Alina Pov
The café smelled of warm pastries and fresh coffee, just the way I liked it when I arrived early that morning. I had barely finished arranging the muffins when the bell above the door jingled, and I looked up.
A woman stepped in, moving with the kind of casual grace that made it seem as though she had belonged here all along.
Shoulder-length blonde hair, sharp green eyes, a round face that is accentuated with perfectly curved brows, a pointed nose, and tiny lips that need a filler. Slender and curvy at the same time, with long enticing legs. She looks like a model coming straight out of a magazine shoot.
She wore a soft smile, light and inviting, and her eyes scanned the room as if she were searching for something familiar. Something about her caught my attention, though I couldn't say why.
"Hi there," she said, her voice bright, almost musical. "I just moved to the area and thought I'd check out a local café. This place looks cozy."
I smiled politely, gesturing toward the counter. "Thank you. We try to keep it welcoming."
She nodded, placing a hand on the counter, casual and warm. "I can already tell you do. I love it."
Her name, she told me later as she settled at a corner table, was Nia. Friendly, outgoing, and careful with her words, she made me feel instantly at ease, more than any female I had met.
I found myself chatting with her as she sipped her latte, and telling small, inconsequential details about her life.
How she had moved to this coastal town to find herself again, how the Morning here is beautiful and calm, especially the view from her apartment, and how she preferred simplicity in most things. Yeah, she's really a talker.
I listened attentively, nodding, laughing softly at all the way she pronounces certain things. I felt strangely comfortable, like she was someone to be friends with, even though I didn't know her at all.
I laughed at one of her jokes, a genuine, lighthearted sound I hadn't heard from myself in weeks. For a moment, I almost forgot about the muddy bootprints, the napkin, the feeling that someone was watching me.
Nia leaned in slightly, smiling warmly. "You really love this place, don't you?" her eyes twinkling.
"I do," I admitted, pressing my lips together out of habit. "It's more than just a café. It's home, I guess."
She tilted her head, eyes scanning my face. "I know what you mean. Sometimes a place like this is all the stability you need."
I nodded, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through me. Her words were comforting, the kind of gentle understanding I hadn't realized I was craving. I wanted to trust her, even though my instincts whispered caution.
I hadn't seen Steven in the café today. Hmmm, that's strange, he has been coming here every morning since I met him.
Nia continued to engage me in conversation, asking about my favorite pastries, how long I had lived in the city, and what inspired me to open the café.
Her questions were casual, friendly, but I didn't realize the hidden purpose behind each one.
She laughed softly at my response about how I preferred mornings to evenings. "You sound like someone who takes life seriously, but in a good way," she said. Her eyes sparkled with warmth. "I like that."
I felt flattered, a blush rising in my cheeks. I had been so guarded lately, so cautious with everyone, but she made it easy to open up. It was almost disarming, the way her friendliness wrapped around me like a comfortable blanket.
As the morning passed, other customers came and went, but I remained focused on her, telling stories about the café, laughing at her jokes, feeling that rare spark of genuine connection. She was magnetic, easy, safe.
At one point, I leaned over to wipe a spill on the counter, and she reached out, placing a hand gently on mine. "You're so dedicated," she said softly. "I admire that." A graceful smile spread across her face
I felt a shiver run through me at her touch, warm but strange, not realizing that the warmth I felt was also a trap, or not, I'm not sure.
Not having friends would do this to you. Being an only child, no siblings, no playmates, no one. Just my dad and I when my mum passed away. Although he filled the spot she left, it wasn't like having your age mates being friends with you
Minutes stretched, and the conversation flowed naturally. Nia asked about my hobbies, my favorite books, and even complimented the pastries. I found myself trusting her in a way I hadn't trusted anyone in a long time.
"Do you have friends around here?" she asked casually.
I shook my head lightly. "Not really. I keep to myself mostly. The café keeps me busy."
"That's good," she said, her voice soft, reassuring. "Sometimes it's nice to have your own space, to focus on what matters."
"You're right," A small smile spread across my face.
"I have a feeling that we'll be best of friends." She winked at me, while picking up her drink to sip.
"Nia!"
Rosa's voice broke through our chatter, as she casually walked towards us. Wiping her hands with the kitchen hand towel. Small bits of sweat dotted her face, mostly her forehead.
Smiling warmly. "It's been so nice talking to you. I hope we can do this again sometime."
I smiled genuinely, feeling a flicker of relief that someone was kind, that someone was friendly, that someone… seemed safe. A friend. "Sure." I flick my eyes back to the approaching Rosa.
"I can see you two are already getting along," Rosa uttered, coming to stand beside Nia, and touching her subtly on the shoulder.
Wondering what was going on, while continuing to arrange the cleaned glass cups on the shelves.
"Nia here is our new employee, she just got into town a few weeks back," Rosa informed me. " I met her in the market and she helped me with my bags. Such a darling child." She praised her, looking at her with appreciation and something else.
"Oh Rosa, it's actually nothing." Nia Blushed. Clasping Rosa's hand.
"Okay…" My response came out, shocked, and confused. We've been talking for the past six minutes, why didn't she tell me about this.?
"She told me how she wanted a job and I offered her one." Her eyes snapped back to mine, in a way that felt like waiting for approval.
When none came, she continued. "It's good you two have met already, need to check my pot, later girls!" and just like that, she sprinted into the kitchen, leaving me and Nai in an awkward staring game.
"Surprise!" Nia sang, her hands leaving Rosa's and spreading in an almost dancing gesture.