Chapter 17

Sapphire Watterson

The soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air. The shop was bustling with activity as people came and left, engaging in conversations or working on their laptops. Some were deeply engrossed in discussion, while others quietly enjoyed a book. There was a line of customers waiting to be served.

“Hi, can I get a latte with soy milk, please?” a customer called out to Carla, who was behind the bar.

“Sure thing, that will be five dollars.”

“Can I have a cappuccino with a shot of hazelnut syrup, please?” another customer requested, and Carla responded with a friendly smile.

“Of course, that will be six dollars,” Carla replied, skillfully moving from one machine to another, grinding and brewing coffee, steaming milk, and adding flavor shots. The sound of the machines was almost deafening, but it created a comforting white noise that filled the room.

I gave Carla, who was wearing a mocha-colored unif