It had taken much longer than she thought at the station, and despite having a cup there, she desperately needed a good cup of coffee. Police station joe was not cutting it. Still so new to Easthaven, she took out her phone and looked for a coffee shop. One popped up in Upper Fens, and she got excited at the idea of exploring what would be her new stomping ground. Tightening the straps of her bag, she headed for the subway.
Fifteen minutes later, she walked into The Inkpot. The smell of the coffee consumed her, and she inhaled deeply. The shop was quaint, with large windows and small tables scattered about. It doubled as a bookstore, and Hailey fell instantly in love with its charm.
Hailey approached the counter, where a barista with a friendly smile greeted her. "Welcome to The Inkpot! What can I get for you today?"
"I'll have a large Americano, black, please," Hailey replied, glancing around the cozy space. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with an eclectic mix of titles. She noticed a group of people in the corner, engrossed in a lively discussion about a book.
As she waited for her drink, Hailey felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. This place, with its inviting atmosphere, seemed like the perfect spot to unwind after her shifts. The barista handed her the coffee. "That'll be $4.60, please." Okay, so maybe she wouldn't come here every day, she thought. She paid and took her coffee to a small table by the window, maneuvering around occupied tables.
Hailey pulled out her phone and started browsing through the latest news, but she kept looking up and taking in the scene. She observed the people in the shop and the ones passing by on the sidewalk outside. She wondered what challenges and adventures awaited her in Upper Fens. For now, she was content to enjoy her coffee and the cozy ambiance of The Inkpot, knowing that this was just the beginning of her journey in Easthaven.