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ASH

Luna had worked diligently to turn the vacant space into a successful business.

The shiny espresso machine she had fought hard to obtain stood proudly next to the smoothie machine, the two key investments for a café attached to a gym.

The cabinet was filled with high-protein, post-workout snacks and sweet treats for anyone strolling in from the street.

Outside, under the awning, a few tables invited customers to sit, and a doggy water station had been installed, catering to the many dog walkers in town—something the other main café hadn’t thought to offer.

She’d poured herself into this project, far more than I’d expected.

We’d barely seen her, but I understood her need to prove herself.

Luna stood behind the counter, dressed casually in jeans and a Moonglen Gym t-shirt that hugged her slight curves just right.

Watching her move with quiet confidence, my chest swelled with pride.

This was more than just a café now—it was hers.

Connor joined me at the entrance, and together we stepped inside. When Luna spotted us, her face brightened like the first sunbeam after rain.

“Hey boys,” she greeted with a smile. “Come to try my goodies?”

“I’ve already tried—and love—your goodies,” I assured her, and I caught a faint blush rising to her cheeks. Connor chuckled softly beside me.

“I’ll take a flat white, Vanilla,” Connor said with a playful grin.

“Is that a flat white with vanilla, or are you using that terrible nickname again?” Luna teased, moving toward the espresso machine.

He just winked. The nickname had stuck, and it wasn’t going anywhere.

She expertly ground the beans, tamped the coffee, and slid the portafilter into the machine.

“Long black?” she asked, turning toward me.

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied with a smile.

The little book corner was slowly filling up, the shelves now lined with donated volumes. We’d been collecting books for weeks, and the cozy nook was finally taking shape. The donations raised money for the community creche and garden, conveniently located side by side.

Luna handed Connor a perfect flat white and me a long black. The rich aroma filled the air.

“Thanks. Smells too good in here—I’m going to be overdoing my caffeine intake for a while, aren’t I?” Connor said, grinning.

I glanced around the bustling café, then back at Luna. “Did the new guy say when he’d start?”

It had been a running conversation: when to hire help, so Luna wouldn’t have to pull six a.m. starts six days a week.

She wasn’t keen on adding too many employees, so we’d compromised on a student for Fridays, Saturdays, and a few mornings.

Connor and I had also learned how to operate the espresso monstrosity to step in when needed.

“Ricky starts tomorrow,” Luna said pointedly.

“Good.”

“Yes. Good,” she echoed, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Connor chuckled. Some of our conversations still danced around teasing and gentle banter, but we’d made it work. And I loved every minute of it.

As I watched her move behind the counter, I knew this was only the beginning—for her, us, and everything still to come.