Page 29 of Kentrell

I reached behind me, grabbed her gift bags, and hit the engine button before stepping out.

Made my way toward the café, holding the door open as an older woman walked out. She gave me a kind smile.

“Thank you, young man.”

I gave her a small nod. “Yes, ma’am.”

Inside, the place was quiet. Clean. A brunette behind the counter perked up the moment I walked in.

“Hey there! Welcome to Café Verve! How can I help you today?” she asked, voice bubbly. “Would you like to try our Nitro Coffee?”

I shook my head once. Calm. Controlled.

“Nah, I’m good,” I said, keeping it short. “Got a question, though.”

"Of course!"

“Does Attorney Davis eat here?”

I felt like I was reaching, but the barista’s eyes lit up the second I said her name. That told me I hit the right note—she knew Zoe. And clearly liked her.

“Our favoriteattorney at law?” she beamed, practically bouncing on her toes. “She comes in all the time!”

“What she usually get?”

“She has three favorites she always rotates through,” the girl added with a little dreamy sigh, like Zoe was some kind of local celebrity.

“If you want, I can whip one of them up for you?”

I kept my eyes on the chalkboard menu just long enough to think—acting like I gave a damn about the pastries listed. Then I looked back at her.

“What’s her favorites?” I asked, keeping my tone cool, even though I already knew I was gon’ pick the one that sounded most like her.

The barista’s lashes fluttered, her smile softening as her cheeks turned pink. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear like she was trying not to blush.

“She usually orders the Croque-Monsieur with a flat white… or the Mediterranean Wrap with an Affogato.”

My eyes shifted back to the board, brows raised.Affogato?

I smirked a little—Zoe’s bougie ass was really out here eating ice cream in the middle of the damn day. Figures.

“Lately she’s been on a salad kick,” the girl added, still bright-eyed. “Trying almost every one on the menu.”

My gaze dropped to her name tag.Kelly.

She caught it and perked up. “Oh—I’m Kelly, by the way,” she said like I hadn’t already seen it.

“A’ight, Kelly,” I replied, voice low and steady. “Lemme get the ham and cheese with a flat white.”

She started tapping at the screen.

“And for Zoe—gimme the Caprese Salad and an iced latte.”

"You know your girl!" Kelly grinned, her whole face lighting up like she was proud of herself for getting it right. “She had that twice just last week.”

I didn’t correct her.

Didn’t see the need to.

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