Page 62 of Eternal Hoptimist

Ty:God that’s disgustingly sweet. Was there a love note too?

Austin:[picture of one stick figure giving another stick figure head drawn on a sticky note attached to a thermos]

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The delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee hit me before I even opened the door to Dave’s coffee shop, A Whole Latte Love. Since I’d stayed up late chatting with Parker last night like a teen with a crush, I needed the extra caffeine before work. My usual cup at home wasn’t cutting it. I felt bad, though, because Parker was the early bird—at least I got to sleep in with my schedule. He had a meeting first thing. I’d have been more worried if he hadn’t been as hesitant to hang up.

“Ethan! Good to see you.” Dave looked up from his espresso machine and smiled, making his big dimples even deeper, then returned his attention to the customer at the counter.

I took in the festive decor while waiting for my turn. With Valentine’s Day approaching, Dave had gone all in with hearts and cupids. I couldn’t help but think the unusually heavy decorating had something to do with Dave falling in love with Mikey last year. Dave had been walking on clouds since his high school crush came to town to cover the Dahlia Springs Pride celebration for the national queer publication he worked for. It warmed my heart to watch Austin and Dave find their people. I wanted my turn.Maybe you’re in your turn already.

Once upon a time, I’d had a tiny crush on Dave, but I quickly squashed it when we decided to use his coffee for our beers. I wasn’t foolish enough to date a supplier in a small town.

Dave grabbed my travel mug from the counter and began brewing my usual Americano with an extra shot. “How are things?”

“Good. Austin’s working hard on fine-tuning our summer ales. How have you been doing? It’s festive in here.”

He automatically glanced at the table with the permanent reserved sign that Mikey used as his “office” and grinned. “Doing great.” He chatted about how he was considering expanding his hours since the town was steadily getting busier.

“Are you dating right now? I haven’t seen you in here with anyone lately.” Dave passed me my mug.

Not an unusual question since I often chatted openly about whoever I dated, bragging about what was sure to turn into something serious. My nostrils flared. I’d been making an ass of myself for years.

“Leave him alone, babe. You’ve got your matchmaking expression.” Mikey had moved behind the counter and leaned in to kiss Dave’s cheek.

Dave watched something over my shoulder, then smiled. “Where’s the fun in that? I’ve got someone I can introduce you to. He’s new to town, buff, and super nice. Pretty sure he likes guys. Works in construction, I think, so he’s gotta be good with his hands.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Mikey tilted his head. “Actually, yeah. He could toss you around. Hot. I support this, as long as you give me the juicy details.”

“Usthe juicy details.”

“Right,us.” Mikey kissed Dave’s cheek again.

I snorted. I was grateful Mikey jumped in so I didn’t have to answer Dave’s question.Am I seeing someone?No? Yes? Maybe? I want to?

Curious, I turned to see who they were talking about and sucked in a breath when I recognized him.

“Told you he’s hot,” Dave said.

It was the guy I’d met when moving Austin and Caleb into their new place. The one Dom freaked out over. He’d refused to tell us anything about it.

“Hayden, right?” I offered an awkward wave when he caught us staring.

“You already know him?” Dave asked.

“Met him once. He knows Dom.” Not that I knew much more, but I left it at that. It wasn’t my place to tell Dom’s business. He was a private guy.

Hayden gestured for me to join him.

“He sure looks eager. You sure you don’t want to go for that?”

I chuckled. “Not looking to get my ass kicked,” I mumbled. “I’m into someone else at the moment.”

Dave beamed at me. The door chimed as another customer entered, so I said goodbye to the guys, took a deep breath, and walked over to Hayden.

He hastily stood and held out his hand. Hayden was buff from physical labor and a layer of insulation. A thick beard covered his round face, and his brown hair was short on the sides and long enough on top to pull back. He was like a cuddly construction bear.

“Ethan, right? I’m Hayden. I don’t know if you remember me from Caleb and Austin’s place.”

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