THE COFFEE SHOP

THE COFFEE SHOP
I’m beginning to think visiting Mom was a big mistake. She’s been firing off questions nonstop, and I swear, I’m on the verge of losing my mind.

I missed her—truly, I did—but here she is, prying into my love life. Again.

“So, when are you bringing someone home?” she asked, her tone deceptively casual.

I feigned confusion. “I brought Gia. She’s someone.”

Mom let out a frustrated sigh. “Brianna, stop playing dumb with me. I meant a man. Not Gia—a guy.”

I rolled my eyes. “Mom, I spent the last two years training to get my belt, honing my skills. I just started my career.”

“You’re twenty-six, Brianna. Twenty-six! And not just you—Gia too. You both want to send me to an early grave, don’t you? Why aren’t you dating like every other girl your age?”

“Don’t worry, Aunty, I’m going on a date with my co-worker,” Gia chimed in. “And—yes—he happens to be a guy.”

That was all it took. Mom’s attention snapped to Gia like a moth to a flame. She bombarded her with questions, asking if he was cute, what he did for a living—acting like Gia was about to walk down the aisle.

I sighed, relieved to be momentarily off the hook. Dad wouldn’t be home early tonight, which meant I’d have to endure Mom’s interrogation alone.

Just then, my phone buzzed. Expecting it to be from the home service I called earlier, I opened the message—only to freeze.

It wasn’t from them.

It was from the head of the police department.

They wanted to see me. Tomorrow.

A shocked scream tore from my throat, making both Mom and Gia rush to my side.

“What? What’s wrong?” Mom’s voice was frantic.

I stared at the message, heart pounding in disbelief, then blurted out, “They want me to meet with them. The police department. They want me.”

For a second, silence. Then the room erupted with excitement. Mom and Gia cheered, clapping like I had just won the lottery.

But no one was as happy as I was.

This is finally happening. My first real job. I’ll be working alongside the Chicago police—fighting crime.

I barely contained my joy, but Mom wasn’t about to let me leave just yet. She insisted Gia and I stay for dinner—to celebrate, she said.

Escape was impossible. She even called Eric, gushing about how her daughter was now back in Chicago.

Before I knew it, she had Gia and me in the kitchen, prepping for what could only be described as a feast.

“Mum, this is way too much food. How on earth are we going to finish all of this?” I groaned, exasperated. “And for the last time—what are we celebrating?”

Mom looked at me like I had grown two heads. “Brianna, you’ve been away from home for two years. It’s only natural for me to celebrate my daughter—who just earned her red belt in Kung Fu and landed a job.”

I sighed as she continued setting the table, her excitement unwavering.

Gia had excused herself earlier to take a call, but she still hadn’t returned. A nagging suspicion crept into my mind.

I can’t believe Mom forced her to invite her boyfriend over—assuming he even exists. If Gia lied about him again, like she did two years ago…

Mom won’t let her get away with it this time.

The table was almost set when the doorbell rang.

"Brianna, get the door," Mom called from the bedroom.

"Okay, Mum."

I expected to see Gia standing outside with a pleading look, probably needing my help to escape Mom. But instead, it was Dad at the door.

"Give your old man a hug," he said, spreading his arms wide.

"I missed you, Dad." I rushed into his embrace, holding him tight.

"Welcome home, sweetheart."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Come, I got something for you. I’m so proud to be the father of a detective."

"Let’s go see my gift—because that is all that matters now," I said, excitement bubbling inside me.

Dad chuckled. "Your gift isn’t inside. It’s outside."

I barely waited for his words to register before dashing out, only to stop dead in my tracks.

A brand-new power bike.

My heart nearly burst with joy. "Oh my God!" I’ve always wanted one of these. The sleek blue-and-black body gleamed under the streetlights, and I was beyond grateful I already had my driver’s license.

"Dad, I love you!" I nearly screamed.

He laughed. "I knew you’d love it. Want to take her for a ride?"

"I’d love to."

He tossed me the keys and a helmet. "Be careful, and don’t go too far, okay?"

"Okay, Dad. Tell Mom I’ll be back in less than thirty minutes."

"You better, or you and I will both be in big trouble."

"Don’t worry, I’ll try not to stay out too long," I promised before revving the engine, slipping on my helmet, and speeding off.

