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Maybe not, but she’s going to get my opinion.

Gabe

I like you in glasses.

Through the window, I watch as Beth sucks in a breath. Calvin, for his part, procures two oversized chocolate chip cookies from the pastry case. He’s walking back to their table, so I duck out of view just as Beth’s next text comes through.

Beth

Quit texting me. I’m on a date.

Hmm. No response to my compliment. I’m not sure what to make of that. I don’t dare peek back around and look through the window. I should leave her alone, but I can’t resist pushing her buttons.

Gabe

No one’s forcing you to respond here.

Maybe this is a cry for help.

Do you need me to invent an emergency to get you out of there?

Beth

Seriously. You’re being ridiculous. I’m going back to my date.

I can picture her exasperation. She probably has a little crease in the center of her forehead. If I were sitting across from her giving her a hard time, I’d reach over and press my thumb into it. But I’m not sitting across from her. She’s on a date with another man. So I relent.

Gabe

As you should. Have fun!

I’m about to stow my phone, but I can’t help myself. I tap out one last message.

Gabe

P.S. you shouldn’t change yourself for that guy.

Chapter 31

Beth

I stare down at Gabe’s message, and a medley of feelings sounds off in my chest. I’m both shocked by and grateful for Gabe’s words. I feel drained trying to determine what to do with how Gabe makes me feel while sitting across from Calvin. I’m feeling both valued by two men and frustrated with my circumstances. It’s emotional cacophony.

“These are so good.” Calvin takes a giant bite of his cookie.

I don’t have an appetite anymore.

“Will you excuse me for one second?” I push my chair back, and at Calvin’s confused expression, I add, “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back. I promise.”

I’m up and out of my seat before Calvin can say anything. Judging by his shrug, he’s content with the company of his chocolate chip cookie. I hurry outside the café and scan the street. Gabe couldn’t have gotten far.

“Beth?”

I whirl around to find him right there, a foot away.

“Were you spying on me?” I take two steps toward him, so we’re standing chest to chest.

“Uh, no. I was texting you.”