Chapter 6 #2
I set down my fork carefully. “The Coffee Cove is exactly what I want it to be. It’s more than just the shop, too.
” I warmed to the subject. “I’ve got an online coffee subscription service that’s really taken off.
Customers can get our signature blends delivered, and it’s become a solid revenue stream. ”
A wave of gratitude washed over me. Without Jack’s quick thinking and technical expertise, I could have lost everything—not just the physical shop, but the entire business I’d worked so hard to build.
“But is there really a future in it?” my father pressed. “Ryan’s just made senior loan officer at the bank. He has a clear career path, benefits, retirement plan.”
“And I have a successful business that I own.” Heat rose in my voice despite my efforts to stay calm. “I employ five people, provide health insurance, and have a retirement account that’s doing just fine.”
“There’s no need to get defensive, dear,” my mother said.
“I’m not being defensive. I’m stating facts about my career that you seem determined to ignore.” Not wanting to ruin Ryan’s birthday, I took a deep breath and reached for my water glass.
“Uncle Cooper’s coffee shop is the coolest place in town,” Lily declared loyally. “And he gives me free cookies sometimes.”
“That’s true,” Ryan added. “Cooper’s built something special there. The community and tourists love it.”
“The tourists,” my father repeated with a slight emphasis that made it clear what he thought of their opinions.
The conversation mercifully shifted to other topics as we finished our main courses and ordered dessert. I had chocolate cake with coffee. I took a sip and winced at the burned taste. Over-extracted and bitter—fitting for the occasion.
“Not up to your standards?” Ryan asked with a knowing smile.
“Let’s just say Seacliff Steakhouse should stick to steak,” I said quietly.
“Uncle Cooper makes the best coffee in the world,” Lily announced, chocolate smeared around her mouth. “Daddy said so!”
I wiped her face with a napkin. “Thank you for the endorsement. I’ll put you on the payroll when you’re older.”
“How much will you pay me?” she asked seriously.
“All the hot chocolate you can drink.”
She considered this, head tilted. “And cookies?”
“And cookies,” I agreed solemnly. “You’re a tough negotiator.”
My mother sighed. “You’re going to spoil her with all those sweets, Cooper.”
“That’s what uncles are for.” I winked at Lily, who giggled.
As dessert wound down, I glanced at my watch and hoped the universal signal might prompt the end of the evening. Ryan caught my eye and nodded slightly in understanding.
“Well, this has been lovely,” he said, “but I should probably take Lily home. It’s bedtime.”
“Of course,” my mother agreed. “It was a wonderful dinner.” Her tone suggested otherwise.
When the bill arrived, my father insisted on paying—“It’s your birthday, son”—while I offered to cover the tip. Small talk resumed as we gathered our coats and exchanged goodbyes.
My mother brushed a kiss against my cheek. “You should come to Sunday dinner sometime. It’s been too long.”
The invitation was hollow, both of us knowing I wouldn’t accept. “I’ll check my schedule.”
My father’s handshake was as formal as his greeting had been. “Think about what we said, Cooper. It’s not too late to make some changes.”
I bit back the response that rose to my lips and nodded noncommittally instead. “Goodnight, Dad.”
Outside the restaurant, Ryan hung back as our parents walked toward the lot where they and Ryan had parked. Lily had already convinced my father to carry her on his shoulders. Her laughter floated back to us on the night air.
“I’m sorry,” Ryan said quietly. “I thought tonight might be different.”
“Not your fault,” I assured him. “They’ve had sixteen years to adjust. Another dinner wasn’t going to change anything.”
“Still, I appreciate you coming.” He gave me a hug. “It meant a lot to me. And to Lily.”
“For you two, anytime.” I smiled genuinely for the first time that evening. “The munchkin makes it all worthwhile.”
“She adores you,” Ryan said. “And for what it’s worth, I think what you’ve done with The Coffee Cove is incredible. Don’t let them make you doubt that.”
My throat tightened unexpectedly. “Thanks, Ry.”
“Uncle Cooper!” Lily called from my parents’ parking spot. “Aren’t you coming to say goodbye to me?”
“Be right there, munchkin!” I called back. To Ryan, I added, “Go on. I need to send a quick text.”
As Ryan joined the others, I pulled out my phone and typed:
Dinner finally over. Feel like I need to scrub my brain clean. Meet me at Barnacle Brews in 20? I desperately need a drink that isn’t served with a side of judgment.
Jack’s reply was immediate:
On my way. First round’s on me.
Relief washed through me, clean and clarifying. In twenty minutes, I’d be sitting beside someone who saw me clearly, who valued me for exactly who I was. No expectations, no disappointments, no attempts to reshape me into someone more acceptable.
Just Jack. My best friend. The one constant in my life since college.
I walked to Dad’s car to say a final goodbye to Lily. I accepted her enthusiastic hug and promised to make her special hot chocolate the next time she visited the coffee shop. As everyone drove away, the weight of the evening settled on my shoulders, heavy and smothering.
But I had my best friend waiting for me. The thought of sitting beside Jack, letting the evening’s tension dissolve in excellent beer and better company, was exactly what I needed.
I turned on my heel and headed toward Barnacle Brews, the knot in my stomach already beginning to unwind.