"Everything with you is complicated." Sophie said it without judgment. "Was it a hockey player? Back wherever you came from?"
Rachel studied her latte, watching the foam heart slowly dissolve. "Yes."
"Did he hurt you?"
"Not... not physically. But yes. He hurt me." Rachel forced herself to meet Sophie's eyes. "And it was public. And humiliating. And I spent six months living in a town where everyone knew about it, where I couldn't go anywhere without people whispering. So I left. I came here to start over where nobody knows my story."
Sophie was quiet for a moment. "Okay. That makes sense. That makes a lot of sense actually." She reached across the table but didn't quite touch Rachel's hand, giving her space. "But Mac isn't whoever that guy was."
"Everyone keeps saying that."
"Because it's probably true. Rachel, I've known Mac since he was a kid. We all grew up here together. He takes care of his dad, even though his dad would never admit he needs it. He tips twenty percent on a two-dollar coffee. He turned down offers from bigger teams because he doesn't want to leave Evergreen Cove. That's who he is."
"Bradseemed like a good guy too. At first." The name slipped out before Rachel could stop it.
"Brad?"
Rachel immediately regretted saying anything. "The hockey player. From before."
"What happened with him?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Rachel's voice came outsharper than intended. "Sophie, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I can't, I'm not ready to talk about it. Not yet. Maybe not ever."
Sophie held up her hands. "Okay. Okay, I'm backing off. I'm sorry."
"You didn't—" Rachel sighed. "You're being a good friend. I'm not... I'm not good at this. At opening up…"
"Well, you said yes to Mac. That's a start."
"I don't know why I said yes." Rachel admitted quietly. "He... he looked so nervous. And he brought me those ridiculous flowers and knocked over the mystery section and I just... said yes before I could stop myself."
Sophie's smile was warm. "That's called instinct. And maybe you should trust it."
"My instincts haven't been great in the past."
"Or maybe they were great and you just dated an asshole who didn't deserve you." Sophie's voice turned firm. "Look, I don't know what Brad did. But I know Mac. And I know you. And I think maybe you should give this a chance."
Rachel laughed despite herself. "You're very convincing."
"I'm very invested in your happiness." Sophie stood up. "Now. What are you wearing tomorrow?"
"I... hadn't thought about it."
"Then we're going shopping. Non-negotiable. That boutique on Oak Street stays open until eight." Sophie grabbed her jacket. "Come on. You need a first date outfit and I need to make sure you don't chicken out between now and tomorrow at two."
"Sophie—"
"Nope. Shopping. Now. Move it, librarian."
Rachel found herself following Sophie out of the café, surprised to find she was actually smiling. Maybe Sophie was right. Maybe it was just one coffee date. Maybe it would be fine.
Or maybe she was making the biggest mistake of her life.
Again.
6
Rachel
