Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Noah
Today, of all days, I decided to bite the bullet and visit Josy’s Sweet Shop.
I've been meaning to come and see the place for myself, but there was always something stopping me. Stop lying to yourself, Noah. There’s nothing stopping you from coming to visit her coffee shop.
Josy opened it five years ago. That excuse is stupid at this point.
Okay, fine.
I have been avoiding coming to the coffee shop. There. Happy?
The truth is, I’ve been dreading confronting Josy for the past ten years, and I'm sick of being away from her. In recent months, I've seen her more and more since she’s best friends with Violet, who is dating one of my best friends, Austin. Every time there’s a get-together or Adrian has a soccer game, I'm there. Sure, I love spending time with my best friends and love Adrian; he’s a cool kid.
But I really go to see Josy, even if she doesn’t look at me or talk to me.
Just being close to her makes me happy. It has always been like this.
I met Josy when I was a senior and she was a freshman in high school.
Josy was the cool chick who hung out with mostly boys and was always ready to do fun stuff.
She came to all of my basketball games, and we hung out all the time.
I started noticing Josy as more than friends should before she started college.
She had always been pretty, but the summer before she went to college, damn, that girl changed and became gorgeous.
Her body morphed into that of a siren that called to me every time she was nearby.
I started talking to her every day and texting her while she was studying and I was working.
Since I didn’t want to go to college, I worked in construction.
I spent my days thinking about Josy, and when I was done with work, all I wanted was to talk to her.
Our conversations were the highlight of my day.
It became a habit to look forward to our talks, to share my day, and to hear about hers.
I didn't even realize when it happened, but at some point I started to crave her presence more than anything else.
I never told her about my growing feelings; there was no point.
I knew that she was way out of my league so I kept it platonic while I dated other girls, trying to find someone that could made me feel a little bit like I felt every time I was near Josy.
Even though I really tried, it never happened until one day I stopped trying.
But out of nowhere, she ghosted me. One day, she just stopped responding to my texts and calls.
I couldn’t understand what had happened.
There was no fight, no disagreement, nothing to explain why she would suddenly cut me off.
Ever since, she’s ignored me. She moved back to Honey Springs after college, and she’s been avoiding me at all costs.
I’ve seen her on the streets, in grocery stores, and she acts like I’m invisible.
Once, I even caught her hiding from me. It’s like she went out of her way to make sure we never crossed paths.
That’s why I never dared to visit her shop.
The thought of what she might say to me if we did speak kept me away even though I wanted to be near her.
I was afraid of the rejection, of hearing that she didn’t want anything to do with me.
But after being near her for the past few years, I can’t take it anymore.
Seeing her with Violet and Austin, being so close yet feeling so distant, is driving me insane.
Esteban and Austin told me to just talk to her, to ask her what the problem is.
They’re right. I need to know, to understand what happened and why she’s been treating me this way.
That’s why I think that today is the day that I’m ready to talk to Josy.
I’m going to find out once and for all why she’s been avoiding me.
Because I just can’t stand being away from her anymore.
After I am done with work, I go straight to Josy’s coffee shop. I have never said it to her, but I love her coffee. Esteban brings me one most days, paired with a pastry, and I devour it like is the best thing that I have ever tasted because it is.
As I approach the coffee shop, the charm of the place immediately catches my eye.
The building is cozy yet inviting, with soft pink lettering above the entrance that practically sparkles in the sunlight.
Cute illustrations—dainty coffee cups and swirling steam—adorn the clear windows, giving the shop a whimsical touch.
It’s so perfectly Josy that I can’t help but smile.
My hand is halfway to the door handle when I see her on the other side.
My breath catches and I pause, unable to stop myself from admiring her.
The sunlight streaming through the window casts a soft glow over her dark, glistening skin, making her look radiant.
Her long curls are gathered in a messy bun perched atop her head, with a few unruly strands framing her face like they were meant to escape.
Her face is bare of makeup, revealing her natural beauty—light brown eyes that hold a quiet strength, high cheekbones that accentuate her regal features, and full lips that curve into a pout even when she isn’t speaking.
She’s always been beautiful, but right now, she’s absolutely breathtaking.
My gaze trails down to her outfit. Dark jeans hug her perfectly rounded hips, each step she takes making them sway in a way that’s hypnotic.
She’s wearing the coffee shop’s logoed shirt that fits snugly enough to hint at the strength beneath her toned arms and the defined shape of her figure.
Josy doesn’t just walk; she commands every step with an effortless confidence that makes it impossible to look away.
For a moment, I’m rooted in place, my hand still resting on the door handle. She doesn’t see me yet, and I let myself enjoy the sight, grateful for this quiet second to simply admire her before she turns and everything changes.
Josy’s presence is magnetic; it has always been like this.
She has this natural grace and confidence that draws people in, and I am one of them.
Even when she’s in a hurry, there’s a fluidity to her movements, like she’s always in tune with some inner rhythm.
