Chapter 2:

First Words

The next morning I arrived at Bean & Pages Café even earlier than usual, my heart doing little flips the entire walk there. After yesterday’s smile through the window, I could not stop thinking about James. I chose my usual corner table and opened my notebook, pretending to review lecture notes while my eyes kept drifting across the street.

Mia brought my oat milk latte with a knowing grin. “He waved at you yesterday. I saw it. You are glowing this morning, Stella.”

I laughed softly, cheeks warming. “It was just a friendly wave, Mia. Do not make it into a big story.”

Sure,” she teased...