Epilogue
Tuesday
The curse of taking time off for a whirlwind vacation was the dreamlike state of the memories once you returned. Sedona had been a fairytale, and so my brain had categorized it as such.
But my slight tan didn’t lie, and neither did the beautiful constellation necklace hidden under my work blouse.
“Iced mocha latte for Madi!”
Perhaps I was simply in a particularly glowing mood given I didn't often give second glances to customers, but Madi offered a notably pretty smile as she dropped her spare change into the tip jar.
Liam handed me the next order. “Caramel latte for—” The name threw off my rhythm for a mere beat. “…for Clint!”
Not Cliff. Cliff had been arrested. I wasn’t the only stalking charge on his record, turned out. According to Alex, I wouldn’t be the only woman speaking against him at the trial.
As much as my stomach churned at the thought of returning to a courtroom, this was different. Last time, I hadn’t been able to save El. But at least this time, I’d been able to save myself.
I’d gotten lucky. Consequently, I’d signed up at Alex’s gym and hadn’t argued when Alex waved the fee. If I had to break a guy’s nose, I’d rather not break my hand with it next time.
“So, you ditched movie night,” Liam said, sliding over once the latte was gone. “Luckily for you, I get it. We’re going again this weekend. You coming?”
I bit my lip. “Can—”
“—Alex come? Yes,” Liam said with that shit-eating grin of his. “Does she even know what a dollar theater is?”
Before I could give a snarky response, Alex appeared, making her usual, confident strides through the door. I failed to bite back a grin, my heart skipping a beat when I matched her gaze. “Hey—”
Liam shoved his way between me and the register. “Welcome to Tortalgan Coffee Co,” he said. “I hear you have intentions for my friend.”
“I’d like to think they’re more than intentions,” Alex replied, as smug as ever. “We certainly acted on a few last night.”
“Good. Keep it up. Otherwise, I’m giving you decaf.”
Alex placed a hand on her chest in false offense. “Threat well-received.”
“One abomination drink, I presume.”
“Actually, no.”
Liam and I both froze in shock.
“Well, yes. Bring on the abomination,” Alex continued. “But give it four shots.”
“You don’t have to do this anymore,” I replied. “You like coffee, remember?”
She shook her head. “But look how pissed you are.”
Asshole.
Liam glanced at me as he put in the order. “Damn, I was hoping you’d fixed her.”
I chuckled as I finished the order and accepted her card. “Don’t mind him. He’s been waiting for us to date for months.”
“I absolutely have,” came a voice from the espresso machine.
“That’s good,” Alex replied. “I think.”
“It is,” I replied. “Question for you, though: do you know what a dollar theater is?”
Alex frowned. “I would assume it’s a theater where everything costs a dollar.”
I turned to Liam. “You win. She didn’t know.” Amid Liam’s celebratory chuckles, I said to Alex, “Wanna come? Liam and Derek invited us.”
“Is it as dark and secluded as a regular theater?”
“More,” I said. “They’re very chill.”
“Then, yes. I’ll even pay for everyone.”
I handed Alex back her card. “How generous of you to dig through your couch cushions and pay four whole dollars plus tax and popcorn.”
Melodrama filled Alex’s sigh. “I do what I can to help.”
I glanced behind her. The line had dried up, thank goodness. “My mom says ‘thanks’ by the way,” I said. “I think she feels bad about how the first meeting went. She wants you to come for dinner sometime.”
Alex’s jeering softened into something sincere. “I’d like that. Um, and since I’m trying to step back into the world a little, I may have accepted an invite to a charity dinner at the zoo next week. I’d like you to come. God knows I need someone to hold my hand through those stuffy galas.”
I forgot, at times, that Alex came from such a different world. “Yes, but you have to take me dress shopping.”
Alex chuckled, that beloved fuckboy grin making an appearance. “Anything for my princess.”
Liam handed me the drink, grimacing. “This drink should be illegal.”
“It probably is, given the amount of caffeine.”
I met Alex’s gaze, felt delicious tension unbound, and were it not for the threat to my job, I’d have kissed her then and there.
Things would be different now. I knew I couldn’t fathom the depths of it. “Abomination drink for Alex!”
And some things would never change.
The End