6. Olivia
SIX
olivia
“ A nd Vera and I broke into that building.” I pointed to one with a busted open window. “We got in through the broken pane. For a building that’s supposed to be abandoned”—I shook my head as a giggle slipped free—“they sure left fresh snacks in the home economic fridges all the time.”
I snuck a peak at Luke, whose eyes were wrinkling at the sides with his smile. “Sounds like you and Vera broke into a lot of places growing up.”
I nodded wordlessly as we walked hand in hand down the small town streets. A light dusting of snow blanketed the buildings and roads. I felt like a teen experiencing love for the first time being here with Luke. We rounded the corner to my favorite coffee shop.
“Did you wanna go in here, angel?”
His thumb pressed loving circles into my hand as he squeezed it slightly. His blue gaze zeroed in on me like I was the only thing in the world he could see.
“You know me so well.” I felt the tug of a smile at the corners of my mouth as I pulled him into the little cafe .
The smell of caramel and pastries assaulted our senses in the best way. Warmth hit us, heating our freezing cheeks from the winter. Christmas was just a few days away, and New Year's was right around the corner. Festive lights twinkled in every window, and the scent of pine filled the air. I could hardly believe that this year, I'd finally have a New Year's kiss at midnight, and for once, it wouldn't end in disaster.
“What’s your favorite thing on the menu?” Luke asked, his gaze focused on the options behind the barista at the register. “I’ll get whatever you like.”
I thought for a moment, wracking my brain for the old menu items that seemed to have taken on new names and flavors.
“I used to like their vanilla lattes.” I tapped my chin with my free hand, gripping Luke’s with my other. “I think I’ll try one of the white chocolate mocha cappuccinos. And a blueberry muffin warmed up.”
Luke ordered for us, choosing the same thing as me and adding a chocolate croissant for us to split. Carrying our steaming coffees and perfectly heated pastries, we settled into the cozy corner by the window. The sunlight filtered through the glass, casting a golden glow on our table as we unwrapped our treats. The rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked rolls filled the air, creating an even more memorable moment.
“I love seeing you happy here.”
My ears perked up at his words. “I’m happy anywhere with you.” I nudged his feet under the table playfully as the burst of blueberry exploded on my tongue.
“Yeah, but here,” he said, swallowing the bite of muffin top he’d taken. “You’re less stressed. In Seattle, you’re always looking over your shoulder.”
What he was saying wasn’t not true. Seattle was a beautiful city, and I never felt more at home when I was there, but Matt was also there.
I shrugged and picked at my muffin before stuffing my mouth full of it.
Luke’s hand slithered across the table to take mine in his. “I’ll never let anything happen to you.” Warmth touched his blue eyes.
“I know.” I marveled at how our fingers felt intertwined. I glanced down at them and then back at him. “I trust you.”
“Did you guys come here a lot?” Luke asked. “I mean, you and Vera.”
I nodded, stifling a laugh that bubbled to the surface. “Yeah.” I took a swig of my drink, letting the hot liquid wash down the pastry. “Vera actually used to work here.”
“She did?”
“Yeah, she was the best,” I said, getting lost in a memory. “She’d give me free coffee and food all the time.”
“You and her are close like sisters.” Luke’s gentle touch and words pulled me back to the moment.
I looked down, shyness sinking into my skin like the finest lotion.
“We really are. They canned her and she stole half the pastries in the case before running out.”
The ghost of a smile danced on Luke’s features; he could probably picture it all too well. It was an incredibly Vera thing to do.
I couldn’t help the dopey expression that probably took over my features, remembering the day.
Vera had just gotten fired, and in a moment of defiance, she snatched the food on her way out. She bolted out of the bakery, an armful of bagels clutched tightly to her chest, and raced through the busy streets.
I could just imagine her running as she made her way to my house. The memory reheated a part of me I hadn’t realized still lay frozen within .
When she burst through the door, she was slightly out of breath but grinning in the foyer, eyes gleaming with rebellion.
"I got fired," she'd said, her gaze sparkling with mirth. "But I brought us these!" She set the bag on the table, her hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline.
“That’ll show them. Fuck them, and their damn overpriced coffee and pastries. Dig in, bestie!” She cackled, tossing her head back as she let out the shrill howl.
“She’s my best friend, forever and always. My life wouldn’t be the same without her.”
Luke’s features softened as I spoke. Happiness swam in the depths of his gaze, focused on me and me alone.
We sat in companionable silence as we finished our drinks and food. We people watched and enjoyed the quiet stillness. Luke stood, discarding our stuff in the trash and taking the plates back up to the counter.
“You ready to head out?” His hand reached over to engulf mine.
I placed it gently in his, feeling like a princess as he helped me to my feet, looking at me like I was the most important thing in the world to him. My life didn’t feel real anymore. It felt too good to be true. Luke changed me in a way that I’d forever be grateful for.
Nothing would ruin this happiness we’d found within each other.