#Chapter 41: Sparks Fly

Abby Pushing the restaurant’s door open, I’m immediately enveloped by the scent of fresh bread and brewing coffee. The day beckons, promising a hustle that I’m both dreading and anticipating. Each wooden table is adorned with a fresh bunch of flowers, the gentle hum of the morning preparations playing softly in the background. “Morning, Abby!” Jake, my ever-efficient waiter, calls out, balancing a tray of fresh pastries on his palm. His smile reaches his eyes, but there’s an underlying tension behind his gaze. Word travels fast, and I’m sure the staff knows about the disaster that was last night. From behind the bar, Chloe shoots me a sheepish grin. I narrow my eyes at her, knowing that she likely blabbed to someone, but I can’t stay mad at her. “Hey, Jake,” I reply, forcing brightness into my voice, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep and the emotional hangover. Daisy joins Jake, her apron already smudged with the morning’s work. “Nee