Chapter 4 COFFEE

Jace's POV

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my shirt for the fifth time. The small, familiar jitters had started as soon as I woke up. It was just coffee, I reminded myself. A casual meeting. But somehow, the idea of sitting across from Natasha, sharing stories and laughter, felt monumental.

I practiced a smile, then let it drop, laughing at myself. "Get it together, Jace," I muttered. I wasn't a teenager preparing for prom, but the nervous energy coursing through me said otherwise.

My phone buzzed on the counter, and I picked it up, half-hoping it was Natasha confirming our plans. Instead, it was a work email from my father, marked urgent. A small sigh escaped me. He couldn't go a single weekend without checking in, could he? I tapped the notification away, determined to keep my focus on the day ahead.

I glanced at the clock-two hours until the date. "Okay," I said aloud, pacing the living room. "What's the plan?" I ran through potential conversation topics in my head. Asking about her work seemed safe, but I didn't want to turn our date into a professional interview. I also didn't want to overshare about myself too soon.

Then there was the matter of taking things slow. I liked Natasha-maybe more than I should after just one meeting. But I wasn't about to rush this and scare her off. Start small, keep it light, and let her take the lead became my mantra.

I walked to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water to calm my nerves. My mind drifted to the previous night's thoughts-her smile, the way her laugh made me feel like I'd known her for years. There was something so disarming about her, and I knew I couldn't ruin that by coming on too strong.

"Relax," I told myself again, leaning against the counter. "She agreed to meet you. That's already a good sign."

Still, I couldn't stop the nagging thoughts. Would she see me as just another guy trying too hard? What if my family's name came up? Would she think I was entitled or privileged? I shook my head, forcing myself out of the spiral. Today wasn't about my father or work; it was about Natasha.

After one last glance in the mirror and a self-deprecating chuckle at my nervousness, I grabbed my keys and headed out.

---

Natasha's POV

"Wait," Lisa said, her tone dripping with disbelief as she leaned over her coffee mug. "This guy bumps into you at the store, has one conversation, and now you're meeting him for coffee?"

"It's not a date," I clarified, taking a sip of my tea to hide my unease. "He just asked to talk, that's all."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, giving me a knowing look. "Natasha, please. A guy doesn't just casually ask for coffee unless he's interested. Guys don't put that much effort into someone they don't like."

I shook my head firmly. "It's not like that, Lisa. He seems nice, but I'm not looking for anything more than friendship. You know that."

Lisa leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "You keep saying that, but when was the last time you even thought about doing something for yourself? I'm not saying you need to dive headfirst into a relationship, but it wouldn't hurt to explore the idea, would it?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of her words. "Lisa, it's not about me. My focus is on the kids. They've been through enough. I can't afford distractions, and I don't want to bring someone into their lives who might not stick around."

Lisa's expression softened, but she didn't back down. "I get that. You've been an amazing mom, Nat. But your kids aren't the only ones who deserve happiness. You've put yourself last for so long, it's like you've forgotten you're allowed to want things too. Even if it's just coffee with a guy who clearly likes you."

"It's not that simple," I said, my voice quieter now. "What if he doesn't understand what it means to date someone with kids? This isn't just about me-it's a whole package deal. And honestly..." I hesitated, unsure how to explain.

"And honestly what?" Lisa prompted, her voice gentle.

I stared into my tea, watching the steam curl into the air. "What if I scare him off? What if he sees me as too complicated or too much? Being a mom isn't just part of who I am-it's everything. I don't know if I'm ready to take that risk again."

Lisa reached across the table, resting her hand on mine. "Nat, I hear you. I really do. But not every guy is going to run the moment things get real. And honestly, if he does, he's not the right guy anyway. You're not too much-you're amazing. Any man worth his salt would see that."

I gave her a small smile. "It's not just about that, though. What if the kids get attached and then things fall apart? I can't put them through that."

Lisa sighed, sitting back. "Okay, I get it. You're scared, and you're protecting them. But what if you're also shutting yourself off from something good? Jace might not even be looking for anything serious right now. Why not just take it slow? Be friends, if that's what feels right. But don't close the door before you've even opened it."

"I'm not shutting the door," I insisted, though it felt more like I was convincing myself. "I just... I don't think I'm in a place to open it yet. Right now, my kids need stability, and I can't let anything jeopardize that."

Lisa nodded slowly, though I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced. "I understand, Nat. But just promise me one thing?"

"What's that?"

"Enjoy the coffee. Don't overthink it. You don't have to figure everything out today. Just go, be yourself, and see where it goes. Friendship or more, you deserve a little joy in your life."

I let her words sink in, knowing she meant well. "Okay," I said finally. "I'll try to keep an open mind. But I'm not making any promises beyond that."

Lisa grinned. "That's all I'm asking for. Now, tell me-what are you going to wear?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Lisa, it's just coffee."

"Exactly. And first impressions matter, even for just coffee," she teased.

---

Natasha's POV: The Coffee Shop

The coffee shop on Maple Street was just as cozy as I remembered, with its warm wood tones and inviting atmosphere. I arrived early, a habit I couldn't seem to break. Settling into a seat near the window, I ordered a cappuccino and watched the world outside.

I told myself again that this was just coffee. Nothing more. Jace didn't need to know about my past or my kids-not yet. Today was about seeing if we could be friends.

As I sipped my drink, my thoughts wandered to my children. They were my world, my priority, and the reason I had to tread carefully.

The door chimed softly, and I looked up instinctively. My breath caught when I saw Jace across the street, waiting at the crosswalk. He hadn't noticed me yet, but he carried himself with an easy confidence that was hard to ignore.

For a moment, I let myself observe him. He looked thoughtful, maybe even a little nervous. It was endearing in a way, but I reminded myself not to read too much into it. This wasn't about attraction. It was about connection-and boundaries.

As he crossed the street, I straightened in my seat, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I would keep things simple and honest. If he was looking for something more, I'd make it clear where I stood.

The door chimed again as he entered, and I gave him a small smile. Just friends, I thought, repeating the words in my mind.