Her laughter, which I used to hear often on the phone, is infectious and lights up the room.
Now that I think about it, I haven’t heard her laugh in a long time.
Now she likes to just ignore me whenever that I am near her.
As she rushes out, I can’t help but notice the little details that make her so uniquely Josy.
She’s not just beautiful; she’s captivating, with a warmth and strength that make it impossible to look away.
It’s not just her looks, though. It’s the way she carries herself, the passion she pours into everything she does.
She’s built this coffee shop from the ground up, and you can see the pride in her eyes when she talks about it. Not that she talks to me about it. But I have seen her from afar when she talks with Violet, Esteban, or Austin.
When she turns and looks at me, her eyes go big with surprise, I use that moment to say, "Hi, Josy."
She looks perplexed but responds with a simple, "Hi." I am about to ask her to talk for a few minutes when she blurts, "I have to go." And I move out of her way, watching her walk away like her ass is on fire.
I stare at her as she heads to her truck.
She doesn’t look back at me, and I just stand here holding the door open.
I watch her truck drive away until it takes the curve and disappears from sight.
Sighing loudly, I feel like I missed another opportunity to talk to her.
Turning to look at the coffee shop, I take in the cozy ambiance and the inviting atmosphere that Josy has created.
The sound of gentle chatter and the occasional clink of coffee cups add to the bustling yet serene ambiance. I can see why this place is so popular; it has Josy's touch all over it, from the decor to the menu items.
I walk in, taking a moment to soak in the environment.
The walls are adorned with local artwork, and the shelves are lined with various coffee beans and books.
The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods fills the air.
I make my way to the counter where a girl greets me with a friendly smile.
"Hi there! What can I get for you today?" she asks.
I glance at the menu, though I already know what I want. "I'll have a large coffee and one of those blueberry muffins," I say, pointing to the display case.
The girl nods and starts preparing my order. As I wait, I can't help but think about Josy. After a few minutes, the girl hands me my order and I take a seat by the window, sipping my coffee and watching the world outside.
As I sit here, drinking my delicious coffee, I start to plan my next move.
I need to find a way to get Josy to talk to me, to finally clear the air between us.
Because no matter how much time has passed, I can't let go of the hope that we can rebuild our friendship and maybe become something more. I know it's a long shot, but I want her. Every time I see her, I can’t stop thinking of all the things we could be together. All the time I have wasted by not approaching her weighs on me heavily. I’ve recently realized that I never stopped wanting her, not just as a friend but as something much more.
I want her in my bed, and I have dreams of the things I could do to her, how I could rock her world.
I know she would be the death of me, but it would be worth it if only she would give me a chance.
With that thought burning in my mind, I take out my phone and text the boys. I need their help if I’m going to make Josy mine. Because mark my words, Josy Brown will be mine.
Me: Need your help. Just saw Josy and I can't take it anymore. I have to talk to her.
Esteban: Finally, man. What’s the plan?
Austin: About time. We have been waiting for you to take your head out of your ass and just talk to her.
Me: I know, Austin. I think I have wasted enough time.
Me: I’m not sure yet what I can do. I need to get her to talk to me first. Any ideas?
Austin: How about inviting her to one of Adrian’s fishing trips to the creek? She can’t say no to that.
Esteban: Or you could show up at her shop with flowers and be honest. Women appreciate honesty.
Me: I don’t think flowers will do it. She’s been avoiding me for years. I need something bigger, something that shows her I’m serious. Besides, I just saw her at her shop and she fled like her ass was on fire.
Esteban: Really? You went to her coffee shop? Well, what if you go every day and just talk to her or make her talk to you? She can’t refuse you if you are a customer.
Austin: That’s a great idea, Esteban. Start small, Noah. Get her talking to you again, then work your way up. Be persistent but not pushy.
Esteban: YES to what Lover Boy just said.
Esteban: Show her you care, that this time you’re not going anywhere.
Me: Thanks, guys. I like your idea. I think I will do it. Wish me luck.
Austin: Good luck, man. We’re rooting for you.
Esteban: You got this.
Me: I know. She will be mine and I’m not going to back off like last time.
Esteban: I’m so proud of you.
I chuckle and shake my head.
Me: You are an idiot, Esteban. But thanks.
Esteban: You're welcome. When all this works out and you finally get the girl, remember who helped you out.
Esteban: I’m accepting coffee and pastries as payment for my services.
Austin: You are a cheap man.
Esteban: Didn’t you know that I’m giving him the friends and family discount?
Austin: …
Noah: Thanks Esteban.
I am feeling anxious all of a sudden. This plan needs to work because it’s time to put the past behind us and move forward.
I finish my coffee, my resolve strengthening with each sip.
Josy may have been avoiding me, but that’s about to change.
She’ll see that I’m serious, that I want more than just friendship.
I want her, and I won’t stop until she’s mine.