As Arabella drove down the lone road winding through the quaint town of Valley Lake, she couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia always wash over her when she drove into town. This small community, nestled around a glistening lake that shimmered in the crisp spring air, had been her home for as long as she could remember.
As she passed by the open gaps between the various local businesses and storefronts, a familiar sight immediately caught her eye: the aged, weathered exterior of Noah's Haven, the beloved cafe that appeared almost embedded into the side of an adjacent apartment building.
The structure had a vintage, timeworn aesthetic with its white, rough-hewn walls, as if it had been plucked straight from her childhood memories.
Pulling her car over to the curb across the street, Arabella hurriedly made her way to the entrance to see her brother Noah, who she knew would be standing behind the recycled wooden counter, ready to greet her with that warm smile.
This cafe, this place, held so many cherished recollections for Arabella, and as she stepped through the doors, she couldn't wait to be enveloped once more by its cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. Arabella's shoes clicked against the gray, smooth cement floors as she made her way across the bustling cafe towards the smiling man waiting for her. The bright fluorescent lighting overhead illuminated the space, casting a warm glow that danced across the tables and chairs.
As she drew nearer, she couldn't help but notice how Noah's vibrant green-hazel eyes seemed to shine even brighter in this setting, the rich tones of his irises mesmerizing and captivating. Arabella had always envied the natural beauty of her brother's features - the tall, slender frame, the perfectly sculpted brows, the smattering of faint freckles that dusted his nose and cheeks.
In comparison, her appearance was more striking, with bolder, more distinctive characteristics that seemed to demand attention rather than gently draw the eye in. Noah's looks had refinement. As she reached the table and their eyes met, Arabella couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to possess the understated allure that came so easily to her sibling, even as she embraced the unique beauty that set her apart.
Noah stood proud in his boho chic coffee shop, the cream-colored walls and pine wood panels that brought this cozy, inviting space together. Lush, trailing vine leaves climbed up the ceiling fixtures, framing the eclectic assortment of artwork adorning the walls.
The shop had a quaint, intimate feel, with a small retail area tucked into the corner, brimming with locally sourced goods and trinkets. Around the shop, patrons sat leisurely at the mismatched tables and chairs, sipping on artfully crafted beverages and indulging in an assortment of baked treats and light bites. Some were familiar faces, regulars who had become part of the shop's close-knit community, while others were newcomers drawn in by the shop's warm, welcoming ambiance.
"Morning," Noah smiled, leaning against the counter.
"Morning, Morning" Arabella greeted, moving to the coffee bar and hopping onto the stool. "How business?" she smiled at him.
"Going as usual, but I did want to discuss open mic night with you." He gave Arabella those puppy dog eyes that they used to use on their mother.
Arabella rolled her eyes, knowing she had taught him that. "Who in their right mind will drink coffee at night? Especially in a small town like this" She asked, with her hands waving back and forth.
"I know a lot of people who drink coffee at night," he expressed with his hands, nervously shifting on his feet.
Arabella chuckled. "like who?" she teased, leaning on the bar.
"Well…" he stumbled softly as Arabella laughed into her chest "...You" she cringed at the mention of her name "Sheriff Abey…" he struggled to mention names "...my friend Cain," he said with a smile like he won some prize.
"An overeager widow…A small-town sheriff and the town's weirdo…great" Arabella smiled at him softly. Her phone rang, reminding her of her latest shipment. "I gotta go, but can we talk later? I want to stew over it and get back to you. " Arabella hopped off the seat.
"No problem," Noah nodded. "I think there is good money in it" he informed her
She nodded at his suggestion "Bye-bye" Arabella said, as she waved at him.
"We should do dinner," he shouted as Arbella turned her head towards him and smiled softly.
"Sure, text me," Arabella said giggling as she turned around to be faced with a chest covered in dark cotton fabric.
Arabella took a cautious step back as she found herself face-to-face with the mysterious Cain she had accidentally bumped into. His appearance was striking, with a pair of dark, round sunglasses perched atop his chiseled features and a wide-brimmed hat casting shadows across his face. His full, parted lips gave the impression of a thirst, a yearning, as his sallow cheeks sunk inward towards his defined jawline.
A cascade of long, curly locks tumbled down in a low ponytail, adding to the alluring aura surrounding him. Arabella couldn't help but be drawn to his deep, sienna-toned skin, partially obscured by the brim of his hat, which lent an air of mystery to his very presence.
As their eyes met, Arabella felt a shiver run down her spine, for behind those dark lenses, it was as if he could see directly into the depths of her soul, laying bare her every thought and emotion. Instinctively, she took another step back, her heart racing, unsure of what to make of him.
"Oh, sorry, my fault" Arabella stuttered trying to get as far as possible away from him, trying to get away from his attentive look. "Sorry again," she said before leaving without looking back.
…
Cain's eyes followed the fleeting figure of the woman as she hurried out of the coffee shop, her movements quick and frantic, as if he were a plague to be avoided. His heart ached to have a chance to pull her close once more and inhale the intoxicating scent of her hair, to bury his fingers in those short, soft curls. But he knew he could not - she was mortal, and he was…
"Sorry about that," Noah chuckled nervously behind Cain as he turned to look at him."Welcome home Dude, where have you been? Didn't like my new blueberry range? I know it's not your range, but I do need variety," He teased as Cain gave him a gentle smile.
Cain made his way deeper into the quaint cafe, his eyes immediately drawn to the cozy couch area tucked into the corner of the inviting space. As he approached, the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, enveloping him in its rich, intoxicating scent.
Cain eagerly sank into the plush cushions of the couch, relishing the comfort it provided after a long day. Noah, Cain's close friend, followed closely behind, a warm smile crossing his face as he watched Cain settle in. It had been far too long since Cain could enjoy the sweet, zesty flavor of Noah's expertly crafted coffee - a genuine delight for the senses that he had sorely missed.
Cain chuckled "I missed your coffee, truly but my quest took me to the darker side of Paris, it wasn't pleasant" looked to Noah as a skittish waitress placed an espresso on the coffee table and scurried off "how is the coffeehouse?" He picked up the tiny cup between his fingers, the cream coloured foam that rose to the top while the inky black swirled below, the transparent glass held the coffee like a hammock.
"It's business as usual. " He looked around his store. "What were you looking for?" He asked as Cain stared at his patient reframe. "If you don't mind?" He struggled as Cain nodded softly.
Cain leaned forwards as he took a deep sip. "When I was a little boy, my brother and I were homeschooled, and my mother's deep passion for art led my father to create an African blackwood canvas stand for her and two drawing desks for us. It was beautiful." Cain expressed as Noah's eyes filled with wonder, he always seemed overly captivated by the stories he told "but through hardship and loss we had to give up such precious memories, so with determination and money, I wish to regain, restore and reclaim the memories " he expressed as another server place a cup of black coffee in front of Cain.
Noah smiled and sat up "well, today is your lucky day, I am just the person to help you" he grabbed a pen from Cain's pocket and his notepad "my sister, Arabella, is an amazing restorer and collector, she might know where it is, this is her information, her store is on the other side of the town" he ripped the page and handed it to Cain. He stared at the neat handwriting and nodded softly.