AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Falling for the Single Dad
Chapter 1 - Sophie
The broom's bristles graze against the polished wooden floor of the antique coffee shop where I work. A familiar melody dances off my lips, and my body sways rhythmically to the beat as I sweep.
I'm known for this - the singing, the dancing, and the ever-present grin on my face. Today, though, that smile is a little brighter, a little wider. Today could be the day that changes everything.
In a few hours, I'll be meeting the parents of a little girl, the first kid I might get to babysit. The father and I have only spoken over the phone, and though he seemed genuinely kind, it's his wife and their darling daughter I still need to win over.
Just thinking about it sets my heart pounding. I need this job, the extra income it can bring.
"Seriously, Sophie, how can you stand kids? They’re so… unpredictable," my coworker Kate asks, throwing me a bemused smile over the rim of her glasses as she methodically cleans the other side of the room.
"I've always loved children," I reply, laughing and performing another pirouette with the broom.
"They're simple, pure, and their smiles are infectious. Plus, I'm pretty sure this kid will love me."
Kate chuckles, shaking her head.
"You're probably right. Good luck, though. By the way, where's Ivy?"
I wink at her, my mood too bright to be dampened.
"Where do you think?"
Kate pauses, broom held aloft. Her green eyes narrow, and she places both hands on top of the broom, chin resting on her knuckles.
"She's with Brock, isn't she?"
My nod sends a cascade of laughter between us, my heart aching with the sweetness of it.
"I wish I could find a man who loves me as much as Brock loves Ivy," I admit, sweeping the dust into the dustpan.
Kate leans the broom against the counter and stretches, rolling her neck. The coffee shop is nearly empty, the morning rush yet to descend.
"You never talk about your personal life. Do you have a boyfriend?"
Kate stiffens a bit at my question, her smile straining at the edges.
"Nah, I don't believe in love anymore. I just… don't like talking about it."
"I'm sorry, Kate. I didn't mean to pry," I quickly say, feeling my cheeks heat up. I'm notorious for stepping on toes without meaning to, "It's okay. I believe in love enough for both of us."
We share another round of laughter, though this time, it's edged with a bit of sadness. I glance at the clock on the wall, gasping when I realize the time.
"I'm late!"
I grab my apron and toss it into the laundry bin in a rush. I cast quick, worried glances around the coffee shop to see if I've missed anything while stuffing the broom back into the pantry.
"Sophie, just go! I'll handle everything here," Kate says, her previous melancholy evaporating as she waves me off.
She's always been good at concealing her feelings, and I'm grateful for her reassurance. And with that, I'm dashing out of the coffee shop, my heart pounding with the prospect of the upcoming meeting.
Exiting the coffee shop, I snatch another look at my phone. The glowing screen reads 3:43 pm, and I've got to be on the other side of town at 4:00 pm.
With a hasty hand, I gather my hair into a high ponytail, securing it with a thick band. I suck in a deep breath, the scent of roasted coffee beans still clinging to my clothes, and I tell myself,
"You've got this. You'll get there on time, and you'll get this job."
