Chapter 382 Reluctant to Leave 2
Bella kept teasing Anna, "I really like him! But seriously, spare me the details. My ears can't handle it. Save some of that sweetness for yourself and Colin. I don't want to be the third wheel."
Anna giggled mischievously, clearly not ready to drop the subject. She nudged Bella and whispered, "Oh, come on, I have to tell you! It's just us on this quiet street, no one's around to hear. Let's see if your ears can really get dirty! So, how was it with Sterling? He's so handsome, you probably couldn't resist just looking at his face, right?"
Bella was both amused and exasperated by Anna's words. She quickly waved her hands to stop her. "Anna, stop it! You can't just talk about stuff like that!"
"Why not? It's late, and no one's here," Anna said with a sly grin.
Bella couldn't help but picture Sterling in bed, and her cheeks turned bright red, as if on fire. "Enough, Anna! I've known him since we were kids. I'm so used to his face, it's not like what you're saying."
With that, Bella turned and chased after Anna. The two of them ran down the quiet street, their laughter breaking the silence of the night. They ran and played, just like they did during their carefree college days.
Eventually, they both stopped, out of breath, and looked at each other, smiling.
"See, we're the best example," Anna said, holding Bella's hand. "There's nothing we can't talk about, no secrets we can't share. We can swap clothes and even share a bed. That's what true friendship is, right?"
Bella nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. She didn't want Anna to leave, but she couldn't say it. She knew that if she asked Anna to stay, Anna would.
But how could she be so selfish? They both wanted the best for each other, and Anna's happiness meant the world to her.
Bella would only wish Anna well and never be an obstacle in her path.
As their figures faded into the distance, their laughter and memories lingered in the night air.
This friendship would carry them through every season, becoming an essential part of their lives.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, falling on Anna's bed. She slowly opened her eyes, her mind still filled with the laughter from the night before with Bella.
But when she remembered that Colin and Gia had already returned to Harborvale, a sense of longing washed over her.
She recalled her promise to Colin the night before, that he would come back for her in two weeks. So, she only had two weeks left here.
The next day, Anna returned to the shop and decided to personally teach Serafina how to make drinks and coffee.
For Serafina, this was a rare opportunity. The pay for making drinks was higher than for deliveries, and she had a strong interest in it.
"Serafina, these are the basic steps to make a latte," Anna said, standing behind the counter, patiently guiding Serafina. She demonstrated each step, explaining the key points and things to watch out for.
Serafina listened intently, her eyes fixed on Anna's every move. She quickly grasped the basics and started making her own lattes.
"I did it!" Serafina exclaimed excitedly when she successfully made a rich, creamy latte. Anna smiled at her, full of admiration.
Besides making drinks, Serafina also handled some odd jobs around the shop. Though the work was tough, she never complained.
She knew that the two salaries were enough to support her and her grandfather in this affordable city.
News of Anna's impending departure spread quickly through the shop, casting a slight gloom over the once lively atmosphere.
Lily's sudden departure had already unsettled everyone, and now with Anna, one of the owners, leaving too, Isadora and the other employees couldn't help but worry about their future.
"Bella, you're not leaving too, are you?" Isadora finally asked Bella during a break, her eyes filled with anxiety.
Bella paused her work and looked at Isadora, a complex emotion in her eyes. She understood their concerns. In these uncertain times, a stable job was crucial for everyone.
"Isadora, don't worry," Bella said gently, trying to reassure them. "I'm not leaving. This shop is our shared effort, and I'll do everything I can to keep it running."
Hearing Bella's promise, Isadora and the others felt a bit relieved. They knew Anna's departure was for a significant reason and couldn't be helped.
"That's good. I was worried that if you all left, the shop wouldn't survive, and we'd all be out of jobs," Isadora said, still concerned.
Anna felt a mix of emotions hearing Isadora and the others. She sighed softly, trying to ease the pressure.
"Don't think that way. I feel like I'm causing trouble for everyone," Anna said, setting down the dishes, her eyes showing a hint of guilt. "I really don't want to leave you all."
Isadora quickly handed Anna a piece of meat, her smile warm and sincere. "Anna, don't think like that. We're not blaming you. We're happy for you. You've found your happiness, and that's what we all want to see. Plus, just because you're leaving doesn't mean we won't stay in touch."
The other employees nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere began to lighten.
"Yes, Anna, go chase your happiness. Don't worry about us," said an employee who was close to Anna.
Anna listened to their comforting words, understanding that her friends genuinely wished her well and weren't blaming her.
"Thank you all, you're the best," Anna said, her eyes slightly red.
No one would blame someone for pursuing happiness.
Around one in the afternoon, sunlight slanted through the half-drawn curtains, casting a warm glow in the quiet, almost empty shop. It was the slowest time of the day.
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