Coffee and Panic

Cressida POV

The sharp, acrid sting of commercial window cleaner assaulted my nose the exact second I pushed the heavy glass door open. The familiar little bell mounted above the frame let out a cheerful jingle, announcing my arrival to the small, cozy space of the cafe. The scent of roasted coffee beans fought a losing battle against the harsh lemon-scented chemicals.

Eli stood at the front of