Page 14 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
The café is just as I remember it - cozy, inviting, the kind of place that makes you want to sit and stay for hours. A few customers are scattered around, sipping coffee and chatting in low voices. I head straight for the counter, scanning the menu even though I already know what I want. Caramel latte, definitely. Maybe something sweet too. My eyes trail down to the pastry selection when…
"Whitney, sweetheart?"
I pause, turning towards the familiar voice.
Mrs. Hargrave stands near the side door, beaming at me like I’m a long-lost relative who just walked through her front door. Her gray-streaked hair is pulled back into a neat bun, her apron dusted with a bit of flour. She wipes her hands on her apron and walks over, eyes twinkling.
A warm smile spreads across my face. “Mrs. Hargrave! Hi!”
She opens her arms, and I lean in for a quick hug. "Oh, my darling girl, good to see you. When did you get back?" She asks, pulling back to get a good look at me.
“Today.”
Her eyes widened. “Today? And you already came by? Oh, that makes me so happy.”
I chuckle. “I needed coffee. And this place? Best in town.”
Mrs. Hargrave laughs, clearly pleased. “You always were a sweet talker, my dear. I was just telling Ed last week how much I missed seeing your face around here. It’s been far too long. I’ve missed you.”
"I’ve missed you too," I say sincerely. "How’s Mr. Hargrave?"
“Oh, he’s doing all right. He’s at home, resting his knees. You know how he gets when the weather changes,” she says, shaking her head fondly. “But enough about that - Whitney, your content on social media? I love it. Those travel tips, the places you recommend - it’s like I get to travel right from my couch!”
I grin. “Aw, thank you. That means a lot.”
She waves a hand. “Last year, Richard and I even went to one of the places you recommended in Costa Rica. The beaches, the food - it was heaven.”
“Really? That’s amazing! Costa Rica is one of my favorites.”
“Well, thanks to you, it’s one of ours now too.” She pats my arm. “Now, whatever you’re having today - it’s on the house.”
I shake my head. “Oh, no, Mrs. Hargrave, you don’t have to do that.”
She tsks, waving me off. “I insist. I’ve missed you, my sweet girl.”
Touched, I place a hand over my heart. “Thank you. That’s really sweet of you.”
“Think nothing of it.” She leans in, lowering her voice playfully. “Just promise me you will come around more, hmm?We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. I want to hear all about your content, your travels - everything.”
I nod. “I promise.”
“Good.” She pats my hand, then heads back through the side door.
I place my order for the caramel latte and doughnuts. As I wait, the sound of children’s laughter pulls my attention.
And that’s when I see him.
Blake.
With two little ones by his side, their tiny hands gripping his jacket. He’s crouched down slightly, adjusting one of their hats, but when he glances up and spots me, his brows lift.
“Oh,” he says, a small smile forming. “Hello again, Whitney.”
I blink, thrown off for a second, but quickly recover. “Hello, Blake.”
The kids turn their heads toward me, both curious but quiet. Blake follows their gaze, then straightens.
“These are my kids,” he says, resting a hand on each of their small shoulders. “Emilia and Nicolas. Mia and Nico for short.”
