Two hundred and twelve miles from Boston, Laura Evans had hoped crushing disappointment wouldn’t follow her. It had, but the morning whirlwind at the Silver Springs General Store café was an excellent distraction. Cutlery clinked, the espresso machine hissed, and customers chatted while the August humidity hung in the air, even as ceiling fans whirled overhead. Starting as the café manager in summer perhaps hadn’t been the best idea, but she had fall to look forward to.

“Macchiato for Shelly!” Eli Carter, her colleague and the café’s resident barista, said. 

“Are you out of those delicious scones?” a middle-aged woman asked. 

“Not at all! You’re in luck,” Laura said. “Layla delivered a fresh batch just this morning.”

Layla Ahmed, owner of Red Trillium Bakery next door, supplied the café’s pastries and baked goods. On Laura’s first day, a week ago, she’d tasted Layla’s baking and understood what the fuss was about.

“Do you know if Layla’s making those special herb and cheese scones for the Summer Cheese Festival?” the woman from before asked, leaning over the counter.

“Since this is my first festival, I’m not sure, but I’d be happy to find out for you!” Laura said.

“You’re going to love it!” the woman said. “You must attend the Cheese Trivia. It’s so much fun!”

Laura nodded with a smile and handed over the woman’s to-go order.

The annual Summer Cheese Festival looming in less than two weeks had stirred the town into a frenzy. Everyone had spilled into the café with questions and the latest gossip. Everywhere she looked, someone needed something. A question answered, an order clarified, a hand lent. 

“It seems I’ve wiped out the clean mug supply,” Eli said, sidling up to the sink with an armful of dirty dishes. Today’s shirt—always a shade of green—contrasted well with his dark-brown skin. 

“Leave it with me,” Laura said, pivoting and pushing up her sleeves. “I’m on it.”

It was good, being part of a team again.