“No. Kelsey hasn’t outright banned you, and I know mine wouldn’t be up to your standards.”
“I would try it.”
“And be miserable. Come on. We can even see how things are going.” I turned to go toward the door, but Theo caught me and wrapped his arms around my midsection. “What are you doing?”
“I love you,” he said. It wasn’t the first time those words came out of his mouth, yet it made my heart skip a beat hearing it even now.
“Love you too,” I managed to reply.
His arms tightened. “I never imagined that love would be this ... easy. But with you, it feels like it fits.”
“It feels the same for me.”
“Good.” Lips pressed to my temple before he finally let me go. I turned around and smiled at him before we got into his car and drove to the coffee shop.
It was the afternoon, and while I didn’t expect it to be busy, I knew there would be at least a few customers.
But when we walked in, I saw someone that hadn’t been in before.
“T-Tammy,” Theo said. “Hey.”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Kelsey asked, pointing a finger in his direction. “You’re supposed to be resting.”
“He got plenty of rest,” I assured. “And we’re only here for coffee.”
She frowned and her mother laughed. “I’ve never heard her sound more like me. I’m so proud.”
“You work just as much.”
“Hey, I took the day off. And I’m here to finally try the coffee.”
“You are?” Theo blinked, disbelief in his voice. “Even after yesterday?”
“Yeah. It’s nice knowing where you came from. I thought long and hard about it?—”
“I yelled at her,” Kelsey interrupted.
“Which we had one hell of a talk about, young lady.” Tammy crossed her arms and glared at her daughter. “But she told me what kind of boss you are. She has been, but it means more now, I think. I’m glad you told us everything.”
“And now I get to see your face when you try this.” Kelsey set down a cup. “This is gonna change your life.”
“Not much changes this old lady.” Tammy rolled her eyes and picked up the drink. I leaned in, as did Theo. Tammy took a long, slow sip.
“So?” Kelsey prompted.
Tammy groaned. “God fucking dammit. This is good.”
“I told you!”
“You did.” Tammy sighed. “I heard that you sell your blend.”
“I-I do.”
“Mind if I buy it? I should really up my coffee game in the shop.”
Theo went entirely still, and Tammy raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t mind him,” I said. “He’s in shock. The answer is yes. Once he processes this, he’ll reach out.”
