A mango orange tin awning wrapped around the teal rectangle building. An unserious font on the purple bell-shaped sign that hung from the top of the building let you know this was the Morning Bell.
If the riot of color didn’t make you happy, the smell of the coffee would.
Ali giggled and inhaled the aroma of roasting beans and cinnamon buns.
She stepped inside, and the eclectic array of colors and objects made it hard to decide where to look first!
The walls were decorated with old photos, some black and white, and some an orangey cast from the ‘70s. There were a few old maps framed as well. The walls themselves were ‘70s, aBrady Bunch-style rec room paneling. And if it wasn’t moving, it was painted mango.
The chairs and tables were orange, too, set in stainless silver metal frames.
If they weren’t vintage, they were made to look so and quite successfully. Despite the vintage feel, the place was bright and clean, and nothing felt neglected about the way this place ran.
An intentional, relentless cheer was clearly the hallmark here.
A long high-display counter featured pastries of all kinds, several quiche options, and then, of course, a list of coffees to enjoy.
Erica emerged from the kitchen and clocked Ali immediately.
“Ali! Yes! So glad you made it. I sent Henry outside to the corner table I reserve for VIPs.”
She was hardly a VIP, but it was sweet for Erica to say.
“What’s your favorite coffee?”
“Oh, wow, I’m open to all kinds as long as it’s not decaf.”
“Right? Same. How about a flight?”
“A flight?”
“Yes, Morning Bell specialty. We have five little half cuppers and your favorite roast is the one you can order tomorrow.”
“Lovely.”
“Okay, which five?” Erica asked.
“Surprise me with the variety you like, I’m easy.”
“I sensed that about you, hussy.”
Ali laughed.
Something about Erica reminded Ali of her sisters. She had no artifice and no filter. Ali wanted to be more like that because it was a terrific recipe, in Ali’s opinion. Erica also seemed so relaxed about her gig running a coffee shop. Though caffeine was her commodity, chilled out was her vibe.
Ali’s smile continued as she located Henry at the corner table. They were outdoors under a canopy that protected customers from the heat of the sun but let them look out at the sidewalk, as walkers, bikers, and cars rolled by. It was the perfect place to people watch.
Henry stood up when Ali approached and gave her a cute little bow. Men never stood when a lady entered a room or joined a table! She’d seen it in old movies but couldn’t remember experiencing that. It seemed like a thing of a bygone era, but it was delightful, Ali decided. Henry must have been more southern than she realized.
“Mornin’! I’m sorry I was on the phone and missed you coming in!”
“Hello. Don’t worry, it gave me a chance to peek in there. Wow, how cute is it? Do you all just have cool vibes distributed to you when you open a business here or is it like an ordinance required for operating a business in Haven Beach? ‘Must have cool vibes to open here’?”
“Ah, yes, we take a class at the Y,Cool Vibes for Small Business Owners. They also teach QuickBooks, so it’s a twofer.”
Ali giggled at his joke. “Brilliant.” It was so lovely to meet people and gel with them.
But she did have an ulterior motive. And that was information gathering.
