Page 77 of The Wedding Run
Charlie stays in constant motion, wiping down counters and tables that are already clean.
“She’ll be like that until the caffeine wears off,” Elle explains as she joins me.
“That was a success.” Roxie plops down beside Elle. “We should advertise. I bet folks would love to tie the knot in a coffee shop. There were probably plenty who had their first dates right here.”
“Post a picture of the bride and groom on the wall.” Charlie sweeps her arms through the air, more animated than usual. “I can see it now. Dozens and dozens of framed photos.”
Elle props her feet on a chair. “A wall dedicated to people who get married here.”
Luke joins our circle. “I should focus on what I do best.”
I raise my cup. “Making lattes.”
His head snaps toward me. “Are you forfeiting?”
“What? No way.”
“You haven’t once attempted to make me coffee,” he complains.
"Attempted?" I repeat.
“Beware. She makes instant!” Elle exclaims.
“Libby! Libby! Libby!” Charlie chants.
Elle snags Charlie’s arm and pushes her into a seat. She massages Charlie’s shoulders to soothe her. “Think blue skies. Ocean breezes.”
Charlie’s leg keeps jiggling. “We need?—”
“Shh,” Elle commands. “Think of a hammock swaying. Slowly.”
“It’s more of a hurricane in her mind.” I push to my feet and move behind the counter. “If you want coffee, Luke, I’ll make you a cup to beat all cups. What'll it be?”
“You have to figure it out,” he says. “That’s part of it.”
"Are there rules now?” I tease.
“You are brave,” Charlie says to Luke. “She makes instant.”
He tips his chair back. “I’ve heard.”
My sisters laugh.
But I frown as I survey the stainless-steel equipment. I feel completely out of my depth. Where are my instant crystals when I need them?
Roxie appears at my side. “Need help?”
“Well, I..." I don’t even know where to begin.
“This equipment can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing,” she explains.
“Dangerous?” I pull my hand back from a shiny lever.
“Tell me what you want to make, and I’ll facilitate,” she whispers.
“What’s his favorite?”
“I call foul!” Luke protests.
