I knew as soon as I opened my door that today would be a longer day. Cafe mode was back. The gorgeous, long table was back near the window, along with the benches. The smaller wooden tables were scattered about and it all made me smile. While the Cat didn't appreciate the business of these days, I liked them. Mostly.

Figuring out what we were meant to do was frustrating, but it was a delightful change of pace. The hanging plants in the window looked happy, and I moved with a small jump in my step. Indigo didn't stir as I closed the door behind me. Whatever growth spurt she was experiencing, it was a long one. Hopefully, not too much longer. I missed her.

First coffee, then breakfast.

The Cat jumped up on the counter as I approached. "We have trouble again today."

"It will be fine," I said with a smile. "What sounds good today?"

"Something highly caffeinated."

I chuckled and made him a simple latte with an extra shot of espresso. I went with something cold. Last time it'd warmed up in the shop, and something cooler felt right. Espresso, some cold cream and a little brown sugar. Sweet, caffeinated, and milky. I popped a straw in it, but as I turned toward the kitchen one of the cake stands caught my eye.

"Is that coffee cake?" I moved closer.

The Cat nodded after finishing his drink.

"What do you say to some coffee cake for breakfast?" I asked with a grin, though I pulled the lid off without waiting for a reply. I pulled out two slices of the giant treat and set them on little plates. "I'll warm them up in the kitchen. Wait here…"

It only took a few minutes before I returned, sat down on my stool, and placed the Cat's treat in front of him. I used a fork and took little slivers of the cake to enjoy every moment. Coffee cake was a favorite, especially if I didn't need to bake it.

"We have to be running low on baked goods at this point," I mumbled between bites.

"Maybe, though a long time ago one of the shopkeepers baked."

I turned and looked at the Cat. "Really? So you're telling me there is a stockpile of outstanding baked goods hidden by magic?"

The Cat didn't answer, just took another bite of the coffee cake.

This coffee cake was perfect, cinnamony and sweet, but fluffy. The crumble on top wasn't too crunchy, which I knew from experience was difficult to get right. I took my sweet time with the treat, taking small bites, but eventually I reached the end.

I cleaned up my plate, along with the Cat's, and sat back down on my stool.

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"Are you ready?" asked the Cat.

"Are you?"

The Cat huffed. "You do all the work on these days."

"Any hints for today's task?"

"None, just that we are helping people connect. Whatever that means."

"Let's do this then."

The lock on the door snapped open as I took a sip of my cold coffee. My eyes drifted back over to the cake stand of coffee cake.

I didn't need another piece, but I really really wanted one.

The bells on the back of the door rang as it opened.

"Good Morning, welcome to Meow."

A familiar face walked inside with a nervous smile. It was the same troll as before. He was dressed the same, in a linen button up and jeans, though It looked like his horns were polished this time. I didn't really have a lot of experience with trolls, though, so I couldn't be sure. He headed directly to the counter and held out the rewards card.

"Can I please get an Americano?"

"Of course," I said, getting started with a big dark slate mug for him. "Any treats?"

"Not yet, maybe later." He glanced toward the door, then turned back toward me.

This time I had a chance to ring him up before the door opened again. He hastened to claim the big table after I stamped his card. He had a free drink coming soon.

A group of five elves came in, though they weren't the same as Liluth. The Cat sat down next to the register with a huff. The ears were the biggest difference; they weren't as long. Not to mention they didn't have the same feel, though I couldn't really describe it. They ordered a bunch of drinks to go, and I quickly got to work as the door jangled again.

The rush didn't let up, though most folks got drinks to go. Though I recognized one shifter from last time, he didn't stick around. The two Elven girls came back with a friend, and they stayed put with books all around them. Economics. Somehow, no matter the world you were on, the concepts were the same. The whispers from their table revolved around passing the class and figuring out what they wanted to study.

Once things calmed down, the troll approached for a refill.

"No study group today?" I asked as I pulled the espresso.

"I got an early start. I wanted to finish up my reading for a different class." He glanced toward the door again. "Though, they should be here soon."

The door opened, and another troll walked in. This time it was clearly a woman. Her long dark brown hair was brushed back, and her horns were a little smaller. Dark brown eyes searched the space until they landed on the troll at the counter.

"There she is…"

I nodded to myself with a small smile. Young love was clear as day. I glanced at the Cat but he just napped on the counter.

The lady troll headed to the counter.

"Samantha, can I get you anything?" he asked her.

"Something warm, and maybe sweet…" she looked uncertain.

He turned toward me with panic.

"Do you like vanilla?" I asked with a smile.

She nodded.

"I have just the thing." It didn't take long for me to make a simple vanilla latte in a bright blue mug next to the Americano. "Here you guys go."

I grabbed the rewards card from him. "You're all set."

He opened his mouth, but then snapped it shut before picking up both drinks and leading her over to a table. For a split second, a gold outline shimmered around them both, then vanished.

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