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She gave me a knowing grin. "There she is," she replied, teasing me a bit. "I'm also glad to be here. I couldn't stand it in Toronto for another second. Although I must say, this place really is out in the boondocks."
"But it's a pretty nice boondocks if you ask me."
"I can't deny that," she muttered before slapping her thighs. "So, I want the most detailed update you've ever given. Where's your ex?"
"Hopefully in Toronto." I had only briefly mentioned that part of the story. "After he was so disrespectful, Gray practically threw him out with a threat."
Not that I could imagine the two of them sitting together at the kitchen table, having coffee and cake under any other circumstances.
"How did he even get here?"
"Apparently, he tracked my phone because I forgot our accounts were connected. So much for blocking him everywhere." This fact still sent shivers down my spine.
Fortunately, there was a free parking space right in front ofBrewtiful, the only café in the entire town. I heard Manon inhale sharply beside me, though not because of what I had just told her.
"Okay, if this café were in Toronto, it would be the hottest spot in the city, and you'd probably need to be on a VIP list just to get in," she said, her eyes scanning the building.
For me, it wasn't the first time I'd seen the café. Just the first time I'd be entering it. Like all other shops in Wolf Creek, the café had its own unique charm.
A gigantic variety of climbing roses completely engulfed the storefront facing the street. They shimmered in pink, hosting countless butterflies and other insects, and gave the dark wood of the façade an almost mystical touch. Several tables and charming wrought iron chairs stood in front of the huge windows. However, the real magic began inside as the high ceilings provided ample room for warm hanging lamps and several potted plants that dangled down. In some places, the greenery hung so low that it tickled one's head as they walked underneath.
As in a bar, there were several chairs at the counter and a huge shelf along the back wall. There was no alcohol, but countless varieties of coffee, syrups, and teas—essentially everything a connoisseur's heart could desire. There were plenty of seating options available: small couches with side tables, high tables by the windows, or ones that accommodated several guests.
Toward the back, the entrance opened up to a courtyard that was not visible from the outside but seemed to offer the same type of oasis.
Manon was already at the register, chatting with the barista who was handing her a menu. Apparently, she was serious about wanting to have breakfast here. I didn't complain; after all, I could already hear my stomach growling.
I gestured to her that she should order for me as well and took another look around. The plants in the hanging pots bore yellow flowers, which matched with the light wood that was predominantly used in the furniture and the floor. The ceiling beams were made of the same dark wood as the façade. I was drawn outside as this place was second to none in coziness.
On the windowsills, pot followed pot, each containing a different green plant. Gray would have surely been able to identify them, but for me, everything except for the fern, which hung above the windows in pots on the broader beams, was a mystery. Even the yellow cut flowers on the low tables were unfamiliar to me.
The only decision I was ready to make this morning was which table to sit at. I claimed the bench for myself, sank into the light-gray cushions, and took a deep breath.
The scent of flowers filled my nose, as did the aroma of herbs on the window sill behind me. I smelled coffee and the various dishes being prepared in the kitchen.
We were not the only ones who had decided to have breakfast atBrewtifulthat morning. But surely, we were the only ones about to recap the last few weeks, during which Manon would dissect my entire life.
Just as I was thinking about her, she came out the door with two ceramic mugs. Her eyes scanned the crowd until she spotted me. A second later, she sprawled out on the chair opposite me, set the mugs on the table between us, and reached back to adjust her pillow.
"Food will be here in ten minutes. Where did we leave off?"
"With my ex, who has discovered his stalker side."
Manon made an agreeing noise before rolling her eyes and taking a sip from her mug. "As if I hadn't told you from the start that he was no good. And yet you had to fall for him and…" She waved her hand dismissively. "Let's drop it. You got rid of him, right?"
"Will you tell me the same if things ever end with Gray?"
"Let's not paint the devil on the wall. Gray would never behave like that jerk. Besides, I just wanted to say that sometimes, love just isn't enough for a relationship. You should have kicked that idiot to the curb months ago."
Despite her rather outspoken opinion, I cherished her support every second. I loved her all the more for it.
"But then I would never have met Gray. In a way, I might even owe him a thank you card."
"For cheating on you? Please don't put him on a pedestal. He's still a jerk." She took another sip from her cup. "But back to Gray. Did he apologize properly yesterday?"
"I can hardly remember why I felt miserable in the first place," I replied, struggling to suppress a smile.
Manon's gaze drifted around until a slight frown formed between her brows. "Is it just me, or are we being watched?"
