Coffee and Cigarettes and Everything in Between

Karina

Three years later...

"It's a hard no, Ningning." I expressed to the shorter woman trailing behind me as I make my way up the stairs and to the second floor of the café where my office is located.

The café was given to me two years ago by the owner, Mrs. Lee. I insisted on paying for it because I do have the money to spend but she was adamant. Everybody knew that they never had a child and considering their age, it was only fitting that they do get their rest. I guess nobody was shocked anymore when they announced that they'll be giving the shop to me because everyone knew including me, that the old couple favored me the most among their employees. Her only condition was that I come visit her and her husband at least once a week in their home which was only a fifteen minute drive from the shop. But I ended up visiting them three or four times a week and sometimes I bring Ningning along with me.

I did have some second thoughts about accepting her gift since it was too great but she comforted me by saying that it was a decision made by her and her husband. 

With their permission, I renovated the shop and placed a second floor to provide our customers a more intimate place for their meetings and talks. I didn't change the layout or design. In fact I even matched the theme of the upper floor to the main floor to give it a feel of connectedness.

I also put the manager slash owner's office on the second floor to provide more space for the staff lounge downstairs since it was previously a room divided into two. So now, all the employees have extra space to rest and put their stuff in.

Another major addition to the shop was the inclusion of pastries on the menu. Of course there's always been a bread or two on the counter but since Ningning was a great baker, we decided to put up a pastry shop on the other side of town which she manages while I take care of the café. Which is also the main supplier of the pastries here in the shop. So now the menu has expanded, offering a lot of varieties for our customers.

Another great thing that I gained ever since I took over the café was time freedom. I could go wherever I please as long as I take care of necessary things and paperwork (which wasn't too many) before I leave. Since I'm the owner, I already assigned specific roles for my employees like who handles which so the work inside the café is much lighter these days.

"Unnie, come and think of it. This might actually work." Ningning whines again as she closed the door of my office as soon as we entered it.

"We are not putting any liquor on the menu, Ningie. Are you hearing yourself right now?" I asked her as she plopped down on the couch, arms sprawled over like she was exhausted which would be impossible since it was only one in the afternoon.

"It will only be available from nine in the evening to three in the morning. In that way we'll get more customers even though it's the middle of the night." She said as she sat straight right up like it was the best idea ever.

If I'm being honest, her idea wasn't so bad but considering that the renovations have only finished up like five months ago, it would be another workload not just for me but for all of us. There's the adjustment on shifts, workspaces, limited movements and many more. Her idea would have to wait.

"Ningie, it's crazy at the moment." I said to her as I sat on my office chair.

"Then it's perfect! You like crazy!" She retorted back. I shook my head in amusement at her smart clapback. She knows me best.

"Come on unnie. Since the café has been running 24/7 just like before, why not add in something that people like to consume after a hard day at work?" She added on knowing that I'm already considering her ideas. She's one smart kid.

"Easy tiger. We've only finished the changes in here for a while. We all need a break, Ningning."

"And speaking of break, how was yours?" She asked with a smirk as she focus her attention on my left arm which was currently in a sling cast. Her liquor idea suddenly forgotten at the moment.

"It was great." I answered simply with a huge smile on my face.