14. Cole

FOURTEEN

Cole

3:49 pm

I set Madeline up at the front table with her favorite coloring book, a fresh pack of markers, and a pink smoothie. She's content, humming to herself as she scribbles away. The cafe's quiet now, the lunch crowd long gone, but I know the after-work rush will hit soon.

I'm essentially inside of the industrial fridge, determined to purge anything close to expiring. Usually, I'd be home by now, leaving Nelson to close up. But with the inspection looming tomorrow morning, I can't risk leaving this to anyone else.

My hands are cold and slightly pruny from handling chilled containers, but my mind is racing hot. Buster's early morning disappearance keeps replaying in my head. There was no goodbye, no response to my text. I try to focus on the task at hand, but doubts creep in like unwelcome guests.

"Mommy, look!" Maddie calls out, holding up her latest masterpiece. I force a smile, grateful for the distraction.

"That's beautiful, sweetie," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

As I turn back to the fridge, I catch my reflection in its stainless steel door. I look tired and worried. Is this how Buster saw me this morning? Did he regret our night together? I shake my head, trying to dislodge the thoughts.

The clock ticks closer to the evening rush. I need to finish this and be ready for tomorrow. But my mind keeps circling back to Buster, his warmth beside me last night, and the cold space he left behind.

I grab another armful of containers, checking dates with fierce concentration. I can't let myself fall apart now. The cafe needs me. Maddie needs me. I've weathered worse storms than this.

But still, as I work, I can't help glancing at my silent phone, willing it to buzz with a message from him.

My phone buzzes, startling me out of my cleaning frenzy. It's Aric. I quickly wipe my hands on my apron and answer.

"Cole? I've got some good news," Aric's voice is clear and confident.

My heart skips a beat. "Yes?"

"I was able to straighten out the confusion about that second infraction and the impending closure," he explains. "After reviewing the inspection notes with John Early, we realized he mixed up two inspections."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Oh, thank God."

"John will still have the planned inspection tomorrow morning as scheduled," Aric continues, "but if all goes well, we should be able to close this case."

Relief washes over me, but Aric's tone turns serious. "Listen, Cole, I can't stress this enough. You need to make sure you cross all your t's and dot all your i's. If even the slightest thing is off, it could lead to more headaches for you."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "I understand. I'm actually at the cafe now, doing a deep clean and inventory check."

"Good," Aric says. "That's exactly what you need to be doing. Leave no stone unturned."

We chat about specifics for a few more minutes, and I jot down notes on a nearby napkin. As we're about to hang up, I feel compelled to express my gratitude.

"Aric, I can't thank you enough for your help. I don't know what I would've done without you stepping in."

"No need to thank me," he replies warmly. "Just ace that inspection tomorrow, okay?"

After we hang up, I stand there momentarily, letting the news sink in. It's not over yet, but it's a reprieve—a chance to set things right.

I look over at Maddie, still engrossed in her coloring. Then my eyes fall on my phone, and thoughts of Buster creep back in. But I push them aside. Right now, I need to focus on the cafe. On making sure everything is perfect for tomorrow.

I dive back into my cleaning with renewed energy, determined to leave no detail overlooked. Tomorrow's inspection won't know what hit it.

I'm elbow-deep in cleaning supplies when the bell above the door jingles. Popping up from behind the counter, I first check on Maddie, relieved to see her still absorbed in her coloring book. Then I turn to greet our visitor, and my heart flips a little.

It's Buster.

He stands there in his scrubs, looking unfairly handsome after what I'm sure was a long day at the hospital. His dark hair is slightly mussed as if he's run his hands through it a few times, and there's a hint of stubble along his jaw that makes my fingers itch to touch it.

I try to school my features into something resembling casual indifference, but inside, I'm practically vibrating with excitement. "Hey, you," I say, aiming for nonchalance. "I wondered if you were alive." I don't want to scold him, but I don't think it is unfair for me to note that he left this morning without a word and never responded to my text.

Buster's eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, and I feel my resolve weakening. "Thought I'd grab a coffee and answer you in person on my way home," he says, his voice warm and rich. "I had a full day and haven't had a chance to stop. I was hoping to find you here this late."

I shrug, hyper-aware of how I must look—hair escaping my ponytail, clothes rumpled from cleaning. Can't I look decent for just one of these meetings with him?

"Just doing some extra prep for tomorrow's inspection. Your cousin swooped in and saved the day. If all goes well tomorrow, I should be able to put this nightmare behind me."

He nods, understanding in his eyes. As he moves closer to the counter, I catch a whiff of his cologne mixed with the clean smell of the hospital. It's a heady combination that makes my pulse quicken.

"How about I make you that coffee?" I offer, desperate for something to do with my hands. "On the house."

"You don't have to do that," he starts, but I'm already reaching for a cup.

"I insist," I say, flashing him a smile. "Consider it a thank you for all your help. Double espresso, right?"

I haven't made his coffee in years, but he has never deviated from his order before. I wonder if that has held true.

"Wow, great memory," he commends me. "A double espresso would be amazing. Thanks, Coles."

Melting. He called me by my nickname. Oh, God, save me.

I busy myself with the espresso machine and can feel Buster's eyes on me. The air between us is charged, thick with unspoken words and lingering touches from last night. I want to ask him about this morning, about why he left without a word, but I bite my tongue. Now isn't the time or place.