The rush of wind against my skin, the hum of the engine, the freedom—it was exhilarating. I lost track of time, just like Dad had predicted, too caught up in the ride and the city’s twinkling lights.

I only realized my thirty minutes were up when my phone rang.

"Brianna, where are you?" Dad’s voice came the moment I picked up.

"I’m already on my way back. You guys can start dinner without me."

"Your mom said no one is eating until you arrive—and she’s getting mad at me for giving you the bike early."

I groaned. "I don’t get why Mom always makes a big deal out of nothing. I mean, dinner is dinner."

"Not tonight, sweetheart. Tonight, dinner isn’t just dinner. We’re celebrating you."

His words made my chest tighten slightly. "Fine, I’m coming."

"Hurry up. Gia’s boyfriend is here, and Eric’s girlfriend came along with him."

"Wait—you’re saying Gia actually brought a guy?"

"Yes."

"Wow. I did not see that coming."

"Just get here already." He hung up.

I rushed home, my mind fixated on one thing—finding out who Gia’s new boyfriend was.

The moment I arrived, I parked in the garage and rushed inside.

"Where have you been?" Mom asked the second she saw me.

"Dad gave me a bike, so I took it out for a spin," I said, attempting to slip past her. But she wasn’t having it.

"Head to the kitchen. Hannah is preparing dessert—cookies. Help her out," she ordered, practically pushing me toward the kitchen.

I sighed but obeyed.

Now, I was about to meet the mighty Hannah I had been hearing so much about.

I had to admit, she was beautiful—but not as beautiful as my Gia.

I walked up to her, reminding myself to keep my emotions in check. Mom wanted me to help, so that’s exactly what I would do.

"So, where should I start?" I asked, noticing how she kept staring at me without saying a word.

"You’re Eric’s sister, right?"

"Yeah, I am. Any problem with that?" I asked, forcing a polite smile.

"No, not at all. You’re just... even more beautiful in person. Eric talks about you a lot."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he does."

I tilted my head slightly, studying her. "I’ve heard a lot about you too. So much that I was actually curious to meet you."

Her smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. "Oh? I hope you heard good things."

Was she serious right now? Was she really playing nice with me while she bullied Gia behind closed doors?

"Not exactly," I said coolly. "Gia told me you bully her all the time. I really don’t want any trouble, so I’ll ask nicely—stay away from Gia. I won’t be so polite next time."

Her expression shifted, the fake sweetness melting into a smirk. "Let me guess, Gia sent you to fight her battles?"

"You’ll figure out who sent me soon enough," I replied, keeping my fake smile intact. "I trust you can handle things here, so... see you at the table."

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and walked out of the kitchen, my hands clenched into fists. God, I wanted to punch that smug look off her face.

But I wouldn’t. Not yet.

The evening went surprisingly well. Gia introduced her boyfriend to everyone, and Mom was thrilled—probably more excited than Gia herself. Eric, on the other hand, looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

I still couldn’t believe two years had passed, and Eric still hadn’t admitted his feelings for Gia. Coward.

Mom insisted we stay the night since there were enough guestrooms.

Morning came too quickly. Eric and Hannah were the first to leave, followed by Adams. Gia and I were the last ones still lounging around, but I had a plan.

I’d already told Eric that Gia would be late for work. Now, I was dragging her to a coffee shop—partly for caffeine, but mostly because I wanted to talk.

After settling her at a table, I went to place our order. That’s when it happened.

I wasn’t paying attention and bumped into someone—hard. I nearly lost my balance, but he was quick. His strong hands caught me before I could fall.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured before slipping away.

That voice.

Even half-asleep, I would recognize that voice anywhere.

My pulse spiked. Without thinking, I turned and ran after him. He was moving fast, almost as if he wanted to disappear.

But why was I chasing him?

I didn’t even have an answer.

I burst out of the coffee shop, scanning the streets. Where did he go?

All I caught was a glimpse of a brown coat before he vanished.

Was that... Dax?

No. It couldn’t be.

Dax was in Europe, probably living his best life. There was no way he was here.

Still, a strange unease settled in my chest.

With a sigh, I turned back toward the café.

Gia was probably wondering why I had sprinted out of the shop like a crazy person.