Page 5 of Hot Girls Date Shifters

“But I want a latte.”

I gesture toward the bookshelves.

“I do apologize. The café is unfortunately closed, according to our posted hours. The bookstore is still open, and if you’re thirsty I can ring up any of the bottled water or juices we have in the mini fridge there.”

She scoffs.

“This is unbelievable.”

Another laughs.

“No wonder this place is empty.”

I glance around.

There are like six customers quietly browsing.

Mrs. Devlin from the local bakery—the flagship Bear Claw Bakery, if you can believe it—waves at me from the romantasy section.

I wave back.

“Okay, well, I’m sorry you feel that way.”

The woman rolls her eyes.

“You'll regret this,” she whispers menacingly.

I smile pleasantly.

“I hope you have a lovely evening.”

And I do, as long as it’s anywhere but here.

They huff. Turn dramatically. And march toward the door. The bell jingles violently as they leave.

When it stops vibrating, blessed silence settles over the shop.

A moment later, Mrs. Devlin peeks around a bookshelf. She’s absolutely adorable with shoulder length blonde hair graying at the temples.

“Well, they seemed delightful,” she says sarcastically.

I snort.

“Didn't they?” I ask with a smile.

She is so sweet, and she’s come in the shop almost every week since I opened.

“Some people mistake kindness for weakness.”

She smiles knowingly.

“I've noticed.”

I ring up two romance novels, a bag of Earl Grey tea, and smile when she tells me she'll see me next Tuesday.

After the last customer leaves, I glance toward the darkening sky outside. It’s twenty minutes till close.

You know what? I'm done for the night.