I let out a sigh of relief, quickly taking several more gulps.
Who’s out there this morning?The thought pops into my head as I turn to look out the window over the sink, giving me a perfect view of the street in front of Leah’s house.
Every day for the past week, there has been someone out there watching over Leah’s house, keeping her safe. Kane, Linc, and Wyatt have taken the majority of the shifts, but a few other guys from the club have been there, too.
Whenever I’m home, I bring whoever’s out there something to drink or a snack when I can. I’m beyond grateful for everything they’re doing, and it feels like the least I can do.
Leah seems to be staying inside her house for the most part. I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t want to be wandering around either if my abuser was at large. But I’ve seen her bring out some sandwiches to the guys here and there.
Bringing the warm cup to my lips, I take another sip. Wyatt’s the one on duty this morning. Luckily, I already know how to make his coffee.
He likes it with even more creamer than me. His brother, however, is the complete opposite, preferring to drink it black.
The memory of the morning I learned just how Linc takes his coffee floats into my mind.
I can’t believe I ran out here in only a pair of pajama shorts and a hoodie. The morning air is chilly against my exposed skin.
In my defense, I have a good reason to be out here right now.
Hearing my approach, Linc turns in my direction. He eyes me warily as I quickly walk toward him.
“Where are the rest of your clothes?” he asks.
“Inside,” I say, hopping from foot to foot in an attempt to warm up. “Do you take your coffee like your brother does?”
“Fuck no,” Linc says, face pulling into a grimace. “Just black.”
“Boring…”
“Why ruin something that’s already perfect?” he asks, raising his brow.
Maybe I’m still half asleep, but it really feels like he’s talking about something other than coffee now.
I can feel the heat spreading over my cheeks. It’s cold out here. That’s why my cheeks are turning red.
Then, like a total weirdo, I dart back to my house. I swear I hear a faint chuckle carrying through the breeze as I run up the porch steps, but I don’t look back.
I grab a travel mug from the cupboard and start another cup brewing. I should probably buy some disposable cups, but I didn’t think of it while I was at the store picking up things for both me and Leah.
They have all been leaving their empty mugs and glasses on my doorstep whenever they’re done with something, so I guess it doesn’t really matter.
I spin my ring around my thumb, waiting for the coffee maker to finish its thing.Kane.
My mind wanders to the first morning I nervously brought him coffee.
I hesitate at the front door, second-guessing my decision to take Kane some coffee without asking him how he wants it.
I remember how he made his cup on that single morning we spent together in the tiny kitchen in my old house. Black with a splash of milk.
If he doesn’t like it, who cares? He doesn’t have to drink it if he doesn’t want to.
With the mug in hand, I march out to where he is sitting on the sidewalk beside his motorcycle. It’s the same one I saw parked in front of Benny’s all those years ago. I guess some things never change.
I take a seat beside him, handing over the caffeinated peace offering.
“Thank you,” he says, taking a hearty sip. He stands with the cup still pressed to his lips. His eyes roam over to me. “You remembered.”
He says it as fact, not a question.
