Cofffe for Three

By BD MacDougall

This can't be happening to Heather! She is only fifty-three years old. Lauren has just opened her dream of a creative space. Ashley is struggling to find herself when others seem to be moving on. They have nothing in common except dread they will not get through their current scare.

They meet at Lauren's coffee shop and unexpected friendships are formed. Each women is struggling with how to move forward with her new life situation. Heather's health scare. Lauren's creative dream and making it happen financially. Ashley feeling stuck and scared.

They find support and encouragement with each other. Each woman drawing on their own strengths to not only help themselves but their friends. You just never know who might end up being in your corner. It could be the least likely character.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BD MacDougall
• Release date: Jan 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215665794

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I’m fifty-three years old! I can’t have had a heart attack, Heather said, to her doctor who looked sixteen. Had he even started shaving yet.

Well, you had a mild heart attack. It was a precursor. Think of it as a warning sign, he said.

Heather shook her head. This couldn’t be happening. She didn’t smoke, only drank socially and wasn’t overweight.

I have no family history of heart attack, she said.

Which was in your favour. Look, I've talked to your friends. You work sixteen hour days and live on coffee. This is a wake-up call to change your life-style. I think if you seriously change your working, eating and exercise habits you will be fine. There was no damage this time.

This time. A heart attack. Mild but a heart attack. Heather was still struggling to wrap her head around what had happened. She had been at the office just after six and wham. Shooting pain down her side. She couldn’t catch her breath or even shout out. If the cleaning staff hadn’t been around she might be dead. Rita ran for Russell who was on his way home and an ambulance had been called.

Heather knew it was Russell, her boss, who told the doctor she worked sixteen hour days. It wasn’t a lie. Heather enjoyed her job. The agency has grown in the last few years. They were now marketing for international businesses, not just local. A large part was due to Heather drawing in these companies. She had made a name for herself and now?

Total rest for at least six weeks. No going into the office. No working from home. No emailing or calling the office. This is serious if you want to see sixty. You have to change your life-style, the sixteen year old doctor said.

Heather was now sitting at home with packing boxes all around her. She had sold her large condo of twenty years and bought a smaller one downtown. Heather figured she didn’t need the extra space. She was hardly home so why not live closer to work.

She had moved in three days before her heart attack. Enough time to get the bedroom set up. Her assistant had sold most of her furniture from her old condo. She had also graciously come over to accept delivery of the new furniture and unpacked a few boxes of towels and dishes.

The friends the doctor had mentioned were her boss and work colleagues. When you work sixteen hour days, friendships seem to drop by the wayside. She had sent her parents her change of address but hadn’t told them about the heart attack. Why bother they couldn’t do anything?

So six weeks. Russell told her he had read the riot act to everyone at work, no calling her for anything. Her assistant had been kind enough to leave flowers on the counter and magazines. When was the last time she read a magazine?

Well, she had six weeks to do nothing. Heather was going to lose her mind.

CHAPTER 2

Lauren looked around the empty room. Well, empty wasn’t exactly right. It had tables, chairs and lighting. There was a counter, display case and all the equipment needed to bake and serve in place. Empty as in people. Lauren took a deep breath.

This had been a dream for years. To open her own creative space. A coffee shop felt like a natural fit as it brought people in during the day. The shop could be used for creative classes in the evening. She had painted the place white to show bold pieces of art. Her art. All abstract and fun. Nothing serious. Which is what she wanted to teach. That art is accessible to all and not anything to be afraid of.

She had worked her arse off to get here. Scarified vacations, a new car, nice furniture and more. All to have a nest egg to start her business. The rent alone was higher than she expected. When did the property market explode in the city? When she was away was the answer.

Lauren ran her hand down the worn wooden table. She had tried to purchase used furniture as much as possible. The chairs were new as she wanted something comfortable and sturdy. The last fifteen years flashed by. University, jobs, moving out west, making money and coming home.

It wasn’t exactly what she had planned. She thought she’d be coming home with a family. But Kevin had other ideas. He wasn’t ready yet. They had met at university and gone out west together. Started a life together out there. Lauren still couldn’t believe it when she asked him straight out. Are we ever going to get married? Have a family? Move home? The answer shocked her. No.

Kevin and she had talked about making money and moving home for years. He knew her dream and why she was saving. He had been supportive at one time. God, why was she thinking about Kevin? It had been two years since they broke up. Two years saving and making a business plan to come home.

He said her dream wasn’t his. He didn’t want to go back east. This was home for him. Lauren hadn’t handled it well. She had exploded with when were you going to tell me this? He just shrugged.

It wasn’t long after the breakup that she heard he was seeing someone. It made her question their relationship. All of it. Was he seeing someone else when they were together and planning an exit strategy? Enough. That is the past. This is the future.

Lauren made the decision not to hire anyone right away. She was making sandwiches at lunch time as the soup was made during the morning. Lauren had worked part-time in a coffee shop to see how it was run and if it was doable. She thought so.

