Chapter 20
CHAPTER 20
MIKAEL
I don't know why I'm compelled to take Chelsey to get coffee. I hope Kenzie is there. I haven't seen her since the day on the oncology floor, and I want to reassure myself she's okay. We shared an emotional moment. I choked up myself. I usually don't talk about Jimmy. When I do, it's happiness that I can still remember him and sadness that he’s not here living our dream together.
“We don't have to go out,” Chelsey says, putting on her coat.
“You'll love this place.”
“You'll be hard-pressed to find a flavored coffee I like,” she replies as she reaches for my hand.
Hand-holding—it's too soon. We had a hot night, but her first move to the next level undermined me. I want to be the one to take the lead when I'm ready.
I am excited as we walk into the shop. I hope Kenzie is here. She's always here. I want to know if she got approved for the business loan.
I open the door and immediately I am engulfed with the enticing smell of buttery croissants—my mouth waters.
I survey the counter, and my heart sinks—perhaps she's not here.
We approach the counter, and I ask for a rundown of the morning specials.
“This shop is so cute,” Chelsey coos. I see her checking out the shop's selection and ask her if she's hungry.
“I'll have a coffee—a latte with soy milk.”
“Coming right up,” the woman says. “And for you, sir?”
“The Kona with blueberry and a croissant, please.” I want to ask if Kenzie is here, but it wouldn't be appropriate.
I gently steer Chelsey to a table for two.
“Do you come here often?” she asks.
“I do. It's grown on me. I've gained weight from the fresh bread. It's addictive.”
“Yeah, that's why I don't eat bread. It has too many carbs.”
What is life without bread?
My eyes scan the counter, searching for the familiar face I miss.
“What are your plans today?” Chelsey asks.
“I will go to the gym, and after that, I'm meeting the guys.”
I can't tell if she wanted to spend more time with me, but I rarely have an entire day to myself.
“I'd love to see this new action movie.”
“I'm not one to go to theaters. There's nothing like being stuck in a crowd where I can't escape should someone recognize me. I like anonymity.”
“It would be fun. You're always spending time with the team if memory serves,” she runs her foot up my leg, suggesting a long afternoon in the sack.
Now I remember why I stopped seeing her. She craves constant attention.
How could I forget that?
Maybe it will pass. She may have changed.
I'm cautiously optimistic.
There is a morning rush for breakfast sandwiches, and I hear a familiar voice. I'm overjoyed when I glance at the register and see Kenzie.
She's wearing an apron with flour on it, and she's asking her staff to bring out more croissants. Tendrils of hair have escaped her updo, and she uses the back of her hand to move it out of her face. It doesn't last long, and I wish I could help. She's a vision; she's perfect. It doesn't matter what she wears; she's gorgeous.
Someone slides our order in front of us, but I'm preoccupied with Kenzie as she skillfully helps the next customer. She hands a cookie to a toddler, and he smiles at her as he puts the cookie in his mouth. He doesn't know what to do with it, so he holds it there and doesn't chew. I chuckle at the sight.
“What's so funny?” Chesley asks after she swallows a sip of her latte.
“The baby doesn't know what to do with his cookie.”
She turns and doesn't appear to be amused.
“He might be too young for that.”
“Perhaps,” I mutter.
I take a bite of the croissant and let it melt on my tongue. What do Kelsie's lips taste like after her famous coffee? I bet her lips are soft and sweet—she doesn't need blueberries to sweeten them. I remember her with Jared, and I admire her for being able to return to the hospital to help others. It's not easy for me, and I'm a bystander. I focus on the smiles the kids give me, and I feel like I get more out of the interaction than they do.
I sip my coffee, and that's when Kenzie sees me.
I nod.
The rush is ending, and she approaches our table.
“Nice to see you, Mikael.” Her eyes take in my date, and her vibrant eyes dim.
“Likewise. This is Chelsey.”
“Hello,” Chelsey says.
“Hi, thank you for stopping by.”
“The coffee is amazing,” Chelsey says.
“Thank you. The croissants are warm. You should have one.”
“I'm sure they are. I'll try them another time.”
Kenzie nods, then turns to me.
“How are you?” Her eyes implore me to say something, but I don't know what.
“Great. Busy. I have a team meeting and workout today.”
“Oh, that reminds me, I have to see a game! I've never been.”
“You'll love it,” I reply.
“Yes, but the box seats are the best,” Chelsey replies.
She's used to getting comped tickets and attending events, so I'm not surprised. It's the world we live in.
“Text me. I'll leave tickets for you at Will Call.”
“You don't have to do that. I should go. It's nice meeting you, Chelsey.”
“Likewise.”
Why do I feel rejected? I would like to finagle a moment with Kenzie to see if she has a sassy comment about Chelsey.
W hy am I concerned over Kenzie’s opinion?