Page 29 of Strong Coffee

“How was your date?” Noah came up beside me as I was wiping down the counter. “Shane said you really like this guy.”

“Shane needs to mind his own business.” Dropping the cloth on the counter, I turned to Noah. “But yes, I do like him.”

“Good. It’s about time you and Shane parted ways. I love him but he’s not good for you and you aren’t good for him.”

“He’s my best friend,” I reminded Noah.

“Yeah, and Presley and I are your best friends too, but you never fucked us.” He shook his head, a deep frown settling between his brows. “Listen, I’m just saying that it’s about time you and Shane moved on. That’s all.”

“Okay, that’s fair. I appreciate you looking out for us.” It was the truth. Of course, I wished things could have worked out between Shane and I, but it obviously wasn’t meant to be. He deserved someone who could love him unconditionally and so did I. Maybe Cam could be that person for me.

A rush of customers came into the café and prevented Noah and me from discussing any more of my nonexistent relationship with Shane. Thank God for that.

Jasmine took over making drinks, so I could head to the back to check on things. The door to the office was open. Shane was hunched over a pile of books.

“You good?” I asked him, standing in the doorway.

“Yeah. It seems someone left you a gift.” Shane didn’t look my way and kept his head down.

“A gift?” I raised an eyebrow. “Who would do that?”

“Your little boyfriend.” Shane looked up from his stack of books then. “Presley set it up.”

“What is it?”

“A new espresso machine.”

“I didn’t even notice it,” I muttered.

“How could you not? The thing puts our old one to shame. It’s high-tech.” Shane shook his head. “Must have cost thousands.”

The only person I knew who would buy such an extravagant gift like that, would be Cam. It was thoughtful of him because the one we had that broke, was shit.

“Business has been doing really well the last month,” Shane added, changing the subject. “I’m hoping we can keep this up.”

“I think Presley handling the social media accounts for us has really given the place a boost.” Word of mouth was a godsend.

“I agree.” Shane turned toward me. “Come in and close the door.”

My heart stuttered, my chest tightening at the demand, unsure as to how this conversation was about to go. But I did as I was told and leaned against the closed door.

“Are you happy?” he asked, placing an ankle on the opposite knee.

“I am but it’s new. I don’t know how it’s going to go but I do like Cam. A lot.”

He nodded, giving me a small smile. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out between us.”

“I don’t think we went into it expecting that it would.”

“That’s true.” Shane stood. “Can I have a hug?”

Instead of answering, I closed the distance between us and wrapped myself around him.

It was comfortable and familiar. Even his cologne was the same. A little spice mixed with pine. It smelled like home, but it had never been what I wanted.

“I love you, Brady,” he murmured in my hair.

“I love you too.” My stomach clenched. This felt like goodbye and maybe it was. Our fling was officially over and now both of us could move on and find that happiness we deserved.

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