Chapter 2

Two

LUCY

Thankfully the next day delivers clear skies to accompany my optimistic walk down the street to the Regency Roast Coffee Shop. This is my go-to coffee place, not only because of its proximity to my apartment but also because of its name.

My love for Jane Austen was a heavy contributor when selecting my new home for the international move. I spent years of my life dreaming of the English countryside she would write about in her books. Sure, I’ve watched the movies based on her books, but I knew I needed to experience these locations for myself. Now, I just have to get myself out to the countryside to see those views with my own eyes and pretend I am a heroine in one of her stories while I’m there.

With my e-reader tucked safely in my bag, I spot an empty table in front of the shop that I plan to occupy after I get my order. These outdoor tables fill up quickly, but tonight, it appears I may be in luck.

The large wooden framed door takes some effort to pull open, but it’s worth it for the delicious coffee aroma that waits behind it. The cozy café is decorated with neutral colors and art to complement the dark wooden benches lining the walls with small tables and chairs on their opposite sides. The middle of the shop is occupied with four-person square tables with the exception of one large table that sits about eight. Tonight’s crowd clearly prefers the indoor seating.

Checking the counter, it appears Liz must have the day off. I order a cold brew coffee with light cream from a young man whose name tag I purposely ignore. He puts a little too much cream in, but I’ll survive. Not everyone can have Liz’s skills. Luckily the small table outside is still open, I quickly settle in with my coffee and my e-reader. This is what I consider a perfect night out on the town.

My mom’s advice rings in my head—“Look friendly!”

How can I look friendly?

I recall a conversation that I had with Ellie.

“You have to work on your resting bitch face. It frightens people away.”

“I don’t mean to. I can’t very well sit here constantly smiling either, Ellie. I would look creepy!”

“No, don’t smile. Just pretend you’re in a photo shoot, getting your picture taken. How would you school your face for that?”

I can always rely on Ellie for good advice.

Baby steps, I’m out of the apartment, that’s enough for today. I open the e-reader to the last super spicy novella from one of my favorite romance authors.

The roar of laughter from the group of twenty-something friends coming out of the coffee shop catches my attention. Making eye contact with one of them, I share a small smile and go back to my book as they take seats at the table next to me.

Throughout the next half hour, their lively conversation continues. Enjoying my book, I don’t pay much attention to the topics of their discussion. That is until one of the men in the group leans back in his chair toward my table. I look up and he introduces himself.

“Hi! I’m Oliver Brooks.”

Look at that! Am I making a friend? My mom will be so thrilled. As I sit there getting excited over the potential of making a new friend, I remember he’s waiting for a response.

“Hello, Oliver. I’m Lucy Taylor.”

Be friendly, be friendly. Don’t blow this. They must realize I’m in my thirties. If these super cool twenty-somethings want to be your friend, do not miss this opportunity!

“Nice to meet you, Lucy.” He turns toward his friends to introduce them as well. “This is my brother, Finn.” Finn waves—the similarities in their features are obvious—both handsome British men. Although there are differences, Oliver has dark brown hair that has a bit of a wave at the top. Finn’s hair has more red tones mixed in with the brown. Their striking smiles shine back at me.

For anyone who wants to be surrounded by British men with their good looks and flirty accents, I highly recommend moving to England.

“This is my stunning girlfriend, Hannah.” The beautiful young woman next to him lifts her hand to wave and calls, “Hello, Lucy!” Her natural beauty glistens despite the cloudy evening while long dark braids cascade over her shoulders .

Oliver continues pointing to the remaining woman with breathtakingly red hair, “And this is Mia, Finn’s girlfriend.”

Mia gives a brief nod before saying, “Hi there!” It’s difficult to tell any of their heights, but Mia is more petite than the rest. She reminds me of one of those young, hip influencers who knows exactly how to do thier makeup and wears all the latest trends.

Two couples. So not necessarily a friend group, but rather a double date with two brothers and their partners.

Oliver turns his attention back to me. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but my friends and I need your assistance. You see, when we come here and sit for hours, we sometimes like to make a game out of different things. We noticed you are reading and we each guessed as to what it could be. The losers have to buy coffee for the person who guesses the closest to your book’s genre.”

“Oh!” There is no way any of them guessed a spicy book about a one-night stand between strangers at a bar. I can’t tell them that, at least not yet, maybe if we become friends, but not when we first meet. I have to think of something that makes me sound approachable and friendly. “Sure, I’d love to help.”

Why can’t I think of a single book that doesn’t have sex or dragons or both at the moment?

“What are the guesses?” I ask, hopeful their guesses will help me think of something.

Finn stretches as he chimes in. “I can’t tell you that, Lucy. We don’t want you to sway your answer to meet one of ours. It’s a rule we all agreed on, can’t change it now.”

“How about instead of us talking between the tables, you bring your chair over here and join us, Lucy?” Hannah suggests.

Is this happening? Be cool , I tell myself. “Sure, thanks.” I rise and close my Kindle and place it in my bag so I can carry my coffee and chair over to their table.

“So, what’s the book?” Finn asks as he leans over the table. He is clearly the competitive one in the group.

I open my mouth, willing a title to come out, but before it becomes awkward silence, Mia speaks up. “We need proof, we want to see the book.”

Oh no, that’s a death sentence. Well, I’ll have to find another coffee place after this. Opening my e-reader, I swipe up to my library and look through my current reads. That’s when I spot it. The only book currently in my library that could save me in this situation. I completely forgot I downloaded this the other night, but I’m so thankful I did. It was already at thirty-two percent, it’s not the book I would have selected to define myself to a new group of people, but it is the best I can come up with at the moment.

I open the book and turn the screen toward them. The title at the top read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. All four explode into laughter as Hannah raises her hands clearly in victory.

Not wanting to intrude too much on their time, I only stay another half hour before excusing myself to turn in for the night. But not before Hannah insists we exchange numbers so we can meet up again.

Mom will be so proud.

Back at my apartment, I receive a text indicating I have been added to a new group chat with numbers I don’t recognize, but then I read the messages.

Hannah

Hi Lucy! This is Hannah. We will all let you know who we are so you can save our numbers. It was great meeting you!

Mia

This is Mia. Should we plan for the same day/time next week?

Finn

Finn here, Hannah, remember to send your coffee order for next week. My treat since I was way off with my guess. Oh, and the other number is Oliver.

I smile as I read the texts. I was worried at first our age difference would become apparent the longer the night went on, but the opposite occurred. Learning early in the evening that they are all in their late twenties helped. I managed to forget I was ten years their senior by the end of the night.

Despite the move being exciting and loving my new job, having a group of friends here makes me feel like I’m finally settling into my new life.