Page 5 of The Summer for Us (Golden Falls #1)

JULIETTE

A couple days later, I was making good on my promise to visit Lily’s café. Plus, I needed to go into town to restock my fridge again…and maybe grab another bottle of wine.

The short drive was peaceful, and thanks to my GPS, I didn’t get lost on the back roads. Since it was still early June, I was able to roll down my windows and enjoy the breeze before temperatures got too hot.

Golden Falls was a town of a couple thousand people, which meant there was minimal to no traffic. Such a welcome change from driving in Chicago.

Lily told me it would get busier during the summer as couples and families from across the state and Midwest came to visit. Apparently, the population more than tripled. Most spent their time enjoying the warm weather out on the water or on the trails, but the historic downtown also drew people in.

As I got into the heart of town, I immediately understood why.

The historic Victorian-era buildings blended effortlessly with the newer constructions, giving the town a rustic, cozy feel while staying modern.

Antique light posts lined the brick sidewalks, along with flower planters and benches.

Many of the local restaurants offered outdoor seating, and the picturesque Lake Golden provided a perfect view.

I loved that the calming water was in view regardless of if I was in town or at the cabin.

I pulled into a parking spot right in front of Lily’s café: Purrfect Blend Cat Café. As I got out of the car, I glanced around and also spotted a clothing boutique, yoga studio, and pizzeria on the same block. The grocery store was only a short walk away.

I couldn’t wait to explore downtown, and that started with my meeting with Lily at Purrfect Blend.

“What if you moved these tables from the far wall so they were closer to the windows? It’ll give customers a nice view, while also providing enough space for those walking in.

We can plant some flowers in front of the café to enhance the view, similar to the other businesses on the street,” I suggested as Lily and I walked around the space.

Lily tapped a pen against her chin in thought, slowly nodding.

Her wavy golden-blonde hair was down today and kept out of her eyes with a light-blue headband.

“Yeah, I love that idea. The space will feel more open, and it might even give me the opportunity to fit an extra table or two down the line.”

Her café was now closed for the day, and we were in the middle of brainstorming upgrades to give the space a fresh, new feel. I could tell right away Lily loved her business and was proud of it. For good reason, too.

As soon as customers walked in, they were welcomed by the fresh smell of coffee, cinnamon, and caramel.

Muffins, coffee cake, and various cookies were neatly organized inside three glass cases sitting on top of the light oak counter.

Since it was only her baking, Lily often had a limited supply of pastries that sold out before the morning was over.

It was her goal over the next year or so to hire some help, but on extra busy summer days, her mom stopped in to help take orders.

Behind the counter, Lily had various appliances, syrups, and mugs to make coffee and tea for her customers.

Chalkboards hung on the wall behind the register with her feminine cursive writing detailing what drinks were available.

For any lattes, Lily dusted a coconut sugar and cinnamon blend in the shape of paw prints.

There were circle tables and wooden chairs set up in the main room, as well as stools off to the side near the counter so customers could chat with Lily as she made their drinks.

Lily displayed art from local artists on the walls, including paintings and drawings of cats, local views, and abstract art.

Customers could also take their drinks into the adjoining room where four to five cats roamed on any given day. Because of her partnership with the Golden Falls Animal Shelter, all of the cats were available for adoption. They had toys, cat trees, window perches, and more to keep them busy.

As welcoming as Lily’s café was, it was also a little cluttered when you walked in, which is why we started with rearranging the tables.

There were also opportunities to add more color and Lily’s personality into the space.

I wanted to start with small changes that were low cost and would make an immediate difference.

The back-and-forth brainstorming with a client was always one of my favorite parts, especially if they were excited about the project. While Lily had mentioned feeling overwhelmed, I could tell she had a lot of ideas and so much passion for her business.

After earning an associate’s degree from the local community college, Lily opened her cat café last year. It had always been her dream to combine her love for animals, coffee, and baking.

Not only did I learn more about her business, I also found out Lily had lived in Golden Falls her whole life. Her parents and older brother lived in town, too, and she had an older sister who was a travel nurse in Hawaii.

“Having extra seating will be great, but no rush on adding it, especially if we add extra seating to the cat room,” I assured Lily.

I paused to write on my to-do list to stop by the thrift store to see if they had any comfortable chairs or loveseats.

“I think new curtains would also be an easy addition, and we’d talked about how you wanted to add some color to the walls. Should I pick up paint swatches?”

Lily chewed on her bottom lip, reluctantly responding, “I can’t ask you to help me with that, too. You’re already doing so much.”

“Lily, you hired me,” I said, amused. “This is what I’m here to do, plus it means I get to see more of the town. I assume there’s a hardware store nearby?”

She nodded. “Yeah, Hal’s Hardware. Hal’s the best. You’ll like him, and he’s a good person to know around town.

Which reminds me, I need to show you around downtown and introduce you to some of the other business owners and residents.

I want you to meet my best friend, Eliza, too, but she’s out of town for the next few weeks at a yoga conference and retreat in Madison.

She owns the yoga studio a few doors down.

” She waved her hand in the general direction.

“You probably saw it on your way to the café.”

“I did! It caught my eye right away. I’m excited to meet her and whoever else you introduce me to.

” I was excited to form friendships and connections in Golden Falls, even if I was only staying for a few months.

I could easily see this being the type of place I’d come back to visit. “The store’s called Hal’s Hardware?”

“That’s right. Just a couple blocks away past the restaurants and shops, toward the grocery store.”

Wanting to be sure, I pulled out my phone, tapping on the maps app and searching for the hardware store.

“Got it!” I said once I found it. “I think a neutral color or a pastel yellow would look really nice for this main wall and help the chalkboards pop. We can keep the other walls off white to help this one stand out but add other pops of color with various decor. I’ll keep an eye out when I’m shopping and text you pictures of anything I find. ”

Lily nodded, a grateful smile gracing her lips as she slipped her notebook and pencil into the front pocket of her apron. “That sounds perfect. Whatever you think will look good will work for me. This is going to be great!”

She rounded the counter to begin cleaning up for the day, and I followed suit by packing up my laptop and notebook.

“Oh, by the way, are you free for dinner sometime this week or next?” Lily asked. “My parents have been wanting to introduce themselves. My dad loves to grill over the summer, and we’ll have a bonfire, too.”

“I’d love to. Text me the address and time, and I’ll be there.” Sliding my bag on my shoulder, I added, “I’m going to walk around downtown and pick up groceries before heading back to the cabin. I’ll let you know about the paint, and we’ll go from there.”

“Yeah, actually, I’m about to wrap up here. If you want, we can walk together, and I’ll show you around?”

“I’d love that,” I eagerly replied.

Lily untied her apron and hung it up on the wall. The hook was shaped like a cat, of course. She grabbed her purse and met me at the door, fishing out her keys to lock up.

“Next time you come by, I’ll have a new creation for you to test,” she said. “I’ve been trying a recipe for vegan strawberry muffins, and I think it’s just there. I’ll want a couple people to try them before I sell them at the café.”

“Wow, that sounds absolutely amazing. You don’t have to ask me twice. I’m more than happy to try. Anything strawberry for the summer is perfect.”

“We’re on the same page today. I knew there was a reason I liked you,” Lily teased.

I had no clue how Lily had time to be coming up with new creations while also revamping and running her café. This business meant a lot to her, and it made me even more eager to be in her corner.