Worry lines are etched on her face, but before she can ask me any more questions, Joe comes out from the kitchen. He looks around at the young crowd occupying most of the tables with one or two coffee mugs and a pie plate on their table. Head bowed onto their computers or mobile phones, they’re lost in their own world. He shakes his head before turning toward us.
I quickly wipe my face with the back of my hand, but he’s too sharp to be fooled.
“What’s going on here?”
I shake my head, but he folds his hands over his chest, not letting it go.
“Vi is getting married, and she’s going to get her marriage license, so we need half of the day off,” Ivy replies to him, and my heart soars in delight knowing she finally agreed.
“You’re both getting married?” Joe looks between us, and his confused expression elicits a laugh out of me.
“No, Joe! Vi’s getting married to the hotshot suit.” Ivy playfully nudges my shoulder.
The bell on the main door jiggles, and as if summoned by our words, Zane walks in. My heart almost stops at the sight of a white daisy bouquet in his hand.
“He’s the husband?” Joe cocks his head toward Zane, who’s giving me a small smile.
I nod with my heart pitter-pattering in my chest.
I remove my apron to hang it, but I halt at the hook when I hear Joe.
“So, you weren’t coming just for the coffee?” He still has his arms folded, but now his formidable gaze is zoomed in on Zane. I must say, given Zane’s height and physique, it doesn’t look so formidable.
“I liked th-the coffee.” Zane looks at me before adding, “T-too.” That simple word brings such joy to my heart.
“So, you really like Vienna?” Joe continues the interrogation as Ivy slides next to me.
“I think I’ve never liked Joe more than now. He really loves us.”
But Joe turns his head toward the coffee board. “What I mean is you really like the foamy, creamy Vienna coffee, or were you just trying to get into my employee’s pants?”
“Joe.” I rush up to him and tug him back, but he’s really heavy, and I can’t even budge him a little. If he only knew that Zane has no interest in getting anywhere close to my pants.
“I’ll continue my tr-rips to the café for my or-rder of Vienna. It’s-s becoming my favor-rite,” Zane says with a grin on his face.
“Then you really love her.” A tinge of a smile touches Joe’s face, and before walking away, he says to Zane, “Be good to her, okay?”
I hug Joe, but then he adds, “It’s not that these girls are amazing employees or anything. But it’s a pain in my ass to find new workers these days.”
Hearing his words, I giggle and give him one last hug. Joe can act as tough as he wants, but we all know he likes Ivy and me.
“Go now.” He waves at us.
I circle the counter, and Zane hands me the bouquet. “How ar-re you feeling?”
“I’m okay.”
“You’re s-sure about this, r-right?” He motions between us.
I nod. “Let’s get married.”
* * *
“What? I don’t look okay?” I shift from one foot to another as Zane stands at my doorstep gaping at me.
After getting our marriage license, he dropped me back to my apartment, where Ivy was waiting. I needed her expertise in getting ready for my first meeting with the husband’s family. I still can’t believe Zane and I are getting married. The thrill, the excitement, has taken my mind off the crazy things happening in my brain.
But with the way Zane is staring at me, I’m not sure if I look too hot or too dumb.