Page 99 of Finders Keepers

My phone buzzes almost immediately with his response:

“Can’t wait for dinner tonight with you and Sophie.”

I feel a flutter of nervousness mixed with excitement. I set the flowers back on the passenger seat and start my car, heading toward The Daily Grind.

As I’m processing this unexpected gesture a part of me wants to be cautious, I’ve been down this road before, getting swept up in someone’s attention. But another part, a part I thought had gone dormant, feels alive again.

Pulling up to the coffee shop and putting my car in park, I walk into the coffee shop. The rich aroma of coffee immediately wraps around me, taking over my senses. It’s relatively quiet inside, just a few customers scattered at various tables.

Behind the counter, there’s a new barista I haven’t seen before. He looks about college age, with a friendly smile and a name tag that reads Beau.

“Hi there! What can I get for you today?” he asks, adjusting his blonde hair from his eyes.

“You know, I usually get the same thing, but I’m feeling adventurous. What would you suggest that’s on the new spring menu?”

His face lights up. “Oh, you’ve got to try the Honey Lavender Latte! We make our own lavender syrup in-house, and it’s got this perfect balance of sweet and floral. Not too overwhelming at all.”

“That actually sounds amazing,” I say, pulling out my wallet. “I’ll take a medium.”

While he crafts my drink, I walk over to the side of the counter. The soft hiss of the espresso machine and gentle clinking of cups creates a soothing atmosphere.

“Here you go!” He presents the drink with a flourish. “I added a little honey drizzle on top.”

I take a sip and my eyes widen. “Oh wow, this is incredible! The lavender is so subtle, and the honey is perfect.”

“Right?” He beams. “It’s become my favorite drink to make.”

After thanking him and paying I settle into a table for two by the window. I’ve got about two hours before Sophie and I need to head to Gavin’s for dinner and I really should check in with Dale about the divorce paperwork before I go get Sophie. My stomach feels like it drops as I pull out my phone and dial his number, my fingers hovering hesitantly over each digit.

“Bailey,” Dale drawls out my name. “I was actually planning to call you today.”

Something in his tone makes me grip my coffee cup tighter.

“Hey Dale, uh-oh that doesn’t sound good.”

“Well, we successfully served Matt the divorce papers last week,” He begins, and I hear papers shuffling in the background, the sound making my anxiety spike. “But…”

And there it is, that dreaded word. I slump into the seat waiting to hear what’s coming next.

“But?”

“There was an…incident.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. The lavender scent from my latte wafts up, but even its calming properties can’t ease my nerves now.

“What kind of incident?” I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. Typical Matt.

“According to the process server, Matt became extremely agitated when he realized what the papers were. He threw them back at the server, started yelling about how you couldn’t do this to him, and…” he pauses, the silence stretching uncomfortably. “He punched the glass storm door, and it shattered. I was told he sliced his hand up real good, and the police were called by a neighbor.”

My hand starts trembling slightly, and I set my coffee down before I spill it. The peaceful atmosphere of the coffee shop suddenly feels very far away. “Did he hurt anyone other than himself?”

“No, thankfully. The process server got out of there quickly and called me immediately. But Bailey, this kind of behavior…” his voice turns serious. “I know you didn’t want to go this route when we talked last time, but now, seeing the full scope of things, I really do have to recommend filing a motion for protection.”

I stare out the window at the peaceful street outside, watching people go about their normal day while my world feels like it’s tilting sideways. “You really think it’s necessary?”

“Given his history of what you’ve told me and this reaction? Yes, I do. Especially with Sophie to consider.”

Sophie. My heart clenches at the thought of my little girl. “Okay,” I say quietly. “What do we need to do?”

---