Caféx
an excerpt

Chapter 1

Pete let the cool morning air flood his senses, Frankie dragged his groggy body towards the park, “come on, sleepy head,” usually he tried to avoid taking her to the park. As they passed the children’s playground, she would stop to stare and rub his ring finger between hers.

This was no exception; she stopped, rooting him with her. All he could think was, how can they be so loud at 8:30?

“Aren’t they lovely?” He answered with a groan, his fingers were cold and she wasn’t making it better. When the noise became too intense, he pulled at her hand, willing her to Café Express, “alright. No need to be forceful.”

After a few moments, she let him have his way. They passed through the middle of the park, a war memorial shrouded in trees. A jogger’s trainers raised a fine mist as he sped past them.

Finally, they left the park and walked to Café Express. As the door opened, they were blasted with heat. The cold skin sucked it up appreciatively. Steve sat at the usual table, sipping his Mocha, “hey, it’s good today. I think Nico is finally getting the hang of this drink. I still don’t see why she can’t let Clara make it.”

Clara makes the best coffee in the world, everyone knew why Nico made all of Steve’s drinks, she loves him. They pulled off their coats, letting the heat get deeper, “sure,” he turned to the counter, “two mochas please.”

Frankie excused herself, “she walk you past the children again?” Steve.asked.

Pete groaned, “like a puppy.”

Clara brought over two steaming mugs, “thanks sis,” Steve said jealously. He took in a breath of it, then checking that Frankie wasn’t returning, switched the mugs and filled his former drink back to the top.