THREE
1140 Words
As Jade swung open the door, a bright smile spread across her face. “Aunt Dade!!!” Emily squealed and jumped, her tiny arms outstretched, eager to be swept up in a hug.
Jade chuckled and scooped up the little ball of energy planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“My princess! Give me a good morning kiss, baby — muah!” Emily giggled, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
She balanced Emily on her hip and stood aside to let Hannah into the apartment. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air.
“Come on princess, let's get you settled in. And I'm going to get you Aunt Jade’s signature cookies.”
Emily’s eyes lit up. “Coopieess!!!” She clapped her hands, her enthusiasm infectious.
“Yeah, girl! You’re going to get cookies for sure but that would be after your mom leaves, okay? We don’t want her cutting us off.” She winked, setting Emily down on the play mat she’d set earlier. She picked up the television remote from the table and changed the program to Coco Melon. “But for now, this should keep you occupied.”
As Emily became engrossed in the coco melon show on TV, Jade went into the kitchen.
“How’s the book coming along?” Hannah asked, sipping her second cup of coffee.
“Oh! Fine, I guess.”
“You guess?”
“Yeah? I don't know honestly.”
“ Jade, your stories are always so awesome, I'm sure this one would be. I don't know why you don't want me to read it?” “You will, just not yet.”
“Alright.” Hannah sighed. “I’m still waiting. I’ve got to go before I'll be late again.” She said as she finished her coffee and took the cup to the sink.
“Alright, dear.”
“Honestly Jade, I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Hannah, you’re late.” “I'm serious Jade, you do too much for me.”
“Girl, you know I got you,” Jade said, her voice warm with reassurance. “You're my best friend and heaven knows you do too much for me too. I just wonder why we talk about this all the time. Emily's my baby as well, you know?”
Hannah’s expression softened, her voice filled with gratitude. “I know, thank you so so much. Everything is in the bag. Please call me if anything comes up. And also let her take her nap this afternoon and her meds are…”
“Jeez Hannah, I know.” “I’m so…”
“I understand my love” Jade cut her off. “Don’t be sorry. You’re a mom and your baby is in good hands. Now, go say your byes to her and hurry along, you’re late already.”
Hannah wrapped her in a hug. “I love you, thank you.” She whispered, her voice barely audible.
“You’re welcome, Hannah. Say hi to Bree and Dee for me.”
“Sure will.” Hannah poked her head into the living room. “Bye, Princess. I love you.” Not so much as a glance was sent in her direction.
“Be a good girl to Aunt Jade, okay?”
Nothing.
“Ouch, okay. I guess I've been forgotten” She heard Jade laugh behind her as she slipped out the door.
Good morning Dee.” Hannah slipped off her coat, revealing the bright yellow t-shirt and jeans underneath, and hung it on the wooden coat rack behind the counter.
The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the scent of cleaning supplies (indicating the floors were freshly scrubbed) filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of music playing in the background.
Dee, with his rugged beard and warm smile, looked up from wiping down the counter, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Morning, Hannah. You're almost late.” His grumble was softened by a hint of teasing.
Hannah chuckled, her hair bouncing as she shook her head. “Almost is the word, Dee. I apologize.” She began setting up the chairs, her movement efficiently and practiced. “I had to drop off Emily.” The mention of her daughter brought a soft smile to her face.
Dee's eyes lit up. “How’s my fairy princess?” He tossed his hand towel over his shoulder, his faded denim shirt stretching across his broad chest.
Hannah laughed, her eyes sparkling. “She’s good. She left me for coco melon, what can I say?” They laughed.
“She did, didn’t she?” Dee shook his head, a hint of amusement lingering on his face. “She reminds me of my Phoebe at her age. Now my baby girl is all grown and about to have a bun of her own.
Hannah dropped down the last chair and headed behind the counter. “How's Phoebe doing?” She tied on her apron, the fabric adorned with the Bree and Dee logo – a stylized coffee cup and donut.
“She's doing pretty awesome. Your Emily, she's a good girl. You're a good woman.” Dee's voice was tinged with sincerity and a hint of regret.
Hannah's eyes met his. “Is something wrong? Where’s Bree?” she glanced towards the door that led to the storage room, office, and kitchen.
“She’s out back. Still making donuts. She started late today. Guess she’s almost done.” His tone was reassuring but Hannah detected a hint of tension.
“Oh! Alright. Let me get everything set up here, then I’ll go and check if she needs help.”
“That’s okay. Um…”
Just then, the door swung open, and a customer walked in, the bell above the entrance jingling cheerfully. “Welcome! What's your order?” Hannah asked, her smile bright and inviting.
“I’ll have a cappuccino and a bagel, please.” The customer replied, taking a seat at one of the tables.
As Hannah expertly crafted the drink, Dee leaned in, his voice low. “Hannah, we would like to see you at the end of today, okay?” His eyes held a serious intensity, but the arrival of more customers prevented further discussion.
Hannah nodded. “Okay, Dee.” She handed him the customer's order as she spoke to the next person, her eyes meeting Dee's for a brief moment.
The coffee shop, with its warm atmosphere and inviting aroma, bustled to life, the sound of conversation mingling with the hum of the coffee machines. The wooden accent and the vintage decorations added a touch of homey feeling.
As the morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the counter, Hannah couldn't help but wonder what they had to tell her.
- Writer