The display case was empty but supplies were on the table for making scones, cookies and squares. Baking would take her mind off the past and put her front and center in her future. She needed that display case full before putting the open sign on the door. Lauren took a deep breath and got to work.

CHAPTER 3

This apartment is perfect, Emily said, spinning around the living room.

Ashley looked at her friend. They had met at university during their first year in residence. Even then Emily was a force to be reckoned with. She was petite in every sense of the word. Just over five feet, a size two if that. Emily wore her hair in a layered bob with golden highlights.

It is too expensive, Ashley said.

Emily shook her head. It won’t be split three ways. Sara is dying to move out. She wants to live downtown. You know, be closer to the action. She lived at home while taking her child care course.

Ashley nodded. She knew and liked Sara. She had often crashed at their place when they were going downtown. Sara wasn’t the problem. The apartment was new and shiney so that impressed Emily. Plus it was right downtown and within walking distance to her job.

We can both walk to work. Sara can take the bus which she is already taking from her parents’ place. She said she will take the den. She seriously wants to move out, Emily said walking to the counter that separated the living room from the kitchen.

Stools here. I’ll pick them up. No worries and I’ll pay for the internet if I can have the master bedroom, Emily said.

Ashley was looking at what they called the den. It was an alcove off the living room. A single bed, a dresser and that was about it. Absolutely no privacy. She shook her head. Why would Sara want to give up living at home and saving money for that?

You get the second bedroom. Which is a good size. Bigger than you have now. Plus this is new! It won’t be cold and drafty. And it won’t have mice!

That was the selling feature for Ashley as she was the one that had to deal with the mice at their current flat in an older home.

It is the same amount we are paying now when we split it three ways, Emily said.

Ashley nodded. She knew when they entered the apartment it was pretty well a done deal for Emily. She also knew if she said no Emily would get someone else to split the rent with.

Emily came over and stood in front of her.

I know you feel this might not work, but it will. You like Sara. You have your own bedroom so you can crash when you get home. We promise to be quiet when we get up and ready for work. I am now, Emily said.

Okay. But we need a third person, Ashley said.

Emily hugged her squealing. Sara is so in. She is already looking at day beds!

Emily took off to check out and make plans for the master suite. Ashley wandered over to the balcony. It wasn’t big but she could see a few plants. Would this be the place everything came together for her?

Emily had taken business at university and was now on her career path at the bank. She had a five year plan and she was on target. Sara had taken a child care certificate and was working in a daycare. Ashley knew Sara was interested in getting her education degree at some point. Ashley took arts at university as she had no idea what she wanted to do. Still didn’t.

Okay, I’m changing my color scheme for my new bedroom. So new bedding and accessories, Emily yelled.

Ashley knew her single bed and dresser would fit into the second bedroom with some space to spare. She looked at her phone. She had taken an earlier shift at work. During university she worked at a bar downtown on the weekends. After graduation she asked for more hours and now worked full-time. Not a career but a job that paid the bills.

I’ve got to take off soon for work, Ashley said.

Okay, Emily said, coming out from the bedroom. A huge grin on her face.

Ashley shook her head. So what now?

We sign the lease.

CHAPTER 4

Heather couldn‘t stand looking at the walls anymore. The doctor said light exercise, walking is best. She decided to walk the block. The bottom of her condo had shops. A Chinese restaurant, a jewelry store and coming soon. The Chinese restaurant could come in handy. Heather admitted it was good walking weather. September used to be her favorite month. In her twenties she and friends did hikes most weekends.

She remembered getting the invites and passing again and again until they had stopped coming. Also when was the last time she had gone out on a girls’ night? Work colleagues went for drinks after scoring a large account. Did that count?

There were still a lot of older wooden homes in the area. It gave it more of a residential feel. Heather hadn’t even looked at the neighbourhood before she purchased the condo. Just that it was move-in ready and had underground parking. It could have been in the worst area of the city and she would have had no idea.

There was a school up the street. Heather turned to walk towards the water. The weather during the day was still warm. When was the last time she had actually gone for a walk? A mild heart attack at fifty-three. How could that have happened? She seriously didn’t think she was that unhealthy. No more unhealthy than the men in her office with their gut hanging out.

Heather worried how this would be perceived at work. That she was weak. She couldn’t take the pace. The stress. Her doctor had put her off for at least six weeks. That seemed excessive to her. She felt fine or at least fine enough to go to work part-time. Just part-time to start or maybe work from home. Yes, that was it. She would present that as a viable option at her doctor appointment in a week. She would state she felt stressed at home alone with nothing to do.

She turned the corner and headed up a slight hill. Heather couldn’t even remember the walk before turning the corner; she had been so wrapped up in thoughts of work. Heather breathed through her nose and out her mouth. She was a little winded going up the hill. Was she having another attack? Or just out of shape? Should she call an ambulance now?

Heather stopped at her street. She took deep breaths. No, she was okay, just winded. Out of shape. She noticed a sign and yes a coffee shop on her way home. She could do with a coffee and maybe something to eat. Groceries were on the list but didn’t seem to be happening. The coffee shop was located in an apartment building. It was bright with seating to the left and the counter to the right. A woman with red hair pulled back was behind the counter.

