37. Chapter 37
Wren
The café is bustling when I arrive for my shift two days later.
I've been avoiding this place since my collapse, but my bank account can't take another day off.
Neither can my pride—I've already refused both Jace’s and Theo's offers to cover my rent with a lot of my savings having gone to the hospital visit.
" I can pay my own bills," I'd signed firmly this morning when Theo tried again, sliding his credit card across the kitchen counter toward me.
"I know you can," he'd said, his eyes soft with concern. "But you don't have to."
I'd pushed the card back to him, shaking my head. " My life, my responsibility."
They're both trying so hard—Jace bringing me tea without being asked, Theo massaging my shoulders when I wince from headache pain.
The memory of Theo on his knees in that fitting room, of Jace blindfolded and desperate on the couch, sends a rush of heat through me.
Their submission is intoxicating, addictive.
But I need this normal part of my life too.
Need to prove to myself that I can stand on my own.
Maya spots me the moment I walk in, her face lighting up. "You're back!" she exclaims, abandoning the drink she's making to rush around the counter and hug me. "I wasn't sure you'd come in today."
I hug her back, breathing in the familiar scent of coffee and vanilla that always clings to her. When we separate, I sign, " Rent doesn't pay itself."
"You could have taken another day," she chides, leading me toward the back room. "Marcus was being an ass about your shifts, but I covered for you."
I follow her, tying my apron around my waist with practiced movements. My fingers move quickly as I sign, " Thank you. I owe you."
She waves it off. "Please. I'm just glad you're okay." Her eyes narrow slightly. "After what those two put you through? You are okay, right? Being with them still?"
I nod, unable to suppress the small smile that tugs at my lips. Maya's eyebrows shoot up immediately.
"Oh my god, what is that face?" she demands, leaning closer. "Something happened. Spill it."
The café is momentarily quiet, so I indulge her curiosity, my hands flying as I describe—in carefully edited detail—how I've been handling Jace’s and Theo's attempts to earn forgiveness.
"Wait," Maya interrupts, her eyes wide. "You just... left him there? With the headset still on?"
I nod, unable to contain my smirk.
"Holy shit, Wren!" She looks impressed and slightly shocked. "And then Theo in the fitting room?" She fans herself dramatically. "That's... wow. I didn't know you had it in you."
I shrug, enjoying her reaction perhaps a bit too much. " They lied to me. Now they're paying for it. "
"Damn right they should," Maya agrees, then pauses, her expression growing more serious. "But wait, how are you actually feeling about all this? About them?"
I consider the question, my hands stilling for a moment. How do I feel? Angry still, yes. Hurt by their deception. But beneath that...
" I love them," I sign simply. " I'm just not ready to say it again yet."
Maya studies me for a long moment, then nods. "Fair enough. Make them work for it."
The café bell jingles, forcing us to break apart as customers stream in.
"Duty calls," Maya sighs. "We'll finish this conversation later."
I nod and move to start making coffee, slipping back into my barista role.
The morning rush keeps us both busy, a welcome distraction from the thoughts swirling in my head.
Each time the door opens, I can't help glancing up, half-expecting to see Levi's face among the customers.
But it's always just another caffeine-deprived stranger.
I have to keep reminding myself that law enforcement is on the case.
Detective Rivera messaged yesterday to check in, assuring me they're following every lead. Agent Voss had also messaged multiple times, though something about her still makes me uneasy so I haven’t responded to her messages to call or meet her.
Still, there's been nothing new from my stalker since I collapsed on the sidewalk.
No notes, no gifts, no sightings. Part of me wonders if he's finally given up, but the rational part knows better.
He's waited too long to find me again. He won't stop now.
Around midday, Marcus emerges from his office, coffee stain on his shirt and perpetual scowl firmly in place. He barely acknowledges my presence until there's a lull in customers.
"Since you've missed so many shifts," he says without preamble, "you're closing tonight. Maya opened, so it's only fair."
I nod, not bothering to point out that my "missed shifts" were due to a head injury and hospitalization. Fighting with Marcus is never worth the energy.
" Fine ," I sign, knowing he won't understand but needing the outlet for my frustration.
He squints at my hands. "Whatever. Just make sure everything's spotless before you lock up." With that, he retreats back to his office.
