Chapter 7

On Monday Lincoln shows up just after we open, at 7 a.m., which is usual for him unless he comes by after practice. I wave him over to my window when he walks up, even though I should let Astrid get practice, especially with someone who's a regular and would understand that she's new. She's getting better, but she still requires me or Mila to fix mistakes on at least a third of her orders. The morning has started out chilly, so we're lighter on customers at this time than usual. I think some of our regulars are opting to grab their coffees and muffins inside warmer coffee shops.

"Good morning!" I chirp at him. The smile he wears as he approaches makes my morning even better. The way it reaches into his eyes and stretches across his cheeks has a way of making people feel good about themselves. Like I'm important and just being here talking to Lincoln has made his day. He has a way with people like that. Considering how nervous he seemed the other night, it's a good thing that his body language speaks for him like this.

"You seem less tired," he says, putting his hands into his pockets.

"Yeah, Margot slept well the last couple nights, and unfortunately, she also slept right through your game, even though I told her it was exciting and she shouldn't be missing it."

He chuckles. "You can't convince some people to be fans, I guess."

"You took it better than Eli. He was very offended." I glance over Lincoln's head, disappointed to see a few more customers starting to line up. Astrid takes one, but another two shuffle up, which means that I can't keep chatting with Lincoln.

He sees my glance and looks pointedly at the menu. His eyes light up. "Oh, you have the sugar cookies back today."

I tap out the total for half a dozen, which is what he always orders when Mila makes them. "Your favorites," I tease.

"Something like that." His cheeks turn red, and he forces a laugh as I turn the tablet toward him to pay. "I see I'm becoming predictable."

"There's nothing wrong with knowing what you like," I counter, hoping to ease his embarrassment. Maybe it's the new mom in me, but Lincoln does bring out my nurturing side. I don't like that he's embarrassed about loving cookies. "You know that little burger place just down the street from Landon's place?" I ask. "They have these bacon cheesy fries that are out of this world. Landon always makes fun of me for ordering them every time I'm there instead of branching out."

"I've had them, and I have to agree with you," Lincoln says, and his cheeks turn even redder. He holds his phone close to the tablet to pay, and I scoot my stool back to grab his cookies.

"I've got them," Astrid says brightly, putting a hand on my shoulder and skirting around Margot's activity bouncer. "I have to grab some for my customer anyway."

I sit back down as Astrid grabs two boxes to fill with cookies. Lincoln steps out of the way, and another customer moves forward. I give him an apologetic smile, wishing we could talk for the minute or so it takes Astrid to box up his cookies.

She hands them over just as the other guy is paying for his, so I can't even say goodbye to Lincoln before he leaves. He can't linger. He has to get to practice, which starts at eight on Mondays. (I've learned a lot of information about the pro football life since meeting Mila.) He waves at me and then strides down the sidewalk to his Rays-blue Bronco.

Unknown Number:I hope it's okay Eli gave me your number so I could text you about the date.

Unknown Number:This is Lincoln Knight, btw.

Layla:Of course, that's totally fine.

Lincoln:One of my teammates, Zane Dalton, wants to go out with Astrid. What do you think of Thursday night?

Lincoln:You're still good to double, right? Just so it's not awkward for them.

Lincoln:We could also take off if things are going good for them.

Lincoln:You know. Whatever.

Layla:Thursday works for me. I'll check with Astrid. And you're smart to think about it being awkward for them.

Layla: Heeey! I've got a date for you. Zane Dalton. He's on the Rays line. *sends picture*

Astrid:Oh wow! *blushing emoji* He's hot.

Layla:Can you do dinner on Thursday night?

Astrid:*hiding face emoji* I'm supposed to go get drinks with Kipp after he finishes filming that night.

Layla:He'll be late for sure. You know how it goes. Do dinner with us, and if it's not working out with Zane, you can meet up with Kipp later.

Layla:But we both know it's def going to work out with Zane. *smirking emoji*

Layla:*GIF of Zane Dalton*

Layla:*GIF of Zane Dalton*

Layla:*screenshot of Zane Dalton at a children's hospital*

Astrid:Okay, okay! I'm convinced.

Lincoln:I don't know about smart …

Layla:Astrid says Thursday works for her.

Layla:And you are thoughtful. Seriously.

Lincoln:I'll pick you up at 8. At your new place. *celebration emoji*

Layla:*laughing emoji* Better make it Landon's place. I'm sure mine will still be mostly boxes.

Lincoln:*thumbs-up emoji*

Lincoln:*crossing fingers emoji* Here's hoping they fall in love. Dalton needs to settle down.

Layla:It's going to be perfect. I know it.