“No hello first?”
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were so needy. Hello. Now I need coffee.”
“Holy shit.” Our gazes both slid to Kelsey, who was gaping at us from behind the counter. “This is next-level. Who knew one day off would do this.”
“This took more than just a day,” Theo said. “I’ll make her order.”
“Aw, he even wants to make your stuff.” Kelsey nearly ran over to me. “So, has it happened yet?”
“Some stuff has happened.”
“Yes!” she hissed.
“What are you two talking about?” Theo asked as he returned to the counter.
“I’m asking about your love life. At least Piper answers.”
“Vaguely,” I added.
“Still. I finally have some insight.”
Theo rolled his eyes before focusing on me. His lips curved upward. “Got your coffee, love. And breakfast.”
I felt like I’d been hit by a truck. My cheeks were on fire. “You can’t hit me with something like that so casually, Theo.”
“Oh, you don’t like it? Tough. Welcome to my world.”
“Rude,” I muttered, but I started to smile. Kelsey watched us with bright eyes.
As I walked to the table, I tried to keep myself contained. But the second I sat, a giggle escaped me.
This was the life I wanted.
Who knew coming to Strawberry Springs would get me that?
Unfortunately, my good mood faded when I opened an email from Mitch saying he was starting my new book. I loved the book I’d finished while sitting in The Reserved Bean, but I was nervous for my friends to read.
Mitch usually shared things with Joey, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for the questions that would come after.
Instead of panicking about it, I knew I needed to find something else to do. Whenever Mitch was reading something I’d written, I hopped into the next thing.
Now that I had real-world experience to match what I wrote about, things felt different. I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.
A few hours in, water appeared by my side. Theo handed it to me with a smile and then headed off. I begrudgingly took a sip and continued with my work, making sure I would be free for the evening when the shop closed.
When it finally did, I was even more tired, but at least hydrated.
“Does this thing we have between us now mean that I can help you with closing up?”
Theo immediately shook his head. “That was a one-time thing.”
I let out a long sigh. “But we could hang out even sooner if I help.”
“I’m not with you for free labor. I’ll handle closing up and then we’ll go to your place.”
With me.
A slow smile spread on my face. Theo turned, obviously sure he’d won, but I wasn’t done.
