“So what are you going to do with #3 once you buy it?”
The scent of fresh coffee filled the break room. Olivia always insisted on a fresh pot every two hours, even though shewas a tea drinker. She paid for the extra coffee herself so she didn’t strain the library’s already tight budget. Anita smiled. Her friend was going to love her news. “I’m opening a café.”
“Really?” Olivia’s deep-brown eyes sparkled. “What a wonderful idea! What made you decide to start your own business?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”
Olivia paused, the baby carrot she was holding poised above the hummus. “Uh-oh.”
Anita’s gaze snapped up. “What? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing so far. But you don’t sound excited.”
“I am. It’s just...”
Olivia set down her carrot. “You’re doubting yourself, aren’t you?”
“I’m trying not to.”
Olivia nodded. “It’s understandable. I’m sure your parents can help you if you need it.”
But she wasn’t planning on asking them for help. Even though she wasn’t sure how much the building and café would cost, she was determined to do it all on her own. This was her business, and hers alone.
“You know, I’ve been hoping you would do something like this,” Olivia said. “Not specifically a café but doing something other than waitressing.”
“What’s wrong with waitressing?”
“Nothing.” Olivia took a sip of her bottled water. “But for a while now I’ve suspected you might not be satisfied with your job.”
Anita had no idea her friend had picked up on her restlessness. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“How could I? I couldn’t just come up to you and say, ‘Oh, Anita, by the way—you hate your job, don’t you?’”
“I don’t hate it. There’s a lot to like, actually. I enjoy visiting with the customers, and surprising them when I remember their drink orders or what they always pick for dessert. I like bringing Jasper his coffee. Do you know he gives me a little smile every time I put the cup in front of him at breakfast? I also like the hours. It’s nice to have Sundays off and not have to work weekends.”
“But you’re not satisfied with waitressing anymore.”
Anita stared at her sandwich. “I’m not unhappy with my job. I’m unhappy with my life.”
“I didn’t know that.” Olivia frowned. “Although I should have. I hate that we don’t spend time together like we did before. I’ve been so wrapped up with school, and summer is around the corner, and that’s always a busy time. I’m sorry, Anita. I haven’t been there for you.”
“Don’t be. I only realized recently that I need a change.”
“And you think this will make you happy?”
She wasn’t sure. “I hope so.”
“I can’t think of anyone who is more suited to run a café.” Olivia beamed.
The doubts hit her again. “What if I’m not? What if I fail? I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“You won’t fail. You can learn everything you need to know.”
“Ha. Right. My track record with learning isn’t the greatest.”
“I’ll help you whenever you need me,” Olivia said.
“What about school? Summer programs?”
