Page 27 of Catastrophically Yours
The café smelled like espresso and possibility when she pushed through the front door. Marcus looked up from behindthe counter where he was counting register receipts, his gray beard neatly trimmed and flannel sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
"Drew! You're here early. Usual?"
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about using the space for a benefit concert." She approached the counter but didn't sit, energy humming through her like pre-show nerves. "My roommate's mom is dealing with some serious medical bills, and I thought we could organize something to help."
Marcus set down his stack of receipts and gave her his full attention. She'd always appreciated that about him—the way he listened like whatever you were saying mattered. "Tell me more."
Drew outlined her conversation with Janet, watching Marcus nod thoughtfully as she described what she was envisioning. An evening concert with multiple local artists, maybe some food vendors, a small cover charge with all proceeds going directly to the medical expenses.
"I like it," Marcus said when she finished. "Community taking care of community. That's what this place is supposed to be about. When were you thinking?"
"As soon as possible. This weekend if we can make it work."
"That's ambitious." Marcus rubbed his beard, eyes already calculating logistics. "But doable. You'll need to coordinate with performers, get the word out, handle sound equipment..."
"I'll make it happen." The words came out with more confidence than she felt, but commitment was the first step toward making anything real. "Can I camp out here today and make some calls?"
"Course. Want that usual now?"
Drew spent the rest of the morning moving between coffee shops and practice spaces around downtown, building a list of musicians willing to donate their time. Word traveled fast in their small scene, and by noon she had tentative commitmentsfrom six different acts, ranging from folk duos to a locally famous blues guitarist who'd heard about Janet through the medical community grapevine.
Her phone buzzed constantly with texts about equipment needs, time slots, and promotional ideas. In between calls, she checked for messages from Piper and felt a hollow disappointment when none appeared. They'd exchanged exactly three texts since morning—all about practical matters like groceries and what time Drew would be home.
The careful distance felt like wearing clothes that didn't fit.
When Piper walked into Blue Moon Café at three-thirty, she was still in her work clothes—tailored blazer, crisp white shirt, hair perfectly arranged despite whatever her day had thrown at her. She looked around until she spotted Drew in the corner booth, papers scattered across the table like battle plans.
"How's it going?" Piper slid into the seat across from her, maintaining the polite tone they'd adopted since last night. Professional. Careful.
"Good progress." Drew turned her notebook so Piper could see the growing list of performers and sponsors. "Marcus is donating the venue space, we have six acts confirmed, and I think I can get Valley Sound to loan us a better PA system."
Piper studied the notes with the same focused attention she probably gave client files, green eyes tracking across Drew's handwriting. "This is impressive work for one day. What can I do to help?"
The question was practical, generous, completely devoid of the warmth that usually colored Piper's voice when they worked together on projects around the apartment. Drew missed that warmth with an intensity that surprised her.
"Phone calls, mostly. I have a list of local businesses that might sponsor or donate auction items." Drew slid a secondnotebook across the table. "I know you're good with that kind of thing."
"Professional communication. Yes." Piper pulled out her own pen, something expensive-looking that probably cost more than Drew spent on coffee in a month. "Should we divide the list?"
They worked side by side for the next hour, phones pressed to ears as they pitched the benefit to restaurant owners and shop managers around town. Drew listened to the rhythm of Piper's voice between her own conversations—the way she laid out facts clearly and persuasively, never pushing but making it easy for people to say yes.
Sarah the barista brought them coffee without being asked, setting the mugs down with a knowing smile.
"You two are like a well-oiled machine," she commented, glancing between them. "Been planning this benefit long?"
Drew felt heat rise in her cheeks. "Just since this morning, actually."
"Impressive. You work really well together." Sarah's tone held the particular warmth reserved for couples she approved of, and the assumption hung in the air like background music neither of them could acknowledge.
Piper's laugh came out slightly too bright. "We're both goal-oriented people."
Drew managed her own nervous chuckle and immediately buried herself back in her phone list, but she could feel Piper watching her across the table. When she glanced up, their eyes met for just a moment before Piper looked away, fingers tapping against her pen in the precise rhythm that meant her mind was sorting through complex calculations.
The afternoon dragged on with their careful dance—working together while keeping everything else locked away. Drew called musicians while Piper handled business owners. Theycompared notes and made decisions together, but everything felt provisional, like they were both holding something back.
The dynamic shifted when Brian pushed through the café door at five-fifteen, backpack slung over his shoulder and face lighting up when he spotted them. Drew felt her first genuine smile of the day as Piper's younger brother made his way over, energy radiating from him like he'd stored up enthusiasm during the three-hour drive from college.
"Drew! I didn't expect to find you here." Brian dropped into the chair next to her, immediately leaning forward with interest. "What's all this?"
