Avery

A few days later, I’m at the café at the crack of dawn to help my mom

when Lucas walks in and my mouth drops open. He casually waves and I immediately run around the counter. I’m hoping that his being here means he’s forgiven me or at the very least wants to talk, and that’s something.

“Lucas.” I stop myself before I hug him in case he isn’t ready for that yet.

“Hey, Ave.”

“You look good.” I nod at him because he does. I haven’t seen him in almost three weeks and he looks like he’s lost a bit of weight but somehow also gained some muscle. He’s typically clean-shaven but he’s got more of a beard coming in and it’s startling how much more he looks like Theo now.

“Been at the gym and running.” I nod. “I heard you moved.”

“I did. You should come by and see it.” I hate how awkward things are between us when they’ve never been this way. Is this the new normal between us? “You want some coffee or breakfast?”

“Sure.” He smiles. “Whatever. You know I like everything.” I move around the counter