The next morning, Maddie found herself staring at her phone, wondering if she should text Alex. Maybe just a casual, "Hey, coffee?" But what if he thought she was being too forward? Or worse—too clingy?
Her thumb hovered.
Before she could chicken out, a message popped up: *"Coffee? I promise to keep the shirts dry this time." — Alex*
Maddie smiled, heart doing that weird fluttery thing. *Maybe this day won't be so bad after all.*
They met at *Java Junction* again, the place where their story had begun in a slightly caffeinated chaos.
Alex arrived early, clutching a small bouquet of wildflowers. "I figured since I ruined your first coffee, I'd make up with flowers."
Maddie raised an eyebrow but accepted them with a grin. "Smooth."
They ordered their drinks—no spills this time—and found a cozy corner. The conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter bubbling between them like a fresh pot of coffee.
But just as Maddie was starting to think this might be the start of something real, her phone buzzed with a message from Clara, her competitive coworker: *"Good luck with that presentation tomorrow. Hope you're ready to lose."*
Maddie's smile faltered.
Alex noticed immediately. "Work drama?"
"Yeah. Clara's fun like that."
He reached out, squeezing her hand. "You've got this. And I've got you."
Maddie felt warmth spread through her chest. Maybe messy, chaotic love was exactly what she needed.