I shook my head, blaming the damn interview I saw on TV for me thinking about Brooks Madsen. My too-intense fling from two years ago wouldn’t be here at Fiona’s engagement party, right?
2
Brooks
Interviews weren’tmy favorite thing, but I didn’t mind them when they weren’t with some jaded reporter digging for a viral soundbite. This one? A student journalist for the local university paper. Low stakes. Plus, she let me pick the time and place—Ned’s Café.
I hadn’t stepped through these doors in years, but the moment I did, it was like nothing had changed. The same worn-out bell jingled overhead, the air thick with the scent of fresh coffee and sugar-dusted pastries. A wave of nostalgia hit me, warm and familiar, like an old song I hadn’t heard in a while. My stomach rumbled at the scent of cinnamon rolls, but I hadn’t come here just to eat.
The girl at the register—young, fresh-faced, probably a college kid—froze when she saw me.
“H-hello,” she stammered, eyes wide. “Can I help you?”
“Morning.” I scanned the café, looking past her for a familiar face. “Is Ned here?”
She nodded toward the back office but didn’t take her eyes off me. “You’re…Brooks Madsen.”
I gave her an easy smile. “That’s me.”
She blinked too fast. “You used to work here? Like, this café?”
“Back in the day.” I leaned on the counter, dropping my voice playfully. “Still the best job I ever had.”
Her mouth parted in shock like I’d just told her I’d discovered fire. “Wow.”
I chuckled as I went to the back and knocked on the office door. Heavy footsteps shuffled closer before it swung open, revealing Ned Olsen—grayer, grumpier, and still built like a brick wall.
“Brooks Madsen, you still got the same ugly mug.”
I grinned. “And you still look like a fossil.”
The old man barked out a laugh before pulling me into a quick, solid hug, clapping me on the back. It felt…good. I hadn’t realized how much I missed this place until now.
“Heard you got traded back to Phoenix,” he said, shaking his head. “Bet your mom’s thrilled.”
A punch to the gut.
I forced my expression to stay light. “Yeah. She is.”
Ned didn’t push. He just nodded, understanding lingering in his sharp old eyes. “Clarissa’s gonna be pissed she missed you.”
“How’s she doing?”
“Still keeps me in line. Hip’s been giving her hell, but she’ll survive.” He motioned toward the café. “So, you here to eat? Or are you finally begging for your old job back?”
I laughed, the tension in my chest easing. “If I get bored in the offseason, this is the first place I’ll come.”
“You better. If I hear you slumming it somewhere else, we’re gonna have a problem.” Ned smirked, but then his face softened. “Damn good to see you, kid.”
“You too, old man.”
A flash of light pulled my attention over my shoulder. I turned just in time to catch Ashley guiltily lowering her phone.
“S-sorry,” she stammered, her face flushing. “I just— I wanted to tell my friends?—”
Ned’s expression darkened. “No phones on the clock. Delete it. Now.”
Her fingers trembled over the screen. “It’s… already sent.” She winced. “I can’t undo it.”
