Page 30 of Amber: Deja Brew

“Violet!” Julian rushes over to her, and I realize that this must be the librarian Rose, Chase, and Julian all seem to like. “Do you need any help? I’d be more than happy to count out your change!”

“I may be old, but I’m not that old,” Violet says, even though she really does look that old. Possibly older. “The teas are for the Mystery Book Club, you know. Could you put up one of my posters here in the cafe? We could always use a few more members.”

“Yeah, sure, of course,” Julian quickly agrees. Then he glances from Violet to the growing line, and I take that as my cue.

“I’m almost done with the teas, and then I’ll take the next order,” I call out, which should hopefully appease the rest of the line.

Violet goes into a long, drawn-out coughing fit that lasts for about as long as it takes me to finish the rest of her drinks. I leave them on the counter for Julian to hand to Violet and squeeze past him so I can address the middle-aged man who may or may not read.

“What can I get you today?” I ask with a huge smile that I hope will earn us a five-star review despite the wait.

“Large hot chocolate, extra whipped cream.” The man smiles back, and I take it as a good sign.

“Coming right up.” I grab a to go cup, while Violet resumes her conversation with Julian.

“I don’t have any fliers on me, young man. Remind me next time you’re at the library, and I’ll get you a stack.” She waits for him to agree before she glances at the long line. “I’m holding everyone up, aren’t I?

A bunch of customers shake their head, but Sapphire, the vampire known in town for speaking her mind, nods.

“Yeah, you are, oldie,” she says.

I suck in my breath, because we’re definitely not getting a five-star review from Violet, assuming she can figure out how to leave a review—I’m honestly surprised she was even able to get the coupon on Screech. A few of the customers in line gasp, but the elderly librarian lets out an amused chuckle. “I like you, vampire.”

“You’re not so bad yourself. Want me to help you to a table?”

Before the librarian can reply, Sapphire pushes her walker—with Violet still sitting on it—toward the nearest table.

“Julian!” Violet calls. For a second I think she wants rescue, but instead she gestures at me. “Tell your young lady to get a library card.”

“This is Amber, and I will,” Julian calls back, then turns to bill the man who may or may not read.

I hand him his hot chocolate, while Julian rings up Sapphire.

“That’ll be $37.50 with today’s 50% discount,” he says. “And don’t forget to leave us a review on Screech.”

“I liked this place better when it had bad vibes,” Sapphire mutters. “But at least coffee’s cheaper, so yeah, I will.”

“Thanks, Sapphire,” I call out as I get started on her drink.

A few minutes later, I add the last few shots of espresso and raspberry syrup to her giant mug and find Sapphire sitting in Chase’s usual seat. I call out that the drink is ready, and she strolls up to the counter, grabs the giant cup, and heads back to the table.

I start to turn away, then spin back around when she lets out a loud shriek. The mug is upside down on her lap, and her hoodie is completely drenched. So are her face and hair.

“Are you hurt?” I cry before I remember that she’s a vampire, and a little hot coffee won’t harm her. Instead of an ice pack, I grab a roll of paper towel and a rag so I can clean up the mess.

“The table moved like a cock twitching in happiness!” Sapphire shouts as I rush around the counter.

“What?” I frown.

“The table moved!” Sapphire accuses me again.

“The table moved?” One of the customers in line, a pink-haired girl in her late teens, rolls her eyes.

“Tables don’t move, dear,” Violet adds. She doesn’t comment about the cock.

“Yeah, the table’s got moves like a stripper,” Sapphire snaps. “You got a problem with that?”

“Only that I want whatever you’re smoking,” the pink-haired girl says. “And you’re lucky you spilled that on yourself, not on someone else.”