Page 20 of Stay With Me

“Have amag-nificentday!” I emphasize themagpart that matches my name, then smile wide as Mrs. Hollis grabs her latte and places a five-dollar bill in the tip jar.

“Thanks, Magnolia. You too.” She winks, then gives me the same warm smile I’ve known all my life since she’s my best friend’s mom.

Every Tuesday and Friday, I park my mobile coffee business, Magnolia’s Morning Mocha at the Sugarland Creek Ranch and Equine Retreat to sell frou-frou drinks to the workers and guests. On the other days, I serve downtown, depending on what other events are happening. I stick to the touristy areas, then on Saturdays, I move to the farmer’s market and work the morning rush of shoppers looking for fresh veggies and flowers. They love to get their caffeine boost before leaving, and I love being my own boss instead of working at my old coffee shop where Mrs. Blanche underpaid and undervalued my ideas.

Now, I get to write cute board signs likePay with cash and it’s free #GirlMathand make bougie lattes. It’s the best job in the world.

The most popular drink is the number thirteen:The Swiftie Latte, which has mocha and hazelnut syrups. Then I top it with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. It’s Mallory’s favorite, which is why she begged me to name it after her favorite pop star. She’s Mrs. Hollis’s thirteen-year-old niece who moved in with them after her parents passed away a few years ago, and since Noah’s my best friend, she’s become like a little sister to me, too.

“Mornin’, gorgeous.” Landen’s thick drawl snaps me out of my thoughts, and I immediately perk up.

Tripp stands next to him with his arms crossed and rolls his eyes at Landen’s over-the-top flirting. I’d eventually admitted to Landen that I had a crush on Tripp and since he treats me like an annoying little sister, Landen likes to put on a show anytime Tripp’s around for pure amusement.

Hell, it’s what he gets for all the mixed signals he sends me. Years of hoping he’d finally see me as more than his little sister’s best friend.

Not that I blame him one hundred percent. Stupid me took my ex back shortly after Landen’s and my date, but I finally broke up with Travis for good two years ago after he drugged Noah and me at my birthday party. We were on and off again through high school and shortly after graduation, but never again. Now, I’m thriving and living my best life with my own business, ready to focus on my future.

“Good mornin’, gentlemen.” I smirk, glancing between them. They’re wearing Wranglers, boots, and worn-out ballcaps. I prefer cowboy hats, but they only wear those when they’re riding on hot days. It helps the sun stay off their necks and faces, but it feeds my fantasy of a real-life Rip Wheeler. Now that it’s October, the hot days are few and far between.

“Well, it is now.” Landen winks.

I know he’s only playing around—it’s something we do—but Tripp’s annoyance never goes unnoticed. If he has a problem with men flirting with me, then he should do something about it instead of stayingjust friends.

“What can I get ya?” I lean my elbows on the counter. It’s not very big since the trailer was built for one person, but it gets the job done. There had to be room for a decent espresso maker, a fridge, syrups, and all the supplies that come with serving drinks.

“I’ll take a number sixty-nine with extra cream,” Landen says, pulling out his wallet.

Folding my arms, I shake my head. “Does that line actually work for you?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” he muses, and I give him a pointed look so he’ll tell me what he actually wants. “I’ll take a regular coffee with two creams and one sugar.”

“And for you?” I direct my attention to Tripp, who’s burning a hole in the side of Landen’s head.

“Same for me,” Tripp grumbles.

I grab two large cups and pour the coffee. Then I add in the creams, a packet of sugar in each, and sprinkle cinnamon on top—my signature ingredient for the upcoming holidays.

“That’ll be ten dollars,” I say, setting down their cups.

“Fortwocoffees?” Landen asks.

“Yeah, but I threw in the attitude for free.” I smirk.

They know I’m overcharging, but they won’t call me out. Being their little sister’s best friend and an honorary Hollis means I get to charge double. I took out a business loan to buy the trailer and supplies, so I have to pay it back somehow, and what better way than to makethempay extra.

“This better be the best damn coffee I’ve ever tasted.” Landen slaps down a twenty and Tripp takes one of the cups.

“I’ve never had a complaint.” I take the money and put it into my register without handing back any change. “Thanks for the tip.”

“That better get me a free coffee next time.” Landen points a warning finger at me.

I point one right back. “That’s for that sixty-nine comment.”

He rolls his eyes, testing his drink.

“Why’s this taste like Christmas in a cup?” Tripp asks after taking a sip.

“I may have added a little somethin’ extra.”