Before entering the charming coffee shop, Lucas Madden stood outside and briefly touched the door handle. He felt the comforting embrace of roasted beans and mellow indie music. He saw Hope Pierce sitting in her usual corner seat, her glasses slipping down the bridge of her nose as she tucked them behind a book.
She grinned as she looked up. "Just in time."
"I try," Lucas said in a lower-pitched, rougher-than-normal voice. With a long sigh, he slid into the seat opposite her.
Hope folded her hands in front of her and closed her book. "Hard day?"
"Hard month," Lucas whispered. Or perhaps the year. I have no idea anymore.
He didn't need to elaborate. Over the past few weeks, Hope had developed into that silent constant—the gentle voice that didn't pass judgment or the presence that didn't ask for explanations. She listened without ever pushing. And like a weary tide reaching the shore, Lucas found himself coming back to her.
Before Hope spoke, they sipped coffee in silence for a few minutes.
"You don't need to discuss it. However, you should be aware that I'm not present because I'm sorry for you.
Lucas gave a dry laugh. "So, what brings you here?"
Hope's eyes met his, steady and unclouded. "Because I see an unraveling man who is still attempting to keep everything together for the sake of everyone else."
Lucas glanced at his cup before turning to face the window where clouds were starting to form in the sky. "I hardly ever speak to Lorna anymore. Each time, we quarrel. Jason finds himself in the center. Now that Michael has returned, he's everywhere.
Hope gently touched his hand as she reached across the table. "Just because someone else returned doesn't mean you're losing. You simply have to deal with what was damaged a long time ago.
Lucas did not retreat.
"You deserve more than being someone's shadow," she added quietly.
Neither of them moved for a moment. The quiet war raging in Lucas's heart was ignored by the busy world outside.
At last he let out a breath. "The only person I can breathe around these days is you."
Hope didn't say anything in response. She merely squeezed his hand a little.
And a line blurred somewhere between confession and coffee steam, but neither dared to cross it.
Not just yet.