Fated to Espresso

Chapter 1

"Ava! Get down from there!" The loud shout from downstairs came as a surprise. I opened my eyes and realized that the bright sun was shining through my window. I let out a deep sigh, realizing how late I was. I had slept late last night, and now it was almost evening.

"Maria Gabriella Isabel Elena Alea Ava Matthews!"

" If you don't get down here, I'll go up there this minute! " I jumped straight out of bed the moment I heard my name. I rushed downstairs and discovered a table spread with food.

"Eat here first, and I will still go to town in order to purchase something to cook." I watched my mom quickly grab her bag after she placed rice on my plate, then kissed me on top of my head.

"I'm really so lucky." I said to myself, because if my stepmom hadn't discovered me standing outside our door, I could be a beggar, roaming around the streets. But lucky me, she wouldn't refer to herself as my stepmom, and I address her as mom instead because we belong to the same family—after all, not by blood but by our hearts.

"Come on, it's just me" She tossed her hair as we laughed together, goading one another like siblings.

" Alright, eat there first, and then I'll head to the market. Afterward, go to the café and shower.

" There may not be any other customers there since the employee smells." I acknowledged her directions.

"Yes mom", I playfully rolled my eyes. It was like she always had something to grumble about, even when

I bathed every day. That was why she tickled me on my waist and neck. I laughed very hard because of what she did.

"Ahm. you smell so bad now" she taunted, reading my mind. I saw her laugh, but it was short-lived when she realized that I was not playing along with her jokes.

"Alright, fine."

" I'm leaving now so you can eat. " She kissed me on the top of my head once again, smelling my hair, and I smiled. She exited the door, and I yelled out, "Bye, mommy!" as she waved back without having to turn around.

I had to put my college education on hold because of financial constraints. I was in my second year, and I chose to assist my mom in operating the café, Steamy Mug, to help with our finances.

Eating my lunch, I suddenly got a call on my cellphone. I hastened to pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Hello, ma'am, this is delivery. I'm already at the café with your order."

" Oh! Sorry sir, I'm not at the shop yet. "Can you wait for a few more minutes?" I had forgot that today was delivery day.

" Sure, I'll just get a coffee here and wait. "

" Thank you, sir! "

" I'll be there in a few minutes. " I hung up and rushed to brush my teeth and shower. I was unable to eat since I was already behind schedule.

As I came out of the bathroom, the phone rang once more. I picked it up without checking who was calling.

"Hello, woman! Aren't you finished yet?" "I'm already waiting outside your café, it seems like you are receiving deliveries." I rolled my eyes when I knew who was calling again.

" I know, okay, I'll set this down now. " "I'm already in a rush" I interrupted, though I heard her chuckling before she hung up.

After dressing, I hurried downstairs without bothering to make myself too presentable. I closed the door and headed towards the terminal so that I did not keep him waiting for too long.

"Where are you, ma'am?"

"Mr., at the Steamy Mug." I answered. Luckily, the café was already established in town. Since my mom began running it, the café has been a favorite among locals. Even after I inherited it, the café still remained prosperous.

"Are you alone or are you with someone ma'am?" Mister questioned as he began the motor of his sidecar.

"Yes sir, I'm by myself." I answered as I got in. I glanced at the children heading to school, some accompanied by mothers, others by themselves.

Within a few minutes, I could already spot him loading the photo booth that I had worked hard to invest in adding some excitement for our clients.

"Hey, woman!" It's nearly noon! "Why did you sleep in so late last night?" "Do you have a date?" she asked, her voice booming so that everyone could hear. She had swallowed a microphone.

"Just let me off here, Mister." I said, gesturing for him to pull over in front of the café. I paid him and went inside to open the door.

"Eh? Huh? You can't reply? Did you go out last night?" "It's unusual for you to open the café this late." I rolled my eyes as she went on.

"Come on, sir."

"You may put it alongside the door," I replied in an attempt to dismiss her, as she rolled her eyes and folded her arms.

" Why aren't you responding to me? "Did your date keep you awake all night?" he teased me.

"Lily!" I exclaimed, cutting her off.

"I didn't have a date last night, alright?" "I just had a great sleep," I said soothingly, in an attempt to placate her. If I responded, she would only egg her on teasing.

She sighed and folded her arms, scowling like she had just run for hours.

"Okay, okay, let's go in." "You stop talking there, you look like you're starving," I told her, putting my arm around her shoulder to reassure her as we went inside.

Inside, I saw kuya putting the photo booth in the ideal location, exactly as I'd instructed.

"I'll stay there," Lily replied. I nodded and watched her moving away from me. I shook my head, thinking she was hungry the whole time, then headed for the counter to begin making orders.

" Ma'am, two cappuccinos for us." The customer at the counter asked.

"Okay po, coming right up." I said, taking two cups and making a shot of espresso strong. I ground the coffee, steamed the milk, and poured it over the espresso. The foam at the top was smooth and creamy, just right.

A minute or two later, I made my way to hand them their drinks. "Here you go, two cappuccinos."

Then, I brought Lily her match espresso. She smiled and drank.

" Ahh… you really know my favorite flavor" she said, drinking again. "But I can't stay long, I have somewhere to go."

"Okay po, ma'am," I said, smiling a little, and I saw her. She shook her head and as she walked away, I began cleaning the counter.

Then I finished cleaning and started wiping down the tables. Glancing around, I smiled at the familiar faces of our regulars. I adored this routine—small-town living at the Steamy Mug café, its cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Then I heard the doorbell, letting me know another customer had arrived. I glanced up and noticed a tall man entering. He wore a coat that was stylish but didn't fit quite right with the relaxed atmosphere of Willow Creek. I dried my hands on my apron and straightened up a bit, preparing to greet him.

"Good morning," I greeted him with a wide smile, both welcoming and reserved. New people were not common in Willow

Creek, and they always put me on edge.

"Morning," he said, his deep voice smooth and even, a complete contrast to his assertive personality.

" I've heard that this place has the best coffee in town. I thought I'd come and see if the rumors are accurate."

I raised an eyebrow, entertained by his statement. "Oh, really?"

"I did," he replied, leaning forward a bit. And I'll tell you something else. " I'm a coffee snob. " He smiled as he spoke.

" Well, you're in the right place! " I replied, winking and picking up a cup.

"What'll it be, Mr. Snob?"

"Ethan," he told me, still smiling. "Ethan Blake. And I'll have whatever's your best roast."

I observed him for a while by the window, where you might view the crowd on the street outside, taking note of the way he sat one leg on top of the other, the teasing spark in his eyes. I couldn't help but have this odd interest in him.

As I poured his drink, I felt a quick shock as our hands touched as I was giving it to him. It was just for a second, but it was like an electric sensation and I could feel my heart beating. What is that? What does it signify? Am I falling in love with a gesture like this? Whatever that feeling it is, I just have to manage it.