Chapter Three: Maple Leaves and Missed Chances
Over the next few weeks, Sophie found herself returning to The Grind more often. She told herself it was for the pumpkin muffins. But she knew it was for the conversations with Daniel.
He started showing up too.
Sometimes he brought her a coffee before she could order.
Sometimes she saved him the window seat.
They talked about everything - books, childhoods, fears. He confessed he was afraid of putting down roots. She confessed she hadn't taken a risk since college.
Neither confessed what was blooming between them.
One morning, he wasn't there.
Nor the next.
Or the next.
Sophie checked her messages. Nothing.
The coffee shop felt colder.