Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 17637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17637 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
The rest of the morning rolls by in the usual mix of coffee orders, early morning grumbling, and the occasional hiss of our espresso beast, settling into a steady rhythm. Alice grows more confident with each tick of the clock, and as I watch her, I realize she’s fitting into the chaos and charm of Rise and Grind quite nicely.
The late morning rush finally drizzles to a stop, and I let out a long, exhausted sigh. It’s been a trying morning with all of Bertha’s nonsense, and I’m ready for the day to come to an end.
Alice, still annoyingly bubbly, unties her apron and gives me a salute on her way out. "Thanks for a great first day." She’s got more energy than a toddler on a sugar high who’s barely stifling a yawn.
“You survived Bertha’s wrath today.” I chuckle, waving her off. “Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow morning!” God, I can’t wait until she’s fully trained. She’s going to work the opening shift, which means I can finally start my workday after the sun rises.
Esther, my right-hand woman who’s been with me since day one, is in the corner, wiping down tables. “You know, I think today was a success,” she muses, standing back to admire our morning’s handiwork.
“Thanks to you and your magical cleanup skills,” I reply, pointing out a suspiciously sticky spot on one of the tabletops that she promptly attacks with a rag. “Seriously, Esther, what would I do without you?”
Before Esther can respond with her usual wisdom, the cheerful jingle of the bell above the door rings out. I glance up, ready to either greet an awkward last-minute coffee-desperate patron or fend off a potential second rush, when I spot Grant and Gabe strolling in.
My older twin brothers, built like brick walls and just as stubborn, look around with matching grins that scream trouble. Grant, always the quieter one, gives me a simple nod, while Gabe spreads his arms wide like he’s expecting a ticker-tape parade.
I narrow my eyes with mock annoyance. “Well, if it isn’t the rarest sight in all of Glacier Pass, the elusive Bearly twins, finally emerging from their den to grace my humble shop.” I cross my arms, trying to channel our mother’s disapproving tone.
Gabe laughs, the sound rumbling from his chest like playful thunder. “Aw, come on, Squirt, you know we’d never forget our baby sis. Just been busy with, you know… stuff.” He shrugs like that explains everything. In our world, it kind of does. I figured I’d see at least one of my brothers today since our parents are on a three-week-long vacation and my brothers don’t believe I can actually function without help.
Grant just smirks, pointing at the empty chairs. “We need a little caffeine to get our day moving.”
“Well, lucky for you, there’s plenty left, assuming Bertha’s generous today.” I nod toward the espresso machine, which sits innocently on the counter, disguising its true nature.
I pivot toward the machine, flipping switches and mentally urging Bertha to behave. I’m mid-pour, teasing them about not visiting enough, when suddenly, Bertha lets out a dramatic hiss, and a rogue jet of scalding coffee splashes across my right hand.
“Ah! Hot, hot, hot!” I yelp, instinctively jerking back my hand, which feels like it’s on fire.
Both twins spring into action immediately. Gabe’s at my side, worry creasing his brow. “Gianna, let me see. That looks bad.”
“I’m fine, really,” I insist, even though my hand's bright red and throbbing like freaking heck. “Just a little love pat from Bertha.”
Esther tuts gently, already at the sink running cool water. “This needs to cool down right away. Hold it under here, dear.”
Before I can protest, Gabe’s gently but firmly steering me toward the sink, his no-nonsense big brother mode fully activated. The cool water is a relief, but not enough to stop Gabe from insisting, “You need to get this looked at, Gianna. That’s a burn for sure.”
“I’m telling you, it’s nothing,” I argue weakly, but my dramatic wincing betrays me. Most shifters are able to heal minor injuries due to their enhanced immunity and fast metabolism, but more serious wounds need medical attention. Fudge my life. From the looks of the red, puckering skin, I’m pretty sure this one is going to need help.
Grant steps up, taking the situation seriously now. “Gabe’s right. We’ll get you to the ER to be safe. It’s not worth risking anything worse.”
The brothers exchange a silent conversation only twins could decipher, and before I can make another feeble protest, Gabe is already hustling me toward the door.
“Grant, stay and help Esther close up, will you?” Gabe asks, and Grant nods, taking up my apron like it’s some heroic mantle.
“Good thing I know my way around a coffee shop,” Grant jokes, though I know he’ll manage just fine. “I’ll whip this ornery machine into shape,” he adds with a wink, and I figure it’s finally time to call the repair man.