That’s why I’m up far too early. I’m headed to the Stick Taps property to start on all the renovations Noah has planned for the wedding.
When I insisted that I help him, I didn’t anticipate him texting me last night with instructions to arrive at 5:30 a.m. I heard rumors that time existed in the morning, but I’ve never seen it before. Sleeping until nine or ten is a luxury I’ve afforded myself since starting my business, and I’ve taken advantage of that as often as I can.
Kai slides my coffee over to me first—bless him—and I immediately pull the latte to my lips, sipping the steaming-hot drink. I don’t care that it burns. The caffeine fix is worth it.
The light inside Artfully Yours across the street flicks on, drawing my attention, and I can say with certainty that I had no idea the pottery shop opened this early. Actually, I had no idea the coffee shop did either. I just drove here on autopilot and was pleasantly surprised to find the doors unlocked.
“Kai?”
He pops his head out from around the corner. “Yes?”
“Do you always open this early?”
He chuckles. “Technically, we don’t open until six, but you looked desperate, so I didn’t say anything.”
“What? You’re not even open yet?!”
He shakes his head. “Not until six.”
“Kai! I ... wh-what ...” I sputter. “Why did you let me in?”
He shrugs. “Told you. You looked in serious need of a coffee. And, honestly, a little scary. No offense.”
“None taken.” I’m sure Idolook scary. I’m not even sure if I put on underwear. That’s how tired I was when I rolled out of bed. “And thank you. You didn’t have to let me in. You could have told me to get lost.”
“Could have, but I have a soft spot for my favorites.” He shoots me a wink. “Your bagel is almost done. I’ll go grab the cream cheese from the back. To go, right?”
I nod, then pull my phone from my purse to check the time because the last thing I want is to be late, especially since I insisted on being included in this.
I ignore the email from my landlord—a reminder that rent is due, I’m sure—and go right to the waiting text message.
What psychopath is even up at this hour?
Oh, right. The one who set this date.
Noah:Are you on your way?
Noah:Because you’d better be on your way, Odie.
My fingers fly over the screen.
Me:you are SO damn bossy
Me:yes
Me:OMW
Me:coffee first
Noah:You stopped for coffee? Are you planning to break every law on the way here?
Noah:What does OMW mean?
I chuckle. Of course he doesn’t know shorthand text. Sometimes I forget the large age gap between us and that we don’t have what is basically a secret language like me and Izzy. We can text each other a single letter and know what the other means. It’s weird.
Me:on my way
Me:&& not all laws, just some
