He's right and I hate it. "Fine. Ethan can help."
Luke studies me for a long moment. "You two getting along, okay?"
"Why wouldn't we be?"
"No reason. Just seems like there's some weird energy lately."
"There's no energy."
"If you say so."
The door chimes. Two customers walk in. I use the interruption to escape behind the counter. Luke stays where he is, watching me like I'm a puzzle he's trying to solve.
The morning continues. More customers. More coffee. More donuts that need making. I lose myself in the work because it's easier than thinking about Ethan's text or Luke's questions or the way my chest feels too tight.
At eleven, the door opens and Ethan walks in.
I'm refilling the napkin dispenser. I look up and our eyes meet across the room. Something passes between us. Something I can't name and don't want to examine.
"Hey, man." Luke straightens from where he's been slouching by the register. "What are you doing here?"
"You said stop by if I had time." Ethan's voice is even, controlled. "I had time."
"Right. The Memorial Day thing." Luke gestures at me. "Callie says she can do twenty-five dozen. That work?"
Ethan nods. "Should be fine."
"Great. Want coffee?"
"Sure."
I move to make it before Luke can offer. Muscle memory takes over. French roast, black, no sugar. I don't look at Ethan while I pour. Can't look at him.
When I turn around to hand him the cup, he's right there. Closer than I expected. Close enough that I can smell soap and something else. Cedar maybe. Or pine.
Our fingers brush when he takes the coffee.
It lasts half a second, less than half a second, but I feel it everywhere.
"Thanks," he says quietly.
"No problem."
Luke is watching us. I can feel his attention like a weight.
"So Memorial Day," I say too brightly. "What time do you need them?"
"Six," Luke answers. "Parade starts at seven."
"I'll have them ready by five-thirty. Gives us time to load up."
"Us?" Ethan asks.
"You're driving. I'm riding shotgun. Someone needs to make sure nothing gets smashed."
Ethan's jaw tightens slightly. "Right."
The door chimes again. Three women walk in laughing about something. I move to help them, grateful for the distraction. Luke and Ethan retreat to a corner table. I can see them in my peripheral vision while I box up an order.
