Or it might not.
But at least I'll know I tried.
Too bad I can’t take Mr. Cuddles with me and hold him tightly while I talk to Tyler. I can be brave without him. I know I can.
And sometimes, trying is the bravest thing of all.
CHAPTER 2
Saturday mornings at the coffee shop are different from weekdays.
The base crowd is lighter; most soldiers have the weekend off or are sleeping in after a brutal week. Instead, I get families, couples on coffee dates, and locals who treat my shop like their second living room.
I don't mind. The slower pace gives me time to experiment with new drinks and actually have conversations that last longer than thirty seconds.
But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed when 5:30 comes and goes without Tyler Reid walking through the door.
"He doesn't come in on weekends," Jess says, reading my mind as she restocks the pastry case.
"I wasn't looking for him."
"Sure you weren't. That's why you've checked the door seventeen times in the last hour."
I throw a wadded-up napkin at her. "I hate you."
"No, you don't." She grins. "But seriously, he's usually only here on weekdays. I think weekends are for his kids."
My heart squeezes. Right.His kids. The ones who live in Texas with their mom.
I wonder what kind of father he is. Probably amazing. He seems like the type who takes responsibility seriously. I imagine he’s the kind who actually shows up for them.
Stop it, Chloe. You're fantasizing about a man's parenting skills. That's a new level of pathetic.
The morning passes pleasantly enough. I make a lavender honey latte for Mrs. Chen, who comes in every Saturday to read the newspaper. I help a young couple decide between cinnamon rolls and blueberry muffins (they end up getting one of each and splitting them). I even manage to perfect my new brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso.
By two, it’s so quiet that I’m considering closing early when my phone buzzes.
Emily: Yoga in the park tomorrow at 8am. You coming?
Chloe: Is it the gentle flow or the one that makes me want to die?
Emily: Gentle. I promise. Plus fresh air and endorphins.
Chloe: Fine. I'll be there.
Emily: Yay! Bring water and your positive attitude.
Chloe: I can manage one of those things.
Emily: The water?
Chloe: Obviously
She sends back a string of laughing emojis, and I look around the empty shop and make a decision. There's no point staying open when no one's coming in.
I flip the sign to Closed, lock up, and head home.
My apartment complex is quiet on Saturday afternoons. Most people are out enjoying the Colorado sunshine or visiting family.
