Page 191 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

He raises one manicured eyebrow. “Um, I’m pretty sure you can accept them. In fact, here’s how.” He smooths his hair and does a terrible job imitating my voice. “Thank you so much, Sasha. I’d love to get out and mingle and enjoy some amazing food and drinks completely free. You’re so kind to think of me.”

I want to protest again, but I catch the flash of disappointment across his face.

“I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me. Thank you for thinking of me and of course I’ll go. But I only need one ticket.”

“Well, they come in pairs. Either ask someone or give it away.” He slides his maple leaf-patterned toque and matching mitts back on before he gathers his purchases. “I hope you can make it, Malcolm. I’d love to see you there.”

If Sasha wasn’t such a friendly person and genuinely meant those words, I’d probably just lie and give the tickets away. But he’s been a loyal customer and I’d like to think he’s a friend.

“I’ll be there. Thank you again.”

With a wave of one red bright red mitten, he beams his gorgeous smile and disappears.

Now…what do I do with the second ticket?

Chapter 2

Caleb

“Dad, do you have more brownies in the oven?”

My dad exits the kitchen with a fresh pan for me to fill the displays.

“The town will be busy this weekend with the big maple sugar party thingy. I know we’ll sell out of those. There’s another batch already in.”

“You’re the best, Dad.”

When I bought this coffeehouse ten years ago, fresh out of college with stars in my eyes, I didn’t predict losing the baker that came with it. Thankfully, my retired father, who loves to bake, stepped in. Ragged Chutes is now thriving with his baking expertise, but I need to consider regular time off before I burn out by my fortieth birthday.

The cute man across the street with the bookshop arrives as he normally does, 8:45 A.M.. Every day he parks his red Ford Escape in the small parking space next to his building, takes out a thermal lunch bag and travel mug from the passenger side and walks into his shop.

I’m not sure what it is about him that has me watching for his arrival every morning. Maybe it’s because I like the way he smiles as he approaches his business, like he’s proud. Which I understand, because I swell with pride every time I open the doors of my coffeehouse. Or maybe it’s how he brings a lunch to work every single day. I’ve never seen a food delivery arrive there, or even a person bring him so much as a coffee. Which makes me wonder if he’s just frugal or if he’s single.

To be honest with myself, it’s likely my obsession with the cute, nerdy type that has me on perpetual look out.

One day I’ll get the courage to walk over with a coffee and introduce myself. Shyness around someone I find attractive is a curse. Give me a complete stranger and I’ll talk their ears off. But a cute guy? I’m hopeless.

“Are you creepy staring again?”My dad’s voice jolts me from my thoughts and I fumble the spatula in the brownie tray while my dad chuckles.

“It’s not creepy.”

“Well, at least you admit you’re staring.” Dad refills his coffee cup and leans against the counter. “Son, I know you’re painfully shy, but just once I’d like to see you try. I hate knowing my amazing son isn’t sharing himself with someone.”

The shop door opens with a burst of chilly air. Saved from this conversation, I launch into serving the couple. They’re in town for the maple festival and have tickets to the big party on Saturday.

“It sounds like a perfect weekend getaway for you both.”

The man taps his bank card to pay for their coffees and my heart squeezes with the open affection he shows his partner. He kisses the other man’s nose before they leave the store, mittened hands clasped between them and sipping their warm beverages.

It’s like a scene from a greeting card. So sweet.

“I heard that!”

My dad calls from the kitchen and I roll my eyes.

“Heard what?”

“The sigh of a lonely young man. Don’t forget, I was like you once.”

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