Crush

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Ava

“s**t,” Ava cursed as the bundt cake she had been working on extracting from her new pan crumbled into pieces on the countertop.

“Maybe you should just take a break, boss. That’s your third one this morning,” Rachel, Ava’s early morning employee and friend, said.

“You’re right. Maybe another cup of your amazing espresso’s mocha thingies will do the trick?” Ava laughed.

“You know as the owner you should really know the actual names for the drinks you serve,” Rachel laughed as she made her way out front to work her magic.

“I know enough. Besides, that’s what I have you fantastic baristas for.”

“I suppose. Since you are the best boss in the world, making your coffee for you isn’t the worst thing.”

“See, there’s that team spirt I’m always talking about.”

Ava glanced at the clock while the beautiful aroma of espresso filled her senses. It was almost opening time at seven in the morning. When Rachel handed her the steaming cup of happiness, Ava took it with her to go and unlock the front doors. Throwing them wide open so she could set out their specials of the day sign, the cold wintery air hit her in the face.

West Virginia had been the perfect place to start her life over, but it had taken her a couple years to get used to the cold winters. Her old life seemed so long ago somedays she wasn’t sure it had even existed. Then her nightmares would start back up again and she would be reminded that it had in fact existed. All it’s gruesome, painful horror would be laid back out there for her to relive.

“Miss?” an older man said, startling Ava.

“Excuse me?”

“I asked if you all were open?” he said gently.

“Oh, yes. Yes, we are. Sorry. I’m a bit flighty until around the third cup.” she said, offering up her mug of coffee as a symbol.

“Took me years to adjust to these early mornings,” he said with a chuckle.

“Well, we’ll definitely have what you need inside,” Ava said.

Ava followed the man back inside, and one customer after another she slipped back into her new life. The past forgotten.