Hello, she said.

Hi, Heather said, coming over and looking at the display.

There wasn’t anyone else in the coffee shop. The lady looked to be in her thirties with a nice smile and blue eyes. The red hair under the cap looked curly. Heather had straight medium brown hair she kept short and no nonsense. Her hairdresser was one appointment she did keep outside of work on a regular basis.

We have barley soup today and of course sandwiches, the lady said, nodding towards a chalkboard on the right-hand side.

Heather realized she hadn’t eaten today. Only coffee. So much for a healthy lifestyle change.

I’ll have the soup and sandwich. Veggie please and water, Heather said.

After paying the lady said she would bring it over to her table. The tables were wooden and worn. The chairs looked new. Heather sat facing the street. A coffee shop close to home would be good.

Have you been open long? Heather asked.

No, a few weeks. Getting settled in and hoping the neighbours notice.

Heather nodded. There were a few high rises around, along with the older homes so maybe enough to keep this place open. She pulled out her phone. She had a personal email account but usually nothing was there. Heather had promised her boss she wouldn’t check her work emails. Her hand itched wanting to check. What if her clients weren’t being taken care of? They wouldn’t be Russell’s first priority. She had brought major clients to that firm over the years. They had to know she was an asset. That this attack was just a fluke.

Here you go. Everything is homemade right here, the red head said.

Thank you.

Heather was surprised the soup was good. The sandwich was good also with lots of veggies and the bread was soft and fresh.

I hope everything is okay.

Heather nodded with her mouth full. More than okay both the soup and sandwich are great. You can tell they are homemade and fresh.

Oh good. I was afraid people might not know what homemade tasted like anymore.

They might not know what homemade tastes like but they know what tastes good.

The red head smiled and nodded.

Heather looked around the place. It was clean. The display case had squares and cookies. Heather didn’t have much of a sweet tooth but she decided she would take a square for later. Who knew how many customers this place got?

Thank you for stopping in, the red head said, passing Heather her square to go.

I enjoyed my lunch. Does the soup change on a daily basis? Heather asked.

The red head nodded. Yes, chowder is Friday. I’m trying to see what is the most popular. Still trying to get word out that I’m here.

It is hard to open a new place. You’re using social media right? This place have its own account? Heather asked.

The red head winced. I’ve started Instagram but haven’t been adding to it consistently.

Heather looked at the display and around the coffee shop. You should put it as a priority. Get a soup and sandwich picture out there. Your desserts look delicious. If you want to draw people here you have to tell them you’re here and what you have to offer.

You're right. I’ll put it as a priority. Thank you.

Heather smiled and left. Walking home she felt good about stopping in to the coffee shop. The soup and sandwich were good and healthy. The square was not so healthy but sweets were not what caused her attack. Maybe she could stop in a few times a week for lunch and a coffee. Support her neighbourhood.

CHAPTER 5

Ashley knew it wasn’t smart to walk home after work. It was after two in the morning but she didn’t want to use her tip money for a taxi. Plus it was a ten minute walk. There were still people around as the bars had just closed. She often felt this was her time of night. After work, stars out and on her way home. Knowing she didn’t have to set an alarm and could crash.

She had taken an extra shift as someone had plans. Vacation plans. The majority of people working at the bar were university students working part-time. A few shifts a week. There were other full-time wait-staff like Ashely but they were older. One guy was in his late twenties and had been working in bars since he was legal. Did Ashley want that for herself?

They had been living in the apartment for two weeks. Sara was great, as Ashley knew she would be. Emily has always been more high maintenance.

You okay? Ashley asked, coming out into the living room the next morning.

Sara was curled up on the coach. She had gone to high school with Emily. Sara was tall and broad shouldered. Currently her light brown hair has a purple streak on the left side. Sara had told Ashely she always felt like a giant when she was with Emily.

Just feeling rough. Headache and sore throat. Taking a sick day as I don't want to be yelled at for giving everyone a cold, Sara said.

Ashley nodded. She knew she wouldn’t be sticking around the apartment. She jumped in the shower. Emily had her own bathroom having the master bedroom. Sara and Ashely shared. It wasn’t bad since their schedules were pretty well opposite to each other.

What are your plans for the day? I hope me being home doesn’t mess them up, Sara said.

Ashley flopped down in the chair opposite the sofa shaking her head.

No, my plan is to head out. I’m working on a series for the blog about living frugally downtown. So I’m not using the internet at home. I’m seeing how hard it is to blog without a home internet, Ashley said.

Sara nodded looking down at her phone. Guilty of using it now! It is so cool you have a blog.

Ashley shrugged. Started it for a course at university and enjoyed it. I guess it is my hobby now. I’m off to find a coffee shop with Wifi. Do you need anything?

Sara shook her head. I’m good. Have a good blogging day!

Hope you feel better soon, Ashley said heading out the door.

It was the perfect September day. Warm and no humidity. It has been hard to run this summer with the humidity. Ashley wasn’t a beach person so fall was perfect weather for getting outside. She