Learn more about the characters of Urban Coffee, who live and breathe beyond the page. They laugh, stumble, grow, and love in ways that feel real. Every character carries a piece of the story’s soul, and this space brings them to life with visuals, quotes, and reflections from the book. Take your time, scroll slow, and soak in the vibe.
Learn About the Characters of “Urban Coffee”
Malik – The Quiet Builder
Malik, mysteriously charismatic, an introvert by choice… he’s always believed in observing first and speaking with purpose. But when he does speak, people listen.
As co-founder of Nelson Coleman Realty, Malik is a natural-born leader, highly intelligent architect with dreams bigger than his past. His strength, however, is in the way he loves… wholeheartedly, patiently, and without pride.
Malik carries himself with quiet confidence, loyalty, and depth. He’s a loving, dedicated father, driven, and fiercely devoted to the woman of his dreams, Zora, until she tested his love.
Zora – The Nurturer Who Guards Her Heart.
Zora is the calm in the storm… a nurturing spirit with quiet strength who pours love into everything she touches. From her dream of opening a coffee café with her best friend to the way she shows up for the people she loves, Zora is grounded, focused, and deeply loyal.
As a hospital administrator and devoted mother, she carries responsibility with grace. But when it comes to love, Zora protects her heart fiercely. With Malik, that protection slowly turned inward… hurt became distance, and unspoken fears built walls she never meant to raise.
In trying to shield herself from loss, Zora pushed away the one man who loved her with patience and intention, leaving her to face the quiet weight of what love costs when fear speaks louder than trust.
Brayden – The Steady Anchor
Brayden is dependable… the friend who shows up, the father who never wavers, and the man who quietly carries the weight of loyalty on his shoulders.
As co-founder of Nelson Coleman Realty, Brayden is sharp, focused, and built for leadership. Supportive, affectionate, and unwavering, Brayden gave his heart fully to Brooklyn, determined to keep their family grounded.
When their relationship began to fracture, his love never disappeared. It stayed … steady and patient, even as balance slipped away and timing challenged everything he believed love could withstand.
Brooklyn – The Beauty, Learning to Love Herself
Brooklyn is soft-spoken but deeply soulful… a woman with warmth in her spirit and a story still unfolding. She’s a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and the kind of presence that puts people at ease without trying.
Love, however, has asked more of her than she was ready to give. After losing Brayden, Brooklyn begins to understand that loving herself must come first. Not out of bitterness, but growth.
While her dream of opening a coffee café with her best friend continues to guide her forward, it’s her inward journey… toward healing, accountability, and self-worth: that’s shaping the woman she’s becoming.
Devin — The Free Spirit Who Doesn’t Fall Easily
Stylish and self-assured, Devin moves through life with confidence and flair. Love, to her, is a risk she refuses to take, especially when it threatens the tender heart she pretends not to have.
Amina — The Fire That Doesn’t Forget
The youngest of the group, Amina is feisty, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. She loves deeply, protects harder, and doesn’t forgive easily once trust is broken.
Rocco — Learning to Earn Forgiveness
Rocco made mistakes that changed everything. Guided by the right influences and hard lessons, he’s committed to doing the work—proving that growth is possible when accountability comes first.
Heather — The Past That Doesn’t Stay Gone
A childhood bond ties Heather to Malik and Brayden, but her return stirs unease. Familiar, complicated, and not easily placed, she challenges the balance of everything she steps back into.
“From the Pages of Urban Coffee”
“A cool Friday night breeze filled the air. The sounds and sights of restaurants, department stores, game rooms, theaters, and a nearby carnival ride were always part of the experience on the strip of Alpine Boulevard, especially on the weekends. It was the nightlife enjoyed with real friends, family, close-knit coworkers, or a significant other.”
“As the girls neared the sidewalk, Zora suddenly stopped, her gaze fixed into the distance as if she had seen a ghost. They all followed Zora’s gaze, and there, across the street, sat Malik and Brayden, nestled next to the window inside Savory Seafood, accompanied by two women.
Zora’s breathing quickened, and she could feel the anger and pain rise in her chest...”
“Are you okay?” he asked, noticing her silence as he drove through the busy Whole Foods parking lot, searching for the best exit. Brooklyn smiled, nodding her head. “Yeah, I’m okay. Thank you so much for coming with me. I used to love grocery shopping with you.”
Brayden smiled, gently caressing her hand. “Me, too.”
”
“Devin pulled out a bar stool and hopped onto the peninsula, keeping her T-shirt underneath her, positioning herself next to him. Chris desired a deeper connection... “Sometimes, I just want to chill with you—go out to eat, maybe shop, anything besides just... sex. I want to know what’s in here.” he gestured to her head... “What makes you happy or sad, angry? What’s your favorite color? Do you believe in God? ”
“She pulled up to her house around 5:35 p.m. and observed Malik’s car parked in her two-car driveway. Emotions flooded her, as they often did in his presence. He had arrived 10 minutes earlier, wearing a charming smile as he approached Zora’s side of the car and courteously opened the door. “I missed you,” he said.”