James sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the half-packed box of his things. The apartment still smelled like Nilla's shampoo no matter how many times he opened the windows. He ran a hand through his hair and looked at the text he'd typed but never sent.
*"Hope you're doing okay."*
He deleted it. He knew she needed space. Hell, she *deserved* it. He'd broken something fragile and rare, and no text or grand gesture could undo that. So instead, he did something different. He went to therapy. Twice a week, he sat on a worn leather couch and started with "I messed up" and slowly learned that healing wasn't just about apologies—it was about becoming someone better, even if no one else ever saw it.
---
Meanwhile, Nilla stood in line at *Perky Brews*, her favorite local coffee shop with a vintage vibe and notoriously strong espresso. She fiddled with her sleeve, wondering why she felt like a teenager on her first date. This wasn't a date. It was just coffee with a man who saw her at her most unhinged and still looked at her like she was made of stars. Theo walked in, dressed casually in a soft charcoal sweater and jeans that probably cost more than her rent. His warm smile settled the butterflies in her chest.
"Hey," he greeted, nodding at the register. "Hope you didn't order without me. I've got excellent taste in pastries."
She chuckled. "I ordered a lemon tart and an espresso so strong it might kill me."
"Bold choice," he said approvingly. "I'll grab the same. If we don't survive, at least we die caffeinated."
They found a window seat, sunlight streaming in over the mismatched wood table. For a few minutes, they just talked about work, shared awkward coworker stories, and laughed about a barista who kept calling people by food names.
"So… 'Lemon Bar'," Theo said, nudging her gently with a smirk, "how are you really doing?"
Nilla looked down at her cup, watching the coffee ripple. "Better than I expected. Worse than I'd hoped. But… I'm healing."
He nodded thoughtfully. "I can see that. You're lighter. Stronger."
"I feel like I'm finally breathing on my own again," she said softly. "I didn't realize how much of me was wrapped up in him. Or how much I gave up just to keep things working."
Theo's gaze held hers. "You deserve a love where you don't have to lose parts of yourself to keep it."
Her breath hitched, and she looked away for a moment. "That's why I'm scared to like you."
"I know," he said gently. "And that's why I'm not rushing this. When you're ready, if you ever are, I'll still be here. But right now? Let's just finish our coffee. No pressure."
Nilla smiled through the swirl of emotions, grateful—not just for his words—but for the silence that followed. It wasn't awkward. It was warm.
It was peace.
** Six Months Later**
The hum of the office printer, once the dullest noise in Nilla Stone's life, now sounded like a subtle reminder of how far she'd come. Six months ago, she had moved into Sarah's guest room with a suitcase full of heartbreak and a brain full of overthinking. Now, she stood in her own apartment, her own space—tastefully chaotic, a perfect blend of cozy and classy—coffee in hand, confidence in her stride. She was leading meetings. Landing deals. Laughing more. She was *her*, again. Maybe even a better version.
And Theo Anderson? Still around. Still soft-spoken, sarcastic in just the right ways, always watching her like she was the main event. But he'd kept his word—no pressure, no moves. Just steady friendship… and okay, a few toe-curling glances that left her wondering.
Which brought us to now.
Nilla stepped out of the elevator and walked into the café where they agreed to meet, her curls bouncing and a new shade of lipstick that made her feel like Beyoncé.
Theo looked up from his laptop and grinned. "Look who decided to show up exactly two minutes late to assert dominance."
She slid into the seat across from him with a smirk. "It's not late, it's fashionably empowered."
"Of course," he nodded, then closed his laptop. "So… would the new, confident, dazzling Nilla Stone—who may or may not have scared her boss into a raise last week—consider me?"
Nilla blinked. "Consider you…?"
He leaned in, elbow on the table, that teasing smile on his lips. "As someone who isn't just your coffee buddy. Someone who wants to hold your hand when you're stressed. Someone who thinks your 3 a.m. karaoke in pajamas might be the highlight of his life."
She stared at him for a second—long enough for Theo to raise an eyebrow—before she broke into a laugh.
"Wow. You *really* went for it, huh?"
"Hey," he said with mock seriousness. "I've waited six months. I earned my shot."
Before she could answer, a very loud and very familiar voice echoed across the café.
"Move, caffeine peasants! My bestie needs me to supervise this flirtation!"
Sarah Wells stormed in wearing oversized sunglasses, a rainbow cardigan, and a dramatic air of chaos. She stopped beside their table, looked Theo up and down like a drill sergeant, then turned to Nilla.
"This him?"
Nilla groaned. "Yes, this is Theo. Theo, meet Sarah—my best friend, self-declared protector, and professional agent of chaos."
Sarah extended a hand. "So. Are you emotionally available, financially stable, and do you believe in forehead kisses and unconditional hype support?"
Theo, to his credit, took her hand and shook it solemnly. "Yes. Yes. And I am fully prepared to participate in group scream therapy if required."
Sarah stared for a beat… then nodded approvingly. "He's cute. I'll allow it."
Nilla nearly choked on her coffee. "Thanks, oh mighty gatekeeper."
Theo chuckled. "Was this a planned ambush?"
"I prefer the term *spontaneous vibe check*," Sarah said. "Also, I have a list of 47 questions if he's really going to date you."
"I'll pass the quiz," Theo said smoothly. "But first—can I take your best friend out to dinner sometime soon?"
Sarah narrowed her eyes dramatically, then shrugged. "Fine. But if you make her cry, I'll toilet paper your soul."
"Duly noted."
As Sarah went to harass the barista over oat milk foam, Theo leaned toward Nilla with a quiet smile. "So… do I have a shot?"
Nilla met his eyes, heart full in a way she hadn't expected. "You know what? I think you do."