Page 51 of The Girlfriend Zone

I shrug, keeping it casual. “She wants to discuss something. I don’t know what,” I add before she can ask.

Birdie gives me a long, scrutinizing look. “But you think it’s a date.”

“No, I don’t,” I scoff. “Why would you say that?”

She grins smugly. “You’re dressed for a date, you keep checking the door, and you’ve got that ‘I’m trying hard to look good for the woman I can’t get over’ vibe.”

I scowl, annoyed she’s hit the nail on the head. “Don’t pretend you can see into my soul.”

“It’s not hard. You’re transparent,” she says, seeming completely unfazed.

“And you’re trouble,” I mutter. “Besides, nothing’s happening. Same deal as before. I’m focused on earning the chance to be co-captain.”

She pats my hand. “And you will.” Then she gives a subtle nod toward Kendra, smirking. “Want me to set you up with her then?”

I roll my eyes. “Is that your way of getting back into The Underground Grandma Matchmaking Society?”

She laughs. “Please. I was reinstated the moment I matched a couple of my regulars. This shop is basically my own dating app.”

I shake my head at her antics. “Just don’t meddle with this, okay?”

With a knowing smile, she nods toward the door. “Darling, here comes your favorite match.”

I turn to see Leighton walk in, looking effortlessly put together, and my heart jumps. That’s seriously inconvenient. I remind myself she’s not mine. She can’t be mine.

She makes her way over, flashing a small grin at me before turning a brighter smile on Birdie. “Hey, Birdie! How did the Earl Grey lattes work out on social? I hope everyone flocked here after those pics.”

“With the showgirl latte art in them, no one could resist.” Birdie waggles her plucked eyebrows. “Want one?”

Leighton chuckles. “You know I’m a green tea girlie.”

“Live a little. I promise—if you love tea, you’ll love my Earl Grey lattes.”

Leighton’s eyes catch mine with a hint of amusement. “Does she always get her way?”

“Every single time,” I say.

Birdie grins. “Perfect. One espresso and one Earl Grey latte.”

As she sets to work making our drinks, I turn to Leighton. “Let’s snag a table. I’ll grab the drinks when they’re ready.” I pause for effect. “Even the vile one.”

She laughs lightly. “Thank you for keeping its vile-ness from me.”

“Of course, Leighton. I’ll always protect you from coffee drinks.”

“Like I once said, you’re gallant.”

Her references to the day we met go right to my head. They’re not romantic inside jokes, I remind myself and gesture to the back of the café. “After you.”

Leighton walks ahead, and yeah, I’m not going to lie—the view’s nice. But Leighton’s like a Christmas tree in the middle of a department store—she looks good from any angle.

She picks a table tucked into the back corner, away from the chatter closer to the sparkly counter. Retro photos of showgirls decorate the exposed brick walls, adding to the vibe. The scent of coffee mingles with vanilla and cinnamon. Whenever I come here, I hardly ever want to leave.

Leighton sits, and I join her and notice her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of the table. She’s focused but seems a little distracted.

“How’s your day going so far?” I ask. Manners come before curiosity, after all.

“Not too bad. Yours?”

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