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"Glenn!" I screamed as soon as I walked into our house. The clanging of pots and pans was coming from the kitchen. How did I get so lucky to be married to a hard-working and sweet man who loved to cook? If he was not brewing delicious coffee that tastes out of this world, he would be trying out some recipes for his soon-to-be-released cookbook.
He grumbled. "Glenn?" I called again, stepped into the kitchen and hopped on his back, hugging him from behind.
"Seems you had an exciting day," he remarked before turning into my embrace. I kissed him and grinned.
"You wouldn't believe who I met today," I said.
"Tell me," he replied and started to open the cupboards to prepare dinner. I was almost out of breath from excitement.
"Stella said that I should stop by her café to pick up some fabrics for a dress. When I got there, she was serving Tim Hortons, Howard Schultz and Trish Rothgeb!"
I paused to watch Glenn's face as the news sank in. He frowned at me. "Are you sure?"
I rolled my eyes at him, eliciting a grin. I grinned back. "Certainly! Stella was dumbfounded that I had to assist her in serving them."
"They must be in town for some important coffee meeting."
"They are here for a few days to see the Governor and attend some coffee function. You know what? I invited them—"
Glenn dropped a pot on the kitchen counter. "Invited them to where? Not here, I hope!"
I laughed. Glenn was an introvert and did not enjoy meeting new people. "Calm down, love. I invited him to your birthday party. Surprise!"
The kitchen was quiet for a moment. Glenn gazed at me for a long moment. "Say something," I nudged.
He shook his head. "They won't come," he said with finality and pulled out a pack of spaghetti to cook.
Glenn worked hard to start his café, Café LiBrew, which was steadily growing and becoming popular due to his special brewing method. It was almost his fortieth birthday on February 13th and I promised him a bash.
I wondered whether Tim Horton, the founder of one of the largest coffee chains in the world, Howard Schultz, the interim CEO of Starbucks and Trish Rothgeb, the founder of Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters in San Francisco would honour their promise to attend the party of a rising coffee connoisseur.
I didn't push the matter to avoid raising his expectations.
It was a beautiful and cool evening as Glenn and I arrived at a lovely outdoor garden surrounded by lush green trees, the venue of my husband's birthday bash. Forty years was a milestone so I took extra care in the planning. And also because I hoped the coffee dignitaries would grace the occasion.
The garden was decorated with twinkling string lights that glowed, giving off a warm and cosy atmosphere. Soft, rhythm and blues songs played in the background, adding to the romantic atmosphere since it was almost Valentine's Day. The party was also a celebration of our love.
I discussed with the chef that I wanted a delicious coffee-inspired feast. He ensured that the appetisers, the main course meals and desserts were flavoured with coffee. The menu included coffee-rubbed steak, coffee-infused salmon, and a decadent coffee and chocolate cake for dessert.
As guests arrived, waiters served them steaming fresh coffee brewed by Glenn in fine porcelain mugs.
"What do you think?" I asked. Glenn closed his eyes for a moment and groaned. He opened an eye and peeked at me. "You know I'm shy," he said.
A small commotion by the entrance to the garden revealed that a black Rolls Royce had just arrived. My heart began to race at this point. Glenn was in a deep discussion with a friend and did not notice.
As the driver opened the passenger door, Tim Horton, Howard Schultz and Trish Rothgeb stepped out and walked into the garden.
"Glenn!" I whispered in excitement. "They are here."
Glenn could not believe his eyes. He dusted imaginary specks off his tuxedo, gripped my small hand in his and walked towards them. I beamed at my husband with pride. Though shy around people, Glenn carried himself with pride.
The coffee dignitaries were treated to Café LiBrew's signature coffee. As guests sat around their tables, sipping coffee and savouring the delicious coffee-flavoured meals, we engaged in lively conversation as the music flowed. Our guests shared their thoughts on the current state of the coffee industry and debated the best coffee-growing regions in the world. Glenn and I engaged them on the impact of climate change on coffee production. The party was lively and he enjoyed himself.
Tim Horton and Howard Schultz took turns to regale us with tales of their travels to coffee farms in South America and Africa, the production of the finest beans and how it impacted their business.
Another guest, a café owner, shared his secret for making the perfect latte and demonstrated his skills by whipping up a delicious batch in honour of Glenn. The applause that followed was resounding. The coffee dignitaries were impressed.
Thereafter the chef brought out a big coffee-flavoured birthday cake and we cheered as Glenn blew out the candles.
I made a short speech thanking everyone, especially the coffee dignitaries, for their presence. Friendships begin at a moment we do not expect. Their presence was a gift to my husband and me.
Small souvenir bags were handed out as guests left. The evening was a perfect blend of delicious food, great company, and the love of coffee.
Glenn whispered that he was scheduled to hold a meeting with the coffee dignitaries the following week on starting a chain of Café LiBrew. I was simply happy.
I think our coffeelicious adventure is just beginning.
