PART 3:

Easy, like they’d known each other longer than an hour and a half. The barista approached their table with an apologetic smile. Hey folks, we’re closing in about 10 minutes. Daniel glanced at his phone. 9:40. They’d been here for nearly 3 hours. Sorry, he said. We’ll get out of your way.

Emily was already reaching for her purse, but she moved slowly like she didn’t really want to leave either. They walked out into the cool evening air. The street was quiet. A few cars passed. A couple walked by holding hands. Emily hugged her arms around herself. “Well, that was not how I expected this evening to go.” “Same,” Daniel said.

“But in a good way. In a very good way.” They stood there on the sidewalk, neither quite ready to say goodbye. “So,” Emily said. “Full disclosure, I usually don’t do second dates.” Daniel’s stomach dropped. Oh, not because I don’t want to, she added quickly. But because once guys find out about Lucas, there usually isn’t a second date to turn down, right? But this feels different.

Daniel looked at her. Really? Looked at her at the hope and fear competing in her expression. It is different, he said. So, would you want to? She didn’t finish the sentence because the cafe door opened behind them and a man stepped out. Daniel noticed Emily’s whole body go rigid before he saw the man. Tall, mid30s, expensive jacket.

The kind of casual confidence that came from never having to question whether he belonged somewhere. He stopped when he saw Emily. M. he said, not quite surprised, more like satisfied. Thought that was you through the window. Emily’s voice was ice. Jason. Daniel didn’t need an introduction to know exactly who this was.

Jason’s eyes flicked to Daniel, sizing him up in a single dismissive glance before returning to Emily. Didn’t know you were seeing someone, Jason said. Good for you. Moving on and all that. What do you want, Jason? Just grabbing coffee. Didn’t expect to run into you. He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Although, I guess I should have known you’d be at the cheap place. Old habits.

Emily’s jaw tightened. Daniel felt something cold settle in his chest. He recognized this kind of cruelty. The casual, conversational kind that slipped under your defenses before you realized you’d been cut. We were just leaving, Emily said. Sure, sure. Jason made no move to go inside. How’s Lucas? He’s fine.

Still asking about me? That’s too bad. Jason’s smile widened. Kid should know his father. But I guess you’ve got. He gestured vaguely at Daniel. This now, so that’s good. Every boy needs a man around, even if it’s not the right one. Daniel’s hands curled into fists at his sides. Emily’s voice was steady, but Daniel could hear the tremor beneath it.

Jason, we’re leaving. Have a good night. She turned to walk away. Jason called after her. Did you tell him? Emily stopped. Did you tell your date here that you come with baggage? Because that’s only fair. M guy should know what he’s getting into. Emily turned back and Daniel saw her face had gone pale. Because here’s the thing, Jason continued, addressing Daniel directly now. Emily’s great.

Really, she’s got a kid. And trust me, manto man, that complicates everything. Your time isn’t your own. Your money isn’t your own. And God forbid the kid doesn’t like you because then you’re just the guy trying to replace daddy. and that never stop. Daniel’s voice cut through the monologue. Jason paused. Excuse me? I said stop. Daniel took a step forward.

Not aggressive, just present. You’re done talking. Jason’s smile turned sharp. Oh, you’re one of those the white knight type. Let me guess, you think you’re going to save her. be the hero who she told me. Daniel said quietly about Lucas before you showed up. So you can skip the whole fair warning act.

Jason’s expression flickered. Surprise, then annoyance. She told you she has a kid and you’re still here. He laughed. Give it a month. Two tops. Once you realize what you signed up for, I have a daughter. That stopped Jason mid-sentence. I’m a single dad, Daniel continued. So, everything you just said about time and money and complications.

I already know. I live it every day, Jason’s face hardened. Then you’re stupider than you look. Taking on someone else’s kid when you’ve already got your own, that’s not noble. That’s just asking for disaster. Maybe, Daniel said. But at least I’m asking. The words landed like a slap. Jason’s jaw clenched.

You don’t know anything about me. I know you walked away from your son, Daniel said. That’s all I need to know. For a moment, Daniel thought Jason might actually throw a punch. His whole body was tense, fists clenched, face red. But then a woman appeared in the cafe doorway. “Jason,” she called. “You getting coffee or what?” Jason’s anger deflated slightly.

He glanced back at the woman mid-20s, blonde, oblivious, then back at Daniel and Emily. “You two deserve each other,” he said. “Good luck with the whole broken family thing.” He turned and walked back into the cafe without another word. The door closed behind him. Emily was shaking. Daniel put a hand on her shoulder.

You okay? She didn’t answer right away. Just stood there breathing carefully like she was afraid if she spoke she’d fall apart. Then she said very quietly, “I’m sorry for what? For him? For that? For Emily?” Daniel moved to face her. “You have nothing to apologize for. He’s Lucas’s father,” she said.

“That’s always going to be part of my life, part of Lucas’s life. And if you, I’m not going anywhere.” Emily looked up at him and her eyes were wet. “You don’t have to say that,” she said. “We just met. You don’t owe me anything.” “I know,” Daniel said. “I’m not saying it because I owe you. I’m saying it because I want to. A tear slid down Emily’s cheek.

She wiped it away quickly. Why? She whispered. Daniel thought about Sophie. About the weight of doing it alone. About the fear that nobody would ever choose him again because he came with complications. About how Emily had sat across from him in that cafe and asked real questions and laughed at his awkwardness and told him the truth even though the truth could have ended everything.

because you chose to stay too, he said. When I told you about Sophie, you didn’t run. You leaned in. And I’m returning the favor. Emily let out a shaky breath that was half laugh, half sobb. We really are idiots, she said. Daniel agreed. They stood there on the sidewalk, two people who’d been broken by the ones who left, choosing to stay for each other.

They didn’t go back inside the cafe. Instead, they walked. No destination, just movement. Putting distance between themselves and Jason’s poison. Emily talked as they walked. About Lucas’s father leaving, about the months of trying to hold everything together while falling apart, about learning to be enough for both of them, even when she felt like she was failing at everything.

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