"Asshole," Maya mutters once he's out of earshot. "I could have closed again. It's not like I have plans."
I shake my head. " It's okay. I need the hours anyway."
The afternoon drags on, customers coming and going in waves. Between orders, Maya and I steal moments to continue our earlier conversation.
Maya laughs. "I still can't believe you pulled those moves on them. The quiet ones are always the most dangerous." She pauses, her expression turning thoughtful. "You know, at the hospital, when you were first waking up... I heard you. Your actual voice."
I freeze, coffee grounds spilling from the portafilter I'm cleaning.
"I was so angry at them that I didn't even acknowledge it," she continues.
"But you spoke. Actual words. And now you're back to signing.
" Her eyes meet mine, gentle but questioning.
"You don't have to explain," she assures me quickly.
"I just wanted you to know that I heard you, and your voice is beautiful. "
Warmth floods my chest at her words. " Thank you," I sign.
"So," she says, clearly changing the subject to ease my discomfort, "any plans for the weekend?"
My hands move before I can second-guess myself. " Actually, Jace asked me to go to the launch party for the Wasteland Chronicles expansion. It's this Sunday."
Maya's eyes widen. "The launch party? Like, the big gaming industry event everyone's been talking about? That's huge!"
I nod, a small smile playing at my lips. " Theo took me shopping. We found this amazing dress."
"Show me!" she demands, pulling out her phone. "Do you have a picture?"
I shake my head. " It's at home, but it's perfect. Off-white, shimmery, with this flowing hem..." I pause, a grin forming. " Actually, I have something in mind for the party. Something that will drive both of them absolutely crazy."
"I'm listening," Maya says, leaning forward with interest.
" I'd need your help, " I sign, glancing around to make sure Marcus isn't lurking nearby. " Can you do me a favor? And can you help me get ready on Sunday?"
"For whatever devious plan you're hatching? Absolutely."
I grin, already imagining Jace and Theo's faces when they see what I have planned. " I'll tell you more after our shift. It's a bit... complicated to explain here."
Maya mimes zipping her lips. "Your secret's safe with me."
The rest of the afternoon passes in a flurry of customers and coffee. By the time closing approaches, my feet ache and my head throbs dully, a reminder that I'm still recovering. Maya helps me with the final cleanup before she leaves, giving me a quick hug.
"Text me when you get home," she instructs. "And don't forget to tell me about this mysterious plan of yours."
After she's gone, I move through the closing routine on autopilot—wiping tables, restocking supplies, counting the register.
The café feels eerily quiet without the hum of conversation and the hiss of the espresso machine.
Every small noise makes me glance up, my nerves still raw from everything that's happened.
I'm just finishing the floor when my phone buzzes with a text from Jace.
[Almost done? I can walk you home.]
My heart warms at his offer, even as I type back: [I'm fine. Almost finished.]
His response is immediate: [Please let me. It's late and I need a break from coding anyway.]
I consider refusing, asserting my independence yet again. But the truth is, I'd welcome his company for the walk home. Not because I'm afraid—though I am, more than I care to admit—but because I want to see him.
[Okay,] I text back. [10 minutes.]
I'm wiping down the last table when I hear the office door open behind me. Marcus's heavy footsteps cross the room, and I stiffen instinctively.
"Almost done?" he asks, his voice closer than I expected.
I turn to find him leaning against the counter, watching me with an expression that makes my skin crawl. I nod and point to the clock, hoping he'll understand I'll be finished soon.
"No rush," he says, moving closer. "We should talk about your... situation."
I frown, not understanding what he means. My hands move automatically to sign a question, but he cuts me off with a dismissive wave.
"Don't bother with that hand-waving crap. I know you can understand me just fine." His eyes travel down my body, lingering in ways that make me want to cover myself. "You've been missing a lot of shifts lately. That's a problem for me."
I take a step back, uncomfortable with his proximity. My phone buzzes in my pocket—probably Jace saying he's nearby. I reach for it, but Marcus's hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist.
"I'm not done talking," he says, his grip tightening painfully. "I've been thinking about how you can... make it up to me."
I try to pull away, but he holds firm, stepping closer until I'm backed against the table.