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Was she disappointed I showed up? I didn’t want to think about it, but I did. And it hurt. I wasn’t used to getting such a cool reception from women and I didn’t like how it felt.

The door opened behind me and a group of teens walked in. The sound of their high-pitched giggling filled the shop. Meg cheerfully called out, “Hello, I’ll be right with you.”

As she walked back to the cash register, I tried not to think about how much I would’ve liked it if she’d greeted me with the same enthusiasm she greeted the new guest. They got cheerful; I got guarded, or maybe disappointed. I was overthinking it. She seemed nervous, or embarrassed, when I stopped by earlier. Maybe it wasn’t about me.

I’d never thought this much about any of mom’s baristas before, but there was something about her. Sure she was pretty, but ma had hired pretty women before so that wasn’t it. There was more to Meg than met the eye. She was a mystery I wanted to solve. I reminded myself to be careful, I didn’t want a repeat of what had happened with Ana.

I waited, lost in my thoughts, as I watched her.

I snapped out of it about the time she took the fourth drink order.Dumbass, why are you still sitting here?I walked behind the counter and washed my hands.

Maybe she’d stop being so nervous around me if she sees I’m a nice, helpful guy. I could sense her watching me as I stepped up to the espresso machine and grabbed the first drink sticker.

“What are you doing? Should you be back here?”

She’d clearly forgotten my mom owns the place. I raised one eyebrow. “I’m helping you, and for your information, I was making Frou Frou coffee drinks before I could walk.”

“Frou Frou?” She snort-laughed before turning to the next customer.

“Yup.” Her laugh made me feel all warm inside, like the first sip of hot, freshly brewed coffee on a chilly day. I hadn’t expected her laugh to affect me so much.

I heard her call out thanks, over the sound of the steamer, as I got to work.

We worked together quietly, getting the eight drinks to their thirsty owners. I ran the espresso machine while Meg mixed frappes at the back counter.

Lisa came in as we finished. “Hey Jack, been a while since I’ve seen you back here.” She said, as she walked by on her way to the back.

“Hey Lisa. Just helping with a large order.” In case my grin wasn’t smug enough, I said, “Told you.” I finished wiping down the counter, poured myself a large black coffee, and went back to the booth. I picked a seat with a full view of the dining room.

When Meg finally joined me, she scooted into the booth and leaned her back against the wall.She can see the door without having to turn around. She glanced towards it often.

“Thanks again for helping.” Meg hesitated before asking, “Why didn’t you go get Mary?” She corrected herself, “I mean your mom.”

“It’s fun to whip up Frou Frou drinks once in a while.”

“Even if you don’t drink them.” She nodded towards my cup before glancing at the door. “So, why do you want to talk to me?”

Interesting choice of words. The slight emphasis she placed on the wordmedidn’t go unnoticed. Did she think she wasn’t worth talking to? Man, someone had really done a number on her.

I considered the bet way to answer. Something told me I needed to tread carefully, because she’d be sensitive to my words and tone. I opened my mouth and realized I had no idea how to tell her I saw her looking at guns last night and wanted to offer my help, without sounding like I was eavesdropping like a creep.

“Listen, there’s no great way to say this, so I’ll just say it. I saw you looking at the guns last night after class and I asked Grant about it.” Nope, not creepy at all Sheppard.

Her pupils dilated. “You what?” Her voice cracked. “You followed me?”

I shook my head. “Grant’s a friend. I saw you when I stopped by to say hi after class.” I paused. “He said you asked about taking shooting lessons.”

“You asked about me?” Meg was trying to sound angry, but her shaky voice gave away her fear. “Why do you care if I want lessons?”

“I don’t, I mean, I do, but not… Please, just hear me out.” How did I lose control of this conversation so quickly?And why am I so tongue-tied? Where was my confidence? “It’s not a big deal and I’m not judging you, I swear.” I wish I knew how to put her at ease. “I’d like to help you.” Grant said she left disappointed when she saw the cost of shooting lessons. “I’ve taught lots people how to shoot guns. I could teach you.” Not only did I want to help her, I wanted to know more about her.

“No.” Meg’s response was quick, harsh, almost rude.

It felt like a door slamming in my face.

She apologized and reframed her reply. “Thank you for offering, it’s really very nice of you.”

I could sense the ‘but’ she hadn’t said. “But?”

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