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Good enough.

I straighten the collar of my shirt, glance at my watch, then head for the kitchen to grab my truck keys.

My phone lights up before I reach them.

Olivia

See you at one.

Simple.

Four words.

Funny how something that small can make me smile.

Luke

Looking forward to it.

I hit send, slip my phone into my pocket, and lock the front door behind me.

The drive to Royal Brew only takes about five minutes, which means I pull into the parking lot at twelve forty-five.

Being early has never bothered me.

Being late always has.

I back into a parking spot beneath the shade of an oak tree and cut the engine, watching people drift in and out of the coffee shop through the windshield.

Students with backpacks.

A couple pushing a stroller.

Two businessmen carrying laptops.

Someone walking out with four drinks balanced in one cardboard tray.

I climb out of the truck, lock it behind me, and head inside.

The bell above the door jingles as I step through it.

Royal Brew is already busy.

Not packed.

Just comfortably full.

The smell of fresh espresso hangs in the air while conversations bounce between the exposed brick walls. Someone is typing away on a laptop near the front windows. A group of college students occupies one of the larger tables, textbooks spread in every direction. Toward the back, a couple sits tucked into oversized leather chairs, completely lost in a conversation of their own.

I’ve always liked this place.

It’s big enough that nobody feels like they’re sitting on top of each other.

The main room wraps around two smaller seating areas, each tucked just far enough away that you can pretend you’re the only one here.

Perfect for first conversations.

I glance at my watch. Then around the room.