Page 60 of Love and Other Chances

BROOKS

It can’t be unexpected because I know you’re arriving back to town on January 1st. My present already has a countdown

He sends a screenshot of his phone lock screen with a countdown widget labeled “Sneaks is back!” My heart is no longer doing back flips. It has officially liquefied into a puddle of gooey warmth.

BROOKS

I really miss you, just so you know

I miss you too. A lot

Chapter twenty-three

Our staff retreat is a little more chaotic than usual this year with two crawling babies constantly interrupting. Rachel is apologetic, but we all love having her and the twins present. It’s more important for her to feel included than for us to be efficient.

On day two of the retreat, we take a walk along a nearby park trail to break up the “sitting and planning” portion of the meetings. Kent stayed home with the napping twins, and Gina is deep in conversation with Lucas and Connor, the two single staff guys.

“So, how was the twins’ first Christmas?” I ask Rachel.

“They won’t remember any of it, but Kent and I had a great time celebrating. And our families had agreattime spoiling them,” she says with an eye roll. “The amount of presents was a little ridiculous, especially when they’re too young to appreciate them. How was your Christmas?”

“It was great! A little more eventful than expected, with my older brother punching my old ex-boyfriend who I’m currently dating again. But other than that, just your typical Christmas!” I joke. Then, I mentally punch myself in the face. Because I haven’t mentioned a single thing about Brooks to Rachel or Kent.

Rachel stops walking, looking rightfully shocked and confused. “Your . . . ex-boyfriend who you’re currently dating? I didn’t know you were dating anyone.” Her posture sinks slightly, and her expression borders on hurt.

Gah. Teegan. Why don’t you think before throwing jokes out?!

“Yeah, it’s pretty new-ish,” I say. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention it sooner. It’s been a slow development.” I give her a very basic version of ourrelationship. I’m trying to act nonchalant, like this isn’t a revolutionary turn of events, but I can’t keep the Brooks-induced grin off my face.

“You really like him, don’t you?” Rachel asks, face softening.

“I do.” My heart does a little skip-hop heel-click move.

“You mentioned he’s in Brooklyn teaching. Is that a permanent position? Would he be in town long term as you’re working on campus?” Rachel asks.

It’s a perfectly valid question. Entirely fair. But I’m epically unprepared for the uncomfortable conversation with Rachel (or Kent) about my future. A conversation that would certainly be prompted by the honest answer to her question.

“I’m not exactly sure,” I evade. “It’s still such a new thing, us dating. We’re enjoying taking it one day at a time!” I quickly change the subject, “Hey, I wanted to ask if you want me to continue leading the Friday morning senior group, or if you’ll be taking that back over this semester?”

Rachel’s face still looks slightly disconcerted, but I successfully steer conversation away from Brooks. Or any mention of my undecided future. I’ll be avoiding that for as long as possible.

Forever sounds like a reasonable avoidance goal.

After the retreat, I return to KC on the thirtieth, but I’m staying with Amaya instead of my parents for a couple of days. She’s taking off work on New Year’s Eve so we can hang out and then go to a party together. Amaya lives in Westport but works in the Crossroads district downtown, so I decide to find a coffee shop downtown to hang out and do a little more reflection in my journal from Brooks.

Searching the map for “coffee shops” returns an overwhelming plethora of options.

I parked in a random lot in the Crossroads to find a coffee shop. Looks like I need to plan a coffee shop crawl with all of these cute places! But for today I need a quick decision, so where should I go??

AMAYA

If you want a cool architectural ambiance with lots of open space, go to Messenger. If you want a smaller, unique vibe, Café Corazón is a local Latin American/Indigenous inspired coffee shop with an awesome menu

I quickly compare the two listings on the map. They both look appealing, which makes this coffee crawl idea seem all the more necessary.

!! Café Corazón has a latte flight!!! Winner!

AMAYA

---