Page 68 of Cold As Ice

“Let’s hope so.” She beamed. “I want to expand the gluten-free and vegan menu as well as introduce some more plant-based items, so I’m thinking of doing some free taste-testing evenings before we unleash it on the masses.”

“That sounds amazing. If you need any help, just let me know.”

I liked working at O’Shea’s, but Ilovedworking for Kayleigh. She was a ray of sunshine, constantly striving to better herself and her business. And at twenty-seven, she was the kind of strong, independent woman I looked up to. The kind of woman I’d always imagined myself becoming.

Before I got swept up in the chaos of young love.

“I will,” she said. “Maybe I can arrange something on a night you’re not working at the bar. I’ll look at some dates.”

“That would be amazing. Thank you.” I wiped down a couple of tables and tucked the chairs underneath.

Sugartown was an eclectic mix of the old and the new. Modern and chic. I loved it.

It hosted open mic and slam poetry sessions on the weekends, a monthly book club, as well as cat-and-chat therapy sessions once a week for adults with dementia.

I’d just made it back to the counter when the door chimes tinkled.

“Hi, welcome to Sugartown,” I said to the unfamiliar girl.

“Hi.” She unwrapped her knitted scarf and smoothed the ends down the front of her jacket. “Wow, these look so good.”

“The red velvet is my favorite.”

“A friend recommended this place to me. I don’t know how I’ve never found it before now.”

“Let me guess. Student at LU?”

She nodded. “Freshman. Is it that obvious?”

“Not at all.” I smiled. “We get a steady trickle of students passing through, but we could always use more.”

For a second, I was tempted to ask if she knew Austin. But I tamped down the urge, pretty sure I wouldn’t want to hear anything the female cohort of LU had to say about him.

He was an athlete, after all. Their reputations usually preceded them for a reason.

“I’m glad to be here.”

“Well, you’re in for a treat,” I said. “And everything’s homemade.”

“You make all of this?”

“God, no, not me.” Laughter vibrated in my chest. “My boss, Kayleigh. She’s probably out back whipping up another batch of brownies as we speak.”

“I heard the gluten-free menu is really good.” She eyed the glass cabinet reserved for our allergy-friendly options.

“They’re all good.”

“I’ll take an almond milk macchiato and one of the gluten-free brookie bars, please.”

“Good choice.” I rang through her order, and she paid before moving to the end counter to collect her drink and sweet treat.

A minute later, I pushed a tray toward her. “One almond milk macchiato and one dark chocolate brookie bar. Enjoy,” I said.

“Amazing, thank you. My boyfriend usually picks me up gluten-free brownies from my favorite coffee shop on campus, but if this tastes as good as it looks, I might have to tell him that’s not going to work for me anymore.” Her whole face lit up as she let out a soft laugh.

I knew that look.

She was in love. That all-consuming, heart-racing kind of love I’d been in once. But maybe, unlike me, she would get her happily ever after.

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