Page 12 of Coffee Shop Cupid
“Um…”
“Take your laptop and work in a park on nice days, or go to a cafe. You can use the excuse of working to avoid conversation if you’re not feeling up to it. I just want ou to get used to being in public again.”
My hand moved to my neck; to cover my severed bond mark.
“It’s not as noticeable as you think,” he said. “Nobody can see it between winter clothes and your hair.”
“I… um…”
“You don’t have to do it,” he said. “But I really do think you’re ready to take that step. So at least give it some consideration.”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “I can think about it.”
“That’s all I ask,” he stated. “Now, it’s almost the end of your session. Do you want to finish with some breathing exercises?”
“I’d like that.”
“Good. Get comfortable, then we’ll begin.”
∞∞∞
I stared at my laptop bag.
“You can do this…” I muttered. “People do this every day, and nobody here knows you.”
I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath. “One hour. I can handle one hour.”
I opened my eyes and strode to my bag before I could talk myself out of it. I grabbed it then continued to the door.
My plan was to kill two birds with one stone. I’d go out and be in public, and I’d face my attraction to the coffee shop alpha.
Was it too much? Probably. But I needed to reclaim my life… whatever that meant now.
I focused on my breathing as I walked. It had been a good day. Nothing had set me off, and I’d been able to keep my emotions in check.
The walk to the coffee shop seemed shorter than it had been the first time. But the smell of baked goods was just as comforting when I walked in.
“Good afternoon,” said the same barista with a smile. “What can I get started for you?”
“Iced coffee and a club sandwich,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.
“You got it,” she chirped.
She made my iced coffee as I waited for my debit card to process, then handed me a number to place on the table.
I let out a sigh of relief as I added cream and sugar to my coffee. She hadn’t shown signs that she remembered me, or if she did that I wasn’t welcome.
I hadn’t completely embarrassed myself.
I picked a table and pulled out my laptop to start working.
I could do this.
Chapter 6 - Chase
“Order in,” Natalie said as she walked back a ticket. “Club sandwich.”
“Got it,” Lenny called back.
