The Coffee Is On-Come Meet Us
Every cafe has that one table where someone settles in and stays longer than planned. At Warm Coffee Cafe & Books, I suspect that someone might be me—even though I’m supposed to be working.
Welcome to the first post in Cafe Life! This is where I’ll share scenes from the fictional shop I’m creating for my new novel, Warm Coffee Cafe and Books. Through little stories and AI-created images, you’ll get acquainted with the people behind the counter and the friendships taking shape between cups of coffee.
I’ve even written myself into the book. My character is twenty-seven, running the shop alongside a group of friends who will surely have something to say about how I run things. Brooklyn Hayes is my close friend, Naomi Ellis and Adrian Cole are our baristas, Miles Bennett helps around the cafe, and Calvin Rhodes handles the kitchen. You’ll meet each of them as we go.
For our first visit, imagine a Saturday morning. The coffee is brewing, pastries are waiting in the display, and someone has already found a novel they hadn’t planned to buy. Brooklyn and I are supposed to be discussing work, but the conversation keeps wandering. Meanwhile, a customer near the bookshelf says, “I’m just looking.”
We all know how that ends.
That’s the kind of fun I want to have here: everyday moments, friendly teasing, new connections, and the pleasure of having somewhere comfortable to spend a little time. Some days we’ll be busy in the shop. Other days, you might find us enjoying a cozy gathering after work.
I’m looking forward to discovering this place as I write—and inviting you along.
If you walked through our door this morning, would you head for the coffee counter or the bookshelves first?
—Tamikio L. Dooley