Instead, I focus on making his coffee, sneaking glances at him when I think he isn't looking. Each time our eyes meet, I feel a little jolt of electricity. It's ridiculous how affected I am by his mere presence, but I can't seem to help myself.

Finishing up Buster's double espresso, I watch him saunter over to Maddie's table. My heart swells as he crouches beside her, his tall frame folding easily to meet her at eye level.

"What've you got there, Picasso?" he asks, his voice gentle.

Maddie looks up, her curls bouncing as she tilts her head. "My name is Madeline, silly."

"Oh, that's right! Silly, me."

"I'm drawing a unicorn," she declares proudly, brandishing her pink marker.

"A unicorn, huh? That's pretty special," Buster says, leaning in to get a better look. "Can you tell me about it?"

I smile involuntarily as I listen to Maddie launch into an elaborate explanation of her artwork. She's always been chatty, but there's something about the way Buster listens to her—with genuine interest and patience—that gives me all the feels.

"And this," Maddie says, pointing to a swirl of colors in the corner, "is where the unicorn lives. It's a magic forest."

"Wow," Buster replies, sounding suitably impressed. "You've really thought of everything. I love the colors you used for the magic forest."

I grab Buster's coffee and make my way over to them, not wanting to interrupt but also feeling a strange pull to be part of this moment.

"Here's your coffee," I say, holding out the cup.

Buster stands, taking the coffee with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Barista. And thank you, Maddie, for sharing your amazing unicorn with me."

"Her name isn't Barista!" Madeline giggles as she covers her mouth.

"I'm just messing up all the names, aren't I?"

Maddie beams up at him, then goes back to her coloring, adding more swirls to her magic forest.

I find myself caught between them, unsure where to look or what to say. Something about seeing Buster interact so sweetly with my daughter makes my heart do funny things in my chest.

I look up as the doorbell rings, surprised to see Liesle and Anna walking in. Their unexpected arrival sends a jolt through me, especially with Buster standing right here. I feel like a peacock, wanting to show him off to my sister.

"Hey, sis!" Liesle calls out, her eyes darting between me and Buster. "We were heading to the park and thought we'd surprise you. Didn't expect to see Maddie here too!"

Anna rushes to Maddie, immediately drawn to her cousin's colorful artwork. "Ooh, what are you drawing?"

I clear my throat, excited to introduce her to the man I was telling her about the other day. "Hey, Liesle. Anna. This is Buster. He's our new neighbor." I waggle my eyes to my sister to indicate he is the one. I'm sure that isn't necessary, but sometimes my eyebrows act independently.

Buster extends his hand, all charm, and easy smiles. "Nice to meet you both."

Liesle shakes his hand, her eyebrow quirking up ever so slightly. "Likewise. So, neighbor, huh?"

I hurry behind the counter, eager for a distraction. "Can I get you guys something to drink? We just made a batch of peach iced tea."

"Sounds perfect," Liesle says, her eyes still flickering between Buster and me.

As I prepare their drinks, Liesle leans against the counter. "Wondering if Maddie might want to join us at the park? We could grab some burgers after, and I can bring her back home in a few hours."

"Oh, that would be great," I say, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. "What do you think, Maddie? Want to go play with Anna?"

"Are y'all going to Railroad Park?"

"The very one. Anna has been obsessed lately."

Maddie's face lights up. "Can I, Mommy? Please?"

"Of course, sweetie. But only if you promise to have fun and remember your manners."

As Liesle gathers the girls, Buster makes small talk, asking about the park and their plans for the afternoon. I hand over the drinks, and soon enough, Liesle ushers the excited girls out the door.

"We'll see you in a bit, Cole," Liesle calls over her shoulder, giving me a look that says we'll definitely be talking later.

As the door closes behind them, I turn to face Buster, suddenly aware we're alone.

I turn back to Buster, suddenly aware of how quiet the cafe has become without the girls. He glances around, a quizzical look on his face.

"I don't think I've ever been in here when it's so quiet. So, do you not have any employees working right now?" he asks, leaning against the counter.

I shake my head, wiping my hands on my apron. "Not at the moment. It's usually pretty quiet between the lunch rush and the after-work crowd. Normally, it's just Nelson here during this lull."

Buster nods, taking a sip of his espresso. "And today?"

"Today's a bit different," I explain, moving to reorganize some of the pastry display. "I told Nelson to take off for a few hours. I wanted to review everything myself and ensure we're ready for tomorrow's inspection. And then he will pull the graveyard shift, going over everything again."

"Cool. Makes sense."

"Did I tell you the health inspector is coming back tomorrow for a final check? Aric did something and got that stubborn inspector to take a second look, and I don't know. It's something about a mix-up, and if all is well tomorrow, they will close my case."

"You mentioned it when I got here but didn't go into detail. That's great news, Cole," Buster says, his face lighting up. "I'm glad Aric could help."

I smile, grateful for his genuine enthusiasm. "Yeah, it's a huge relief. Anyway, I asked Nelson to come in later and stay to close up. I want to make absolutely sure everything's perfect for tomorrow. Since he will be working late, he's off."

"Smart move," Buster nods approvingly. "When's Nelson due back?"

I glance at the clock on the wall. "Probably in about thirty or forty-five minutes. Just enough time for me to show you my office..."