Books & Brunch Novels & Stories

“Pearl, go ahead and book this chair every Saturday morning from today until the end of time. And about two weeks after. God, Helen, you are a genius.” “I wouldn’t go that far.” Helen laughed as she held her matching nails next to the other woman’s. “Whatever.” Bunny laughed. “We have to show off our nails. Let’s do brunch.” Bunny told Helen to keep her gift certificate, today was on her. Bunny then drove them over to have brunch at a little café just off the square where they sat near the fireplace. Bunny recommended the English breakfast and Helen was amazed at the amount of food placed in front of them.

And the time needed meant eighteen-hour days with two different employers and working on ideas for my little slice of the pie. But the combination cozy bistro and book shop was all mine. Bottega's Bistro and Books had a catchy ring, at least in my opinion. "I'm so glad. How's everything going? Wait, before you tell me. Take a look at that hottie over there. Isn't he something special?" Emily leaned further over the table, licking her lips as she gazed at the other side of the café.

It’s quick, ravaging, hungry, and leaves me feeling dizzier than Jaxon’s spin. But I won’t have it any other way. Here and happy with the three of them is the only place I want to be. “Now that you’ve all gotten a taste of me, can we please go to brunch? I booked the reservation for 1pm, and I do hope you three are starving as much as I am.” “You bet.” Jaxon replies, and Ronan shakes his head, a faint smile plastered on his face as we walk out of Malachi’s office.

I hopped onto the counter, my bare thighs sticking to the granite, and watched him crack eggs into a pan, the sizzle filling the air. “Boyfriend points, you say?” he said, flipping an egg, his back muscles flexing. “What do I get for making breakfast? I think scrambled eggs deserve a reward too.” His tone was teasing, but his glance was pure heat, and I felt my pussy stir, remembering last night. I laughed, setting my mug down. “Keep cooking, and we’ll negotiate later. But we’ve got brunch with Brenda and Jason at eleven, so don’t burn those eggs. I’m not showing up to the café smelling like smoke.” I joked.

I teased. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “It means that our second date is going to be brunch. An amazing brunch, filled with coffee and sausage and pancakes. Followed by a local tour of the pack library, curated by a close friend. And then possibly a walk along the pier. With absolutely no pressure in the world but to enjoy the pleasure of your company. And then I’d offer to take you to lunch as well because you’d be ravenous after all that walking, but you’d politely decline; whether to be coy or polite I wouldn’t know, but you’d confirm that you’d be available for dinner the following weekend.”

"No, of course not. You just have to say that you quit your job as a librarian to start your own business." "What business?" "You said you would like to open a book cafe, didn't you?" "Oh, of course that would make sense. How did we meet again?" "We met while at the library, I was a frequent visitor and we started talking until I asked you out," Enrique replied. "Alright. I have no idea why I'm so nervous," Grace said. Enrique took her hand in his and held it tightly. "You will be fine, it's just a brunch. We will be there for about three hours at most and afterwards, we could make up an excuse to leave before everyone else."

The brunch was meant to be a peaceful one. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass panels above, splashing vibrant patterns across the marble floor of Councillor Hadrian’s grand greenhouse. Exotic flowers in full bloom filled the air with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Crystal glasses clinked softly as the guests sipped their drinks. The long white-clothed table was lined with fine silverware and golden platters bearing sliced fruits, buttery pastries, and steaming herbal teas.

Now, they were just scents. *** The next morning, Declan came to pick up Elise and me for brunch. The restaurant was a popular French brunch spot that always had a line out the door. On weekends, getting a table at the last minute was almost impossible. The place was packed from ten onward, especially around the window seats. Outside, plenty of young people were taking photos with their phones. Elise ordered enough food to fill the table, from truffle scrambled eggs to French toast, and finally added dessert.

Emiliana I stared at my avocado and toast in front of me, my fork playing piggy in the middle with the thick chunks. Nausea had wiped me and saturated all of my energy. I couldn’t think of anything worse than finishing my breakfast. “You don’t have to finish it.” Luciano waved his fork in the air as he wiped his face with the napkin. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners as his smile travelled across the table.

“I would love that. Brunch first, then some shopping. Just us girls.” Ivan winked. “Good. Dante needs to stop hovering anyway. Go enjoy yourselves.” Two hours later, Betty and I sat at a beautiful outdoor table at one of my favorite brunch spots overlooking the river. The sun was gentle, the air crisp but pleasant. We had already ordered avocado toast, fresh fruit platters, and mimosas for her while I stuck to sparkling juice. Betty looked radiant in a simple cream sweater, her curly hair catching the light. “This city is stunning,” she said between bites. “And the food? Incredible. Ivan wasn’t exaggerating.”