Page 32 of Double Booked

“Justin’s my boyfriend,” I said with a smile. Fuck it felt good to say that.. “And if Riley agrees, she’ll be our girlfriend.”

Ryan’s stern expression melted into a wide grin. “Right answer, Kentucky boys.”

Justin chuckled next to me at the nickname but I just smiled. “Well, your girlfriend isn’t here right now. I sent her to Unity Coffee about an hour ago because her moping was ruining my productivity vibe. I have a feeling you can get her out of her funk though. It’s just around the corner, make a left out of the building and it’s across the street. She sits in a booth in the back.”

“Thanks, Ryan,” I said as we headed out the door.

“Thank me with details later,” he called out as the door closed.

Justin laughed. “I like him.”

“He’s a good friend to Riley.” I agreed. “I have a feeling she hasn’t had many of those.”

We found Unity Coffee quickly, the brightly colored blue and yellow sign easily visible from across the street. I pushed open the door to the shop, Justin on my heels. Excitement rose inside of me of how close we were. I wasn’t under any delusions that this was going to be easy but it was worth it. Riley was worth it. Justin was worth it. The only possible obstacle was Riley’s tendency to self-sacrifice. She didn’t seem entirely opposed to the idea but few people got to grow up with parents like I did, that taught me love was love and it came in all forms and sizes.

I let my eyes adjust to the dim lighting of the coffee shop. “Hey, welcome in!” One of the two baristas working waved at us. “What can I get started for you?” His name tag said Malachi and the barista standing next to him said Carson. They both wore friendly smiles that matched the vibes of the place and I could see why Riley liked coming here.

“Two black coffees and a hot chocolate, please.” Justin said, pulling out his wallet. My eyebrows lifted as I realized Justin remembered that Riley didn’t drink caffeine after 2pm.

“Coming right up!”

As we waited, I scanned the shop. Most of the seats were empty and I didn’t see Riley’s curly hair anywhere. But there was a hallway past the counter with a “More seating” sign hanging above it so that must be where the booth in the back that Ryan had been talking about was.

“Here you go,” Carson said with a smile as she handed us our drinks. “Two black coffees and a hot chocolate.”

I grabbed one of the coffees and the hot chocolate while Justin snagged the other one. The short hallway opened up into a small room with booths on either side and soft lighting from several lamps. Artwork dotted the wall and it reminded me of Brewed Awakenings in Oakville. Riley was sitting in one of the booths on the right by the windows. Her headphones were in and she didn’t look up until we slid into the seat opposite of her.

She blinked at us for a moment, recognition dawning and she yanked out her headphones.

“What are you doing here?” She sputtered.

Justin nudged the hot chocolate across the table towards her. “Here, we got you a hot chocolate.”

She took it cautiously, still eyeing us with questions in her eyes.

“I talked to Justin like you said and we realized a few things.”

Her eyes filled with equal parts cautious hope and trepidation. “Really?” Her voice cracked and she took a sip of her drink to hide it. “And what did you realize?”

I looked at Justin and dipped my head at him. Riley looked at Justin, hope and fear warring in her pretty blue eyes. “That we want you to be ours,” Justin said softly. “If you want to, that is,” he said quickly, his insecurity shining through his words.

Riley’s eyes widened and she looked back and forth between us. “Wait, what?” It was clear she didn’t expect that.

I covered one of her hands with mine. “We want you to be ours. Our girlfriend.”

“Ours?” she parrotted back at me and I smiled softly at her confusion.

“Yes, ours. You were right. I do want Justin. But I want you too.” Riley’s eyes are still wide as she processes everything. “I know it’s unconventional,” I started. “But I can’t imagine my life without you two in it.”

Riley looked at Justin. “And you’re okay with this?” She checked in with him and my heart warmed. Both of them were so careful with each other that I just knew this was going to work.

“I am.” Justin nodded. “I’m not going to lie, I don’t think I’m good at this relationship thing but Colton seems determined to prove me wrong and I kind of want to let him.” He winked at her. “He’s very sexy when he’s determined.”

Riley laughed and Justin’s eyes softened. “I want to try,” he said. “Truthfully, you captivated me from the moment we met but you were always Colton’s and I tried to keep both you and him at arm’s length cause it was easier.”

“I understand a thing or two about that,” Riley admitted. She paused. “Unconventional is perfect because normal is boring.”

Hope rose. “Are you saying…?” I trailed off. I didn’t want to jinx it but maybe Riley had been doing some thinking of her own.

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