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Give it a few more hours, I tell myself. It'll be bustling then.
Ivy settles across from me, her amber eyes softer than I've seen in a long time.
"Do you need anything before you tell me what happened?" she asks gently.
"A cup of hot chocolate, please," I say, my voice weak.
She nods, standing up with a reassuring smile. "Wait here."
And just like that, she disappears into the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The heavy thud of my heart starts to ease, the rhythm of my breaths syncing with the low hum of the coffee shop.
I sit here, waiting for Ivy to unburden my heavy heart. But Ivy doesn't come back alone.
Kate is with her, a concerned look on her face. She quickly slides into the seat next to me, her eyes scanning my face.
"What happened?" she asks, her voice laced with worry. "Did someone try to rob you? Or was the kid you babysat that awful?"
I let out a soft laugh at her guesses. If only it were that simple.
Ivy places the cup of hot chocolate before me, steam swirling up in the air. I wrap my hands around it, drawing comfort from the warmth. She takes the seat opposite me, her gaze gentle as I finally take a sip.
"Sophie, what happened? Are you in some sort of trouble?" Ivy asks me.
I lick my lips, tasting the sweet remnants of the hot chocolate.
"It's not that serious," I admit. "It's a problem, but one I need to figure out how to solve on my own."
Kate leans back in her chair, crossing her arms.
"Well, you're here now. Might as well spill it all. Besides, you know how much I love a good drama."
I can't help but smile at her words. Kate and Ivy, as different as night and day, both care about me. They want to help. And maybe that's what I need - their words, their perspective.
Because right now, I feel like a melodrama queen, crying over a man I barely know. But the thought of telling them, of admitting how quickly I fell and how hard it hurts, embarrasses me.
What will they think of me? They know I'm a hopeless romantic, but this situation seems foolish even to me.
I open my mouth to speak, to confess everything, but Ivy beats me to it.
"You don't need to tell us anything if you don't want to. This is your life."
Kate nods, her lips pressed together.
"As much as I'm curious, I respect if you want to keep it to yourself."
Their words, their understanding, draws a burst of emotion from me. I throw my arms around Kate, hugging her tightly. She chuckles, hugging me back.
I pull back, wiping my eyes. It's time. I have to tell them everything. So, taking a deep breath, I begin to speak. The words come tumbling out, a rush of emotion, my heart laid bare for them to see.
"When the father opened the door, I was instantly drawn to him," I confess, feeling my cheeks heat up. "He's... he's the most handsome man I've ever seen, and he was wearing his cop uniform!"
Kate giggles at my confession. I can't help but laugh, my nerves easing a bit.
Encouraged, I continue, recounting the moment I passed out in Damien's arms and woke up to him gently brushing my hair off my face, his blue eyes filled with concern.
"I felt a connection," I admit, tapping my foot nervously. "He is tall, broad-shouldered. He's caring but serious. He even told me about his past, his ex-wife leaving him. Maybe I should have stayed and talked it out..."
Ivy interrupts my ramblings, her voice gentle.
