Hot Coffee

[Seraphina]

There was an eager nod, “It is!” she learned that a while ago, but it was different when it was something you served every day. “As to the classes, I’ve considered it. Learning in ins and outs seems like a wise business move. Especially if I ever branched into roasting my own coffee beans. But that’s a long way off.” And a lot of money.

Perfectly sculpted eyebrows raise as she takes a careful sip. The coffee was allowed to sit in her mouth for a moment, savoring the taste. A shallow nod of her head, “I have to say,” her free hand pointing to the coffee cup, “It’s surprisingly smooth. It’s bold, but not bitter. Very good find!” she gushed with a smile. “I really like it!” she didn’t like flavored coffee or bitter coffee, so this brand was a hit.

“Well, I don’t really like doing laundry, it’s one of my least favorite chores, but I’d be glad to help.” Maybe it would be more fulfilling doing it for someone else?

Leaning over for a cookie, “Business isn’t easy to get into. There’s a lot more going on that no one tells you.” A nod of her head, true story. “I’m no business expert, but I can offer you the use of the coffee house if you want. It’s a more laid back environment, which could serve to put people at ease and more open to listening. Unless you have some place in mind, which is ok. This is your thing, I just want to help you succeed with it."

[Seraphina]

There was an understand nod, “That’s a good point. I want the coffee house to be successful, and I suppose that might mean branching out into taking classes.” She hated school, but maybe this would be different.

She leans forward, sipping her coffee as she watched, eyes widening, “Whoa! Sand?!” she exclaims, eagerly watching how the container was moved in the sand and how the coffee boiled. “That’s amazing! I wonder what it tastes like? It’s probably delicious, it looks delicious.” And then she wondered what would go into learning to do it. “Doesn’t look hard to get the stuff, unless it’s a special type of sand. I’d have to research it more to learn about it. But nice find!” she then laughs, “You know? I should have consulted you about the coffee shop before opening it, you got some great ideas.” Least in her opinion.

Sapphires watch him stare into his mug, wondering what was on his mind. "You ok?" there was concern in her voice.

“It was just an idea. I didn’t know how much you had thought about a venue, and I wouldn’t charge you.” Of course she wouldn’t. “You know? The coffee house wasn’t my first idea for opening a business. I had thought about opening something like what Edna’s used to be, a boarding house for Lost arriving to the city. Have you thought about maybe looking into investing into something like that? It would not only help new Lost, but could also be a good transition point for others. A warm bed and meal, plus maybe internet to help them find work and get on their feet. And like you said, it would deal a blow to the Gentry. We’re all we have when we first escape. Banding together and offering a place to stay is a great way to stick it to them.” a nod. "But this is all you and what you want to do."

She laughs as well, “Isn’t that the truth!”

[Seraphina]

She takes a long sip of the coffee as he mentions the loudmouth from the Coronation. There was a few seconds as she savored the flavor before focusing once again on the unpleasant subject.

“We have something. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like it. Especially going after Ingrid, she’s not only my Queen, but my Motley mate. So a fight against her, is one against me.” A heavy sigh as she takes a bite out of one of the cookies, “These are amazing by the way!” she adds, “Anyways, I tend to avoid political drama, I hate politics, avoid it as much as I can. But I will support Ingrid and stand behind her.” There was conviction in her voice. No one fucked with her Motley mate.

She welcomed the change of topic, the smile returning once again to her face, “That’s great and the only way to start!” now if it was easy or hard would depend on a variety of things. “I’m glad you feel you can speak freely around me. But I know it can be hard to speak in front of regular people. Maybe not as difficult as it sounds like it is for you, but I get it. And, the Toastmasters?” she asks, not sure what it was. “But I’m glad you’re working on it. I know you can overcome it.” She tries to encourage him. “And if your friend can’t help, just let me know. I’ll stick you behind the counter of the coffee shop on a Friday night.” She says with a giggle and a wink. “Or hell, up on the stage!” her eyes sparkle with mischief at that idea.

Nodding, “Are you looking to purchase a building in the city or on the outskirts? Cause I know all about the hoops to jump through to get a building. But it’s great that you seem to have a plan in place! You’ve obvious put a lot of thought into this. It’s going to be amazing when it’s done.” And rewarding.

[Seraphina]

She knew not getting involved in politics wasn’t a popular line of thinking. She’d heard it in other Freeholds she had been a part of.

Sapphires fix on her coffee as she listened, she knew he was right. But she didn’t have to like it.
“I understand what you’re saying, and I know there is truth to what you say. I’ve been told how important it is to make my voice heard time and time again.” Finally her eyes meet his, “Like I said, I support Ingrid in this. She isn’t the type to fly off the handle and spew lies, that just isn’t her.” She shakes her head, that wasn’t her Queen. “That being said, getting involved with politics is risky. I’m finally building something for myself, building a world where I feel comfortable and like I fit in.” a sip was taken, “But you’re right, I can’t keep quiet and hope things go smoothly. There comes a time when we have to stand up and make our voices heard, maybe this is my time.” She shrugs and bites into the cookie again.

Smirking, “Jack Diamond huh? Kinda sounds like a gambler.” She says, the smirk turning into a smile.

“Seems like you have a great start! I’d offer to help you research locations, but I don’t think I’d blend in and might cause more of a problem than anything. Maybe you could have one of the homeless that you really trust help run things during the day. Give them a chance to build some more work experience and feel like they are giving back.”

[Seraphina]

A gentle shake of her head. There was then a far away look in her eyes briefly as her mind seemed to go somewhere else for a moment.

But the moment passes and she appears to refocus.

“That’s right! You’ve talked about Reno before. Ever miss it?” she couldn’t remember ever asking him that. “Tough in non-physical ways? Like emotionally and all that?” summer seemed to control the field on physical toughness. Maybe it was good there were Seasons that were tough in other ways. Like Spring. “Hey, maybe there’s something with that that I can learn from you.”

Beaming, “That’s great! I know they’ll really appreciate it.” People with nothing seem to appreciate the small things more. Like being given a chance to work. “What you are doing is wonderful, and I know you’re going to be successful. But tell me, have you always wanted to do this? Provide shelter and a starting point for others to rebuild their lives?” she was truly curious.

“Cause me? I never thought about owning a coffee shop as something I would do in my life. It just kind of happened. But it’s amazing how something can change your life.”