I resist the urge to laugh out loud. “Is the meeting for a new business?”
She narrows her eyes. “Don’t you take that tone. This one is different, and I’ll have you know, I may be starting a new line of work soon.”
“Well, with the way you already sell insurance for a living, I believe you can sellanything.” I kiss her cheek before leaving. I’m pretty sure starting new businesses is my mother’s version of a hobby. Getting in the car, I try to clear my head before meeting Ezra.
I get to Sip of Joy before he does, even though he lives closer than I do. My drive from Cambridge isn’t too bad, but I still prefer to walk when I can because I despise New England traffic. And walking usually gives me time to think. The air is crisp enough to nip at my nose when I step outside, and it carries the scent of roasted coffee beans, the slight tang of car exhaust, and the mouthwatering aroma of food from nearby restaurants.
When I enter the cafe, I order an iced cherry latte from the barista and find a table to wait at. Sip of Joy always smells like caramelized sugar and espresso. Like a hug in beverage form. Fairy lights are strung across the ceiling beams, and the soft hum of an indie acoustic playlist makes the place feel extra cozy. It’s not too crowded here today, with plenty of open tables, so I take a booth seat by the window.
Staring out at the street, I spend a few minutes people-watching. It’s one of my favorite activities because I like to assign made-up dialogue and personalities to everyone I observe. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid, and I think part of the reason I enjoy acting so much has a lot to do with this. For me, it’s all about the story and the potential for what could happen.
Outside, sunlight filters through the tree branches, projecting slices of warmth onto the cobblestones. The glass is cool beneath my fingertips when I rest my hand against it. Ezra’s booming voice interrupts my thoughts when he comes in. I glance up and see him ordering a drink before his gaze finds me. A grin breaks out across his face.
As he saunters over, I try to remember why I agreed to this meeting in the first place. With each step he takes in mydirection, my dread increases, but when he plops down across from me, Meredith texts me. It’s been so long since I’ve gotten a message from her, at first I don’t believe it. Maybe Mabel’s phone died, and she’s using her sister’s or something. But then I read the message.
Meredith
hey. Want to hang out?
Me
yes! want to meet at that new boutique in an hour?
Meredith
yes. can’t wait to see you <3
Emotion clogs in my throat.I’ve missed her so much.
As Ezra sits in the booth seat across from me, my resolve strengthens. We have to keep this going at all costs. “Let’s do this,” I say by way of greeting.
Ezra arches a thick eyebrow. “Hello to you, too.”
“Sorry. Hi.”
He laughs, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms like he plans to stay a while. “You look like you’re gearing up for battle. We’re just talking. Relax.”
I frown. “Iamrelaxed.”
“Right.”
“Look, you and I both know I’m not happy to be here with you, so I’d prefer to make things quick. Now, and every time we interact.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t totally reach his eyes this time. “I think if we’re going to convince anyone we’re together, you’re going to have to start looking at me like you don’t want to hurl every time I speak.”
I sip my iced cherry latte. It’s sweet and tart with just the tiniest hint of almond. “Yeah, I know. It’s called acting, and I happen to be very good at it.”
He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Then why aren’t you acting like you like me right now?”
“There’s no audience, so that wouldn’t be acting. It would just be lying.”
Ezra chuckles, unfazed. “Listen, let’s start simple. There are only a few more ground rules we need to go over.”
I nod, setting my drink down with a soft clink. “Like what?”
“We’ll need to establish a real timeline. You know, for when we break up.”
I shrug. “Maybe a week or two after the show closes?”
