Page 64 of Loving Lauren
She was standing in line, scrolling through her phone and trying to decide between her usual latte or something more adventurous, when she looked up and froze. There was Lauren.
They were sitting at the small round table by the front window, hair slightly tousled like they’d been running their fingers through it, hands wrapped around a ceramic mug. The second their eyes met, Lauren’s went wide with something that looked like panic mixed with hope.
Sierra’s stomach did an immediate somersault, but she kept her expression neutral. After ordering her drink, she walked over with what she hoped looked like casual confidence.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” Lauren half-stood as if they weren’t sure what the proper etiquette was for this situation.
Sierra glanced at the empty chair across from them. “I can sit. If you don’t mind the company.”
“I’d like that. I mean, if you want to. No pressure.”
They sat in this careful arrangement, both holding their drinks like shields. They didn’t talk much that first time. Sierra scrolled through social media while Lauren stared out the window at pedestrians hurrying past in the drizzle. But it wasn’t the awful, heavy silence she’d expected. It was quiet. Almost familiar in a way that made her chest ache.
When Sierra finally had to leave for a client meeting, Lauren looked up with hopeful eyes.
“Same time next Tuesday?” They immediately looked embarrassed. “I mean, if you happen to be here. No big deal if not.”
Sierra considered this for a moment. “Yeah. Maybe I’ll see you here.”
The following Tuesday, it happened again. Sierra arrived at nine, and Lauren was already there at the same table, looking like they’d been waiting but trying to appear casual about it. This time they managed actual conversation, nothing deep or relationship-related, just safe topics like work and the weather and whether the new barista was too heavy-handed with the foam art.
And the Tuesday after that.
It became an unspoken ritual. That little round table by the window, two people carefully navigating the space between friendship and something undefined. Sometimes they talked about Sierra’s photography projects or Lauren’s latest makeup techniques. Sometimes they sat in comfortable silence, Lauren sketching in a small notebook while Sierra edited photos on her laptop.
Each week, Sierra noticed slight changes in Lauren, but she remained guarded, analyzing every interaction for signs they might disappear again. They’d started making gentle jokes again, the self-deprecating humor that used to make Sierra laugh until her sides hurt. Their relationship was not discussed, and they never pushed for more than these careful Tuesday mornings. They consistently showed up, and Sierra found herself looking forward to it in a way that both comforted and terrified her.
“How are the coffee dates going?” Thalia asked one evening while they cooked dinner together, her tone carefully neutral.
“They’re not dates. They’re... I don’t know what they are. We drink coffee. Sometimes we talk. It’s nice.”
Thalia raised an eyebrow but didn’t push. “And how do you feel about it?”
Sierra paused, considering. “Honestly? I enjoy having them back in my life, even in this small way, but I’m also scared as hell I’m setting myself up to get hurt again.”
“That’s fair.” Thalia squeezed her shoulder. “Just remember you get to set the pace here. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, rush you into anything you’re not ready for.”
Meanwhile, the Chaos Coven had their own opinions about the situation.
“I still don’t trust them.” Calliope declared during a group dinner at Jett’s apartment. “Coffee shop meetings are cute and all, but showing up for lattes is not the same as showing up when life gets messy.”
“But they are showing up.” Raven pointed out gently. “Every week, consistently. That’s not nothing.”
Jett nodded. “It’s something, but I’m with Calliope. I need to see them handle actual adversity before I’m convinced they won’t bolt again.”
“What does Sierra say about all this?” Thalia asked.
“I’m taking it day by day.” Sierra ran her fingers through her hair.
Calliope grabbed Sierra’s hand. “Which I respect, but I’m still prepared to activate full chaos mode if they hurt you again.”
Back at the coffee shop the following Tuesday, Lauren looked up from their sketchbook as Sierra settled into her chair with her usual latte.
“Can I ask you something?” Lauren’s voice was hesitant.
Sierra nodded, though her shoulders tensed slightly.
