Page 9 of Loving Violet
Meanwhile, I wake up most days cursing the world, wishing I could stay in bed and enjoy my sleep.
Coffee is my lifeline. Without it, I feel like a zombie trudging through the day. I envy people who can wake up naturally, full of energy and ready to face the world. They seem almost superhuman to me. My friend was like that—a rare breed who thrived on sheer willpower and natural enthusiasm.
I pull into the parking lot at work, into the same spot that I always do, and make my way into my office. Once everything is in its rightful place, I go on my daily morning walk to Josy’s Sweet Shop.
Josselyn has the best coffee and pastries in North Carolina. I really don’t know what she puts in them, but it’s like crack. I need to have it every day. It's not that I eat the same thing every day—Josy has a variety of breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and pastries. I try not to eat pastries too often because I need to stay in shape, but some days, a pastry is what my body craves—today is one of those days.
Walking to the coffee shop thankfully takes me less than five minutes, the perfect amount of time to get there before my stomach starts screaming at me.
The morning air is crisp and refreshing, the sun just beginning to peek over the mountains casting a warm glow on the quaint streets of Honey Springs.
Shop owners are getting ready to open, and people are starting to arrive. Passing by the familiar storefronts, I exchange pleasantries with the locals. There’s Mr. Thompson, setting up his bookstore display, and Mrs. Evans, tending to the flowers outside her boutique. The sense of community here is strong, and these small interactions make my mornings even more enjoyable.
Finally, I arrive in front of Josy’s Sweet Shop. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods waft through the air, drawing me in like a magnet. I open the door, and the little bell above it jingles announcing my arrival.
The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you, instantly wrapping you in a sense of comfort. Since I come here every day, Josy knows exactly what I like to order. The interior is charmingly adorned with round tables, each accompanied by a set of mismatched chairs, giving the space an inviting and unique feel.
Two cozy couches sit near the entrance, inviting patrons to sink into their plush cushions and linger over their drinks. The walls are painted in soft, pastel hues, gilded with delicate floral patterns and whimsical quotes that add to the shop's girly charm.
One wall is dominated by a large bookcase, filled to the brim with an eclectic selection of books. From romance novels to mystery thrillers, the shelves offer something for every reader to enjoy while they sip on their coffee.
Soft, ambient lighting bathes the space, creating a cozy atmosphere that encourages patrons to relax and unwind. The sound of gentle chatter and the occasional clink of coffee cups and saucers adds to the bustling yet serene ambiance of Josy's Coffee Shop.
Josy greets me with her usual bright smile, already preparing my favorite brew. “Morning! The usual?” she asks, her hands deftly working the espresso machine.
“You know it. And throw in one of those chocolate croissants today. I need a little indulgence,” I reply, feeling my mouth water at the thought.
“Coming right up,” she says, winking.
I find a seat by the window, watching the town come to life as I wait. This ritual grounds me, giving me a moment of peace before the hustle and bustle before the day begins. A few minutes later, Josy brings my coffee and pastry to the table, and in her cheerful voice says, “Enjoy, Austin!” then she turns and leaves me to my breakfast.
As I take my first sip of Josy’s perfect brew, I feel the warmth spread through me, waking me up and making me grateful for the little joys in life.
When I am done with my food, I grab my empty cup and paper plate and walk toward the trash can. As I am nearing the trash, a body slams into me, and immediately, I feel hot liquid running down my chest.
Caught so off guard, I mutter, “Fuck!” and jump back from my attacker.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” says the person who just slammed into me. “Let me grab you some napkins,” she says and runs away.
I am rooted to the spot, trying to pull my dress shirt away from my chest. The hot liquid that I now notice is coffee, is soaking through the fabric, and it burns like hell. Damnit. I may as well have walked straight into a boiling pot.
The woman returns quickly, thrusting a handful of napkins into my hands. “I didn’t see you there. I’m really sorry,” she says, her voice shaky and full of genuine concern.
I dab at my shirt, but the napkins aren’t much help. My chest is still burning, and my shirt is a mess. “It’s okay,” I manage to say, though my tone is more annoyed than forgiving.
“Let me help,” she insists, grabbing more napkins from a nearby table, frantically trying to blot the coffee off of me. Her hands are trembling, and she looks mortified.“I’ll pay for your dry cleaning, I promise,” she says, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.
When she puts her hands on my chest, I feel electric currents run throughout my body.
What the fuck is happening?
“Really, it’s fine,” I say, trying to sound more reassuring. “Accidents happen.”
She finally stops, looking up at me with wide, honey brown eyes. “I just started working here today. What a way to make a first impression, huh?”
Despite my irritation, I can't help but smile at her awkward sincerity. When I look up at her face, I notice for the first time how stunning my attacker is. Her beautiful face is framed with long, dirty blonde hair that is partially pulled back. She has a glow about her that keeps me wanting more. And those freckles that spread across her nose in perfect formation make me want to kiss the ones that trail to her full, pouty lips. I suddenly have an urge to bite and suck them, to devour them right here and now.
Get a hold of yourself, Austin.
