Free Sara's Promise by Deanna Lynn Sletten Page B

Cottage Coffee. William had called her on Monday to say he'd be busy on the phone all day with clients, and Annie told him she had a photo shoot all day Tuesday. They decided to meet for lunch Wednesday, and William suggested her friend's coffeehouse since he'd never eaten there before.
    The place was buzzing with lunch customers, even though it was past one-thirty in the afternoon. William and Annie had both ordered BLTs and sodas at the counter, then chose one of the high-backed booths near the windows to sit in while they waited for their food.
    "This is a nice place," William commented as he looked around the coffeehouse. Cottage Coffee was true to its name with a cozy, cottage atmosphere. The high-backed wooden booths were painted white, as were the tables and chairs around the room. Soft blue cushions padded the booth seats and chairs, and blue curtains with a seashell print hung in the square windows. At the counter, large, rounded glass display counters showed off delicious baked goods, and a huge blackboard hung behind the counter with the menu written on it in chalk. William also noted a back area that held a fireplace and several sofas and cushy chairs, where people could relax, enjoy their coffee, and visit with friends or read a book.
    "I can see why the kids like coming here," he said to Annie as he nodded toward the back area. "Looks like a great place to hang out with friends."
    Annie nodded her agreement. "Cherise has done a wonderful job of giving this place a cozy atmosphere. Years ago, the place was just a basic little café with 1950s style tables and chairs, an old black and white linoleum floor, and a counter with swivel stools. When she finished college and went into business with her parents, she talked them into turning it into a coffeehouse and changing the décor. Her ideas helped boost business and tourists enjoy coming in here because of its casual, seaside look."
    "She sounds like a smart lady," William said. "I hope I get a chance to meet her."
    Annie nodded her head toward the woman bringing their sandwiches. "Looks like you'll get your wish. Here she is now."
    Cherise walked over to the table with a big smile and set the two plates in front of Annie and William. "Hey, girl, Janie told me you were here, so I decided to bring your food over myself and meet your friend."
    "Thanks, Cherise," Annie said, giving her friend a sly smile. She knew Cherise had probably been racing to get their sandwiches done so she could come out and meet William. "This is William Grafton. William, this is my friend, Cherise."
    William turned fully to greet Cherise as she wiped her hands on her blue apron.
    "Nice to meet you," William said, extending his hand and smiling up at her.
    Cherise's eyes grew large as she stared directly into William's face. She quickly snuck a look over at Annie, who only nodded slightly. Cherise finally lifted her hand to shake William's. "Uh, nice to meet you, too," Cherise said as she continued to stare at William.
    William looked confused. "Is something wrong?" he asked, looking from Cherise to Annie and back to Cherise.
    Annie just shook her head slightly as she lightly kicked her friend's leg. The kick stopped Cherise from staring hard at William, but she gave Annie a funny look.
    "You have a nice place here," William said, ignoring the odd looks being passed between the two women. "I hear it was your idea to change this place into a coffeehouse. Looks like it was the right move to make."
    Cherise turned her full attention to William and graced him with one of her beautiful, winning smiles. "Thanks. Yes, it was my idea, and it's working out well. We have a good business here year-round compared to many of the other places."
    "That's important in a seasonal tourist town," William said.
    Cherise nodded. "Well, I guess I'd better get back to the kitchen and help out. It's busy today. It was nice meeting you, William. I hope you enjoy your lunch."
    "I'm sure I will. It looks delicious.