AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I smiled, having learned a little about baseball last year, and my heart skipped a beat at them holding hands. They were sweet together.
Cammie’s nose scrunched. “That’s what the coach said.”
“You should listen to him. He knows what he’s talking about,” Ben continued as they passed me.
Hunter approached, asking me something.
I forced my gaze from Ben and Cammie to Hunter. “I’m sorry. What did you ask?”
“Can we get pizza?” he repeated with an eye roll.
I probably deserved that for not paying attention to him.
“Sure, let me text your mom and let her know.” I wanted to ease Abby’s burden, so whatever I could do to make evenings go smoother, I did. I didn’t have anyone to go home to, which had never bothered me until then. Seeing Ben with his daughter made my heart ache for that connection to a partner. As nice as it was helping Hunter and Abby, I wanted that unconditional love for myself.
I wasn’t naïve. My ex had no problem walking away from me and our sham of a marriage. And Abby’s ex-husband wanted nothing to do with her or Hunter, despite trying so hard to have him. Being in love didn’t mean the person would stick around. But underneath, I still hoped for the impossible—someone to love me.
ChapterFour
BEN
After running into Brooke at Cammie’s first practice, I was more determined than ever to visit her coffee shop. I just hoped she wasn’t working. Her business had been open for long enough that she’d have staff handling the front counter. Hopefully, she’d either be in the back, running numbers, or at home, enjoying a day off.
The Brooke I used to know probably worked seven days a week, though, and had a hand in every aspect of her business. So there was the possibility I’d see her.
After my morning run, where I hoped to burn off any warm and fuzzy feelings about this adult version of Brooke, I ate breakfast with my daughter and saw her off for the day. She was cautiously optimistic about her new school. I loved spending mornings with her. She was sweet and happy, but the teen years were just around the corner, so I soaked up every minute with her.
I was cognizant that this was time her mother didn’t get. I staved off the feelings of melancholy as I pulled open the heavy glass door to Java Coffee.
It was in a good location, drawing tourists from the harbor. My business was farther north, catching the people on State Circle and St. John’s College.
I wasn’t sure what I hoped to learn other than what made her business successful so that I could compete.
The bell over the door rang, signaling my arrival. It was a little late for the morning rush, so only a few people stood at the counter. Brooke was at the counter taking orders, her blonde hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail; her lips were pink and inviting. Unlike her barista, who wore a black shirt and blue apron, Brooke wore a white blouse and black dress pants. I didn’t have to look at her feet to know she was wearing heels. She’d want to look professional despite any discomfort. We were similar like that.
I wore business attire, though Christopher assured me no one expected the owner of a coffee shop to wear a suit. I wanted to look the part of a successful business owner, even if I wasn’t one yet.
I took the time to observe Brooke in her element as I pursued the shelves of books for sale. She even had games available for patrons to play.
Brooke was quick with a smile, and I noticed she had a personal anecdote for each customer.How’s your granddaughter? Did you check out the new flower shop on Main?She took the time to get to know her customers. She probably didn’t spend much time in the office when the shop was open.
I’d wanted to taste test her coffee, but not with her at the counter. I also didn’t want to alert her to my presence. Instead, I picked up a book and mindlessly thumbed through it. Could I leave without her noticing me?
Before I could come up with a viable solution, a familiar voice asked, “Can I help you?”
I shelved the book, not even looking where I stashed it, as I turned to face her.
Her expression was amused and maybe a tiny bit gleeful.
It reminded me so much of our high school interactions that my heart stuttered, and I muttered, “I’m fine.”
“Would you like to try the coffee?”
My words got caught in my throat because she was beautiful up close. At the baseball field, I’d carefully kept my gaze adverted.
“Isn’t that what you’re here to do? Scope out the competition?” She smiled wider at my discomfort, clearly enjoying herself.
I rolled my shoulders back and straightened to my full height. “It’s what any good business owner would do.”
