Page 63 of Yours, Forever

A big SUV parked in front of the café. Excellent distraction, indeed.

"They are here."

I took her hand and brought her with me to welcome my friends. We were in public—this could be our normal, if she asked and I had to explain.

"Max!" Javier was the first to see me.

He approached me and gave me a one-armed hug, then gave one to Eva. She squeezed my hand through it, and through Gabe's and Lina's hugs. I introduced her to Vi and Jake, too, the two people she hadn't met yet.

"Now you know everyone." I talked to her, but gave my friends a playful glare. "They better behave, if they want you to like them. If they want to get another invite to Laguna Island in the future."

"We will behave, of course." Jake's grin shone through his reddish beard. "First impressions, and all that."

"No need to stress." Eva smiled at my friends. "We're all welcoming here in town. Let me show you."

Eva and I shepherded my friends into the café, us in tow.

I could be normal. No need to catch feelings.

Except that for me, it seemed to be too late.

Eva

"Meg!" Max called to my fresh new barista, his hand holding mine. "Trial by fire. These are my friends and they all want the best cup of coffee you can make for them."

I tried to break from the group to help the young, new employee, but Max kept me close with a tightening hand.

"Will you come spend time with us?" he asked.

His friends sat about the place, occupying the couch, an armchair, and a chair from a nearby table. They left one of the armchairs empty, presumably for Max.

They commented on the painting and bookshelves, admiring my décor.

I smiled at Max. "After they all have drinks, okay? I don't want to leave Meg alone with that."

"Can I help?" He gave my hand another squeeze.

Javier's eyes were on us, and my other patrons were potential witnesses as well. If I had told Max we would keep pretending when people surrounded us, I had to keep true to my word.

I shook my head. "Go. Enjoy them. I'll come sit in a bit."

He squeezed my hand again and let me go. With his friends, they made a living room out of my coffee shop, and chatted while Meg and I worked on coffees and calzones rotos for them all.

With everything on trays, I checked my phone before joining Max and his friends. I had several texts I had missed; I checked Ale's first.

Ale: everyone is talking about your guests. I think you'll have a lunch rush. Want me to come over and help?

Ren: Pri and I are coming over for lunch. We already heard about Max's friends over here at the library

A quick look around the café told me the lunch rush was well started.

I swallowed my nerves and responded to Ale.

Eva: Yes, please come help. I won't be able to hide behind the counter for long.

And to think this was the kind of busyness I had dreamt of for my shop.

I took the tray and put it on the coffee table, in front of the sofa. "I hope you all enjoy."