I watch anger flash across his features—not at me, but for me.
Owen’s expression changes to one of determination. “No. You’re not giving up.”
“What choice do I have? I can’t compete with free coffee and a million-dollar marketing budget.”
“You can. Because I’ve been working on something.” He pulls out his phone. “Jake? It’s Owen. Is Izzy available tomorrow afternoon?”
I stare at him. “What are you doing?”
“Fighting for you.” He covers the phone. “Izzy. She’s Jake’s fiancée, and she’s been planning a surprise visit to your shop. We’ve been coordinating it all week.”
“You...what?” My legs feel weak. My head feels like it’s about to explode. Did Owen just say what I think he said? “You know Izzy? Izzy-the-pop-star Izzy?”
“I’ve only met her a couple of times, but yes. She’s back in town for a week or two, and she agreed to stop by and post on Instagram or whatever you need.” His eyes are fierce, and all my anger melts away. “You go deal with Daily Brew. I’ll come by when I have more details.”
There might be a chance—for Daily Brew and for a future with Owen.
I’m restockingpastries when the door chimes. I look up and nearly drop the tray.
Owen walks in with Izzy, her signature dark hair pulled back in a casual ponytail, dressed in jeans and an oversized sweater. She looks around the shop with genuine interest, not like someone doing a favor, but like someone who actually wants to be here.
“Vivian,” Owen says, and there’s something in his voice–pride mixed with nervousness. “This is Izzy. Izzy, this is Vivian.”
“Oh my God,” Mika breathes from behind the espresso machine. “Is that… I must be dreaming!”
Izzy laughs warmly and extends her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you! Owen’s been telling me about your shop. He says you make the best coffee in the city.”
I look at Owen, who’s watching me with an uncertain expression.
“I’ve been working on this,” he admits quietly. “I wanted to help, but I didn’t want to promise something I couldn’t deliver.”
My heart does something complicated in my chest. While I thought he’d abandoned me, he remembered what I said about Izzy and went out of his way to support Daily Brew and me, even when I thought he’d ghosted me forever.
“Your shop is gorgeous,” Izzy says, pulling out her phone. “Do you mind if I take some photos? I’m always looking for great local spots to share with my followers.”
“Of course,” I manage, still trying to process that Izzy is in my coffee shop.
“What’s your signature drink?” Izzy asks, studying the menu board.
“The lavender honey latte,” Mika pipes up before I can respond. “It’s incredible. Vivian spent ages perfecting the recipe.”
“Perfect. I’ll take one of those.” Izzy grins at me. “And whatever pastry you recommend.”
My hands are steadier than I expected as I craft the latte, hyper-aware of Owen watching me intensely. When I slide the drink across the counter along with one of our almond croissants, Izzy takes a photo of both.
She takes a sip, and her eyes widen. “Holy shit.” She covers her mouth. “Sorry, I swear when I’m excited. But seriously, this is amazing.”
She starts typing on her phone, then shows me the screen. “How’s this? ‘I love coming to Daily Brew to have some of their amazing coffee and delicious pastries. It’s where you’ll find me whenever I’m in town!’ And I’ll tag your location.”
“That’s...that’s amazing. Thank you so much!” I whisper.
“Can I get a photo with you behind the counter?” Izzy asks. “My followers love seeing the people behind the places I recommend.”
I move around the counter in a daze. Mika takes the photo–Izzy and me, both holding lattes, with the Daily Brew logo visible behind us.
“Posted,” Izzy announces, then turns to me with a thoughtful expression. “Actually, I have another idea if you’re interested. I’ve been wanting to do more intimate acoustic sets, connect with fans in smaller spaces. Would you be open to me doing a pop-up concert here this weekend? Nothing huge, maybe an hour, just me and a guitar. We could promote it as a thank-you to the neighborhood.”
My brain short-circuits. “You want to...here?”
