“Yes, because you never had a significant other in high school.” My cousin rolled her eyes, as my mom chuckled.
“I want to hear all about your trip, because apparently you left a few details out, but we won’t keep you. You make your decision, Leif. But if you are asking for advice?—”
“I am,” I blurted.
Mom let out a long breath, her gaze meeting mine. “Then I would go. Even if it’s to say goodbye. Because I wouldn’t want to leave her waiting. Nor would I want to leave that open, especially when you’re just finding out who you are.”
I cleared my throat and nodded a thanks before I hugged them both. I wasn’t sure what else I was supposed to say.
Lake hooked her arm with my mom’s, and they walked down the street towards the bookshop, that happened to be on the same street as Taboo. But thanks to the curve, they wouldn’t be able to see me. Yes, I would be next door to Montgomery Ink—the tattoo shop that my aunt and father owned—but they would be my escape if I needed.
I was going to go. I had to.
Even if it was to say goodbye, I needed to see Brooke.
There was a reason we had met in Paris.
And I was ready. I had to face my future. Or at least begin to search for it.
Determined, I made my way down the street, and towards Taboo. Heart racing, I opened the door and searched for the brunette with kind eyes, killer curves, and the woman who held my heart.
My stomach clenched as I realized the place was nearly empty since it wasn’t a peak time, and I couldn’t see her. I looked down at my phone. I was still a couple of minutes early.
“Hello Leif,” Hailey said as she came towards me. The knockout blonde moved forward, and I hugged her tightly. She was practically an aunt to me, since she was best friends with my mom and married to one of the tattoo artists next door.
“Hey there Hailey. Has anybody been in here looking for me?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“I don’t think so. I can ask the team though. Can I get you something?”
“A nice latte with whatever flavoring you think I need?”
Hailey patted my chest and nodded. “I know exactly what I can get you.” She gave me a searching glance but didn’t ask questions. Instead, she moved to the back, and I took a seat in a booth so I could look at the door, waiting.
Hailey had a knack for figuring out exactly what people needed when it came to drinks and food. She was amazing at finding the perfect thing that somebody needed when they were having a terrible day, or worse. She found the uplifting flavor, and the one that comforted you. Or something to change your outlook. She always knew what we were craving without us saying anything. It was a little unnatural. So when she set down a lavender honey iced latte, I laughed.
“Perfect,” I whispered barely.
“I figured.” She squeezed my shoulder. “Nobody’s been in to ask for you, but I’ll keep an eye out.”
My body tensed in disappointment. “Thanks, Hailey.”
“You know, I remember meeting you all those years ago next door when you were sitting on that stool, and Austin went over to get something for you to eat. I can’t believe you’re all grown and just came back from Paris.”
“And you look the same as ever.” And I wasn’t lying. Hailey was gorgeous and I’d had a crush on her when I was a little kid. Not that I had told her. Though she had known.
“You are a darling boy, and I am going to take what you said to heart. Now I have to get back to work, but you let me know if you need anything.”
“Of course. I will.”
I took a sip of one of the most amazing lattes that I’d ever had that tasted of Paris, and of a home that wasn’t home. Then I sat at the table, gaze glued to the door, and waited.
And waited.
And when Brooke didn’t show, I swallowed the last of my coffee, wondering why it tasted bitter now, and got up from the booth. Hailey and the others didn’t say a word, though I saw the worried glances on their faces.
Brooke hadn’t come. She had decided we weren’t enough, or perhaps I wasn’t enough.
Or maybe, just maybe, it was too hard to say goodbye. She had a whole life in front of her in California. A life that didn’t include me.
