Page 19 of Together Is Where We Belong

Islept like complete crap last night.

Leo knew about Luke, and while I’d always wanted him to know, I didn’t like how uncertain I felt about the future. He seemed genuinely curious about Luke and getting to know him. I expected him to yell and scream at me. But we had a levelheaded and emotional conversation. The emotional part I’d expected. The levelheaded part I didn’t.

But there was no time to reflect on what had transpired. I had to get up and get ready for my shift at the doctor’s office if I didn’t want to be late. This would be a change of pace from working at the emergency room, but I had a good feeling it was what I needed. I could have more steady hours and be home with Luke more.

Thankfully, Luke stayed with my parents last night. One thing was for sure, Luke was not a morning person.

After I showered and got ready in a bright pink scrub set, I grabbed my purse and set off with a pep in my step to start my new job.

I got to Main Street in a short amount of time. With plenty of time to spare, I found a parking spot near the doctor’s office and decided I’d go grab a coffee and see what type of breakfast selections the cafe had. Maybe I could grab something for the whole office to enjoy and make a good impression on my first day.

I walked the short walk to the quaint coffee shop, Café Latte, and the aroma of coffee hit me as soon as I walked through the door. Taking a deep breath in, I let the smells assault my senses. I loved the smell of coffee and could see myself coming here every morning before my day started.

While small inside, the décor gave off a cozy vibe, with several high-top tables to the left, but plush couches in various shades of gray and soft blue and throw pillows to match. There were several hanging plants and wooden tables beside each piece of furniture.

I walked toward the small line as I took in the space. People sat around the tables laughing while they enjoyed a cup of coffee and their pastries. Some sat with their computers in front of them as they worked. I could see myself coming here often for just the vibe alone.

When it was my turn, the barista greeted me with a genuine smile. “Hey there. Welcome. What can I get started for you today?” She looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place her.

“I’d love a cinnamon roll latte. Do you do pastries to-go by the dozen? It’s my first day at a new job, and I thought it’d be nice to come in with a treat.”

“Absolutely. We can do a variety dozen, or you can pick just one?”

“What do you recommend?”

“The variety dozen that way you have something for everyone.” She beamed. She looked proud of her job, as she should, and it put the small amount of nerves I had at ease.

“I’ll take it and the coffee,” I agreed.

“Coming right up. What’s the name for your order?” she said with an infectious smile, and I returned the gesture giving her my name.

I had a feeling she and I would become fast friends.

She gave me the total and I tapped my card on the screen, giving her a generous tip.

I backed away from the counter to wait for my order, pulling my phone out of my purse to check my notifications while I waited.

A text from Leo laminated my screen.

I hadn’t expected him to contact me so soon after our talk last night.

Before I checked his message, I shot off a text in the group chat to my parents to check on Luke and thanked them for keeping him the night before.

Good morning. How’d Luke do last night? Is he being good for y’all this morning?

As I waited for them to respond, I switched conversations, bringing up Leo’s.

Leo

Good morning. How’s Luke today? Does a day this week work better for you for me to come over for dinner? I checked my schedule this morning, and I should be available any day pending any ranch emergencies that arise.

I didn’t know what to think about his generosity and thoughtfulness to make sure the day worked best for my schedule. The Leo from eight years ago was the most thoughtful person I’d known, but I didn’t know him anymore.

Any day should work for me. I get off around four thirty, and we usually eat dinner around six most nights.

The message was read almost immediately, which was another thing I hadn’t expected. I thought he’d be busy doing tours already this morning, which he shouldn’t be distracted on.

The bubble appeared to indicate he was typing a message, and my stomach filled with knots. I still needed to tell Luke. Maybe I should’ve told him a day later this week so I could prepare Luke for meeting his father.