Page 154 of Suck My Puck

“And how is work going?” Dad asks.

My nerves fire off at all the exciting news I have to tell them about Braden and the coffee shop.

Will they be upset that I’m living with a new boyfriend just a few months after meeting him? And that I’m embarking on a huge business venture?

I push aside the doubt that creeps in. They said they support me living my life on my terms. They should be okay with all of this.

I take a breath. “Actually guys, I’m celebrating Christmas with my boyfriend. His name’s Braden.”

My parents’ eyes go wide. But a second later, they catch themselves and rein in their expressions.

“I know that probably sounds nuts, but I swear, things are different with Braden. He’s amazing. He’s so kind and generous and loyal. He’s everything Matt wasn’t.”

Their expressions soften. “That’s a relief to hear,” Mom says. Dad nods along.

“And as far as work goes, I’m opening my own coffee shop this spring.”

Both of their jaws drop.

“Bella, are you serious?” Dad asks.

I nod and tell them about how I started a coffee roasting side gig and how a group of my customers offered to be the investors for my own coffee shop.

“I know it sounds wild, but I swear, I’m going about this the right way,” I tell them. “We drew up contracts, and I had a lawyer look them over. I have a business plan alongwith more than enough seed money. And I just found the perfect spot for the shop in Uptown. It’ll all work out. I promise.”

I brace myself for half-hearted words of encouragement, but to my surprise, they beam at me.

“Sweetheart, that is amazing,” Dad says.

“We’re so proud of you,” Mom says.

“We’ve always known you’re a hard worker. You can do anything you set your mind to, Bella.”

Mom nods along with what Dad says. “Could we stop by the shop sometime and see it? And maybe meet your boyfriend too?”

I smile at the hopeful lilt to her voice. “I’d really like that.”

We chat for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. When I hang up, I’m smiling.

I walk out of the bedroom and see Braden in the kitchen, rinsing veggies in the sink. I walk over to him. He dries off his hands and hugs me, tucking my head under his chin.

“How did it go?” he asks.

“Really well. They apologized for how they were when I first moved back to Denver.”

“That’s great.”

“When I told them that I’m opening up my own coffee shop, they were so supportive. They even said they’re proud of me. It felt so good.”

He kisses my forehead. “Of course they’re proud of you. You’re amazing.”

“I told them about you. They want to meet you.”

He looks at me. The corner of his mouth hooks up. “I’d love to meet your parents.”

I hug him tight and nuzzle his chest. “This has been such an amazing Christmas. And it’s not even noon.”

He chuckles. “Well, it’s about to be even more amazing. I’m making my Pop Pop’s famous lamb stew for dinner.”

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