"Nothing happened. He ordered coffee. I made coffee. He left."
"Jess said there were sparks."
"Jess is delusional."
"Am not!" Jess shouts from across the shop.
Emily ignores her. "Chloe. Honey. You've had a crush on this man for months. When are you going to actually do something about it?"
"Never, because he's not interested."
"How do you know?"
"Because men like him don't date women like me."
"What does that even mean?"
I set down the blender pitcher with more force than necessary. "It means he's this gorgeous, accomplished Special Forces soldier who probably dates supermodels and I'm just the girl who makes his coffee. The girl next door with a bit of extra flab and wide thighs."
"You're not those things." Emily's voice goes soft. "You're smart and kind and you built this entire business from scratch. You're incredible, Chloe. Why can't you see that?"
Tears prick my eyes. "I'm working on it."
"I know you are." She reaches across the counter and squeezes my hand. "But maybe it's time to take a risk. Talk to him. I mean, actually talk to him and not just about coffee."
"What would I even say?"
"Start with hello. See where it goes from there."
"What if I mess it up?"
"Then you mess it up. But what if you don't?" She tilts her head. "Look at Lily and Ethan, they're disgustingly happy."
"Lily's braver than me."
"Lily was terrified. She told us that. But she did it anyway." Emily takes a sip of her smoothie. "And Madison? She was convinced Ty would never want someone her age. Now look at them."
"Holly and Justin too," I admit.
"Exactly. All the girls are finding their Daddies. Their happily ever afters." Emily's smile is gentle. "Don't you want that too?"
"Of course I do. But?—"
"No buts. You deserve love, Chloe. You deserve someone who sees how special you are. Who takes care of you the way you take care of everyone else."
My throat tightens. "What if I'm too much? What if I'm too needy or clingy or?—"
"Then you're too much for the wrong person. The right person will love exactly how much you are."
I blink back tears. "When did you get so wise?"
"I've always been wise. You just don't listen."
I laugh wetly. "Fair point."
"So will you at least try? Next time Tyler comes in, actually engage with him? Ask him a question that's not about his coffee order?"
"I'll think about it."
