cup of mud, and he’d be happy. As long as you’re the one offering.”
CHAPTER 55
Libby
