Page 17 of The History in Us

“Ben & Jerry are the only men you need.” Tuck’s words broke into my thoughts, her voice teasingly stern.

Yes, I thought. Ice cream packed with chunks of brownie and a large spoon would soothe the craving I had for a man who should be untouchable to me.

* * *

The following morning, I was the first one awake. Tuck’s things were removed from the coffee table, though I knew she worked late into the night. Baseball season was winding down, but that meant recruiting season was winding up, she’d told me one day. She researched hot prospects for her sports management firm, and ironically her sights were set on a potential from Michigan.

Penelope, I assumed, was dead asleep. Last night being Friday, meant a late night for her in another manner. Penelope closed out the work week by imbibing on alcohol and men. She finally had a steady temp job with some manufacturing bigwig, and I hoped this meant a steadier income for her. I shook my head at the thought when a scraping sound came from our front door. Shifting on the couch, I noticed a stark white envelope just within the apartment on the floor. It had just been slipped under the heavy wood.

I stood and rounded the couch, picking up the non-descript rectangle. It wasn’t addressed to me. I hated to think I’d unknowingly open my roommates’ mail, but before I knew it, my fingers were under the lip, unsealing it. A simple cardstock slip matching the size of the envelope was nestled inside.

K —

Let me apologize. Come talk to me. Meet me at Alley Cat.

̴ L

Levi?A smile crept over my lips, and I bit the corner to fight it. The battle was fruitless.Alley Cat?I questioned. Jumping over the back of the couch in my excitement, I reached for my phone after I landed. With a quick search through the city directory, I found the mysterious coffee shop, which wasn’t too far from my apartment. I’d never heard of the place, and my heart raced with the mystery of the unknown. He hadn’t mentioned a time, but considering it had only been moments since the letter slipped under the door, I assumed the appointed hour was immediate.

With no time for a shower, I dressed, spritzed, and left, inhaling a deep breath of the warm morning air. The city was silent on this block, reminiscent of home in its eerie peace, and yet, nothing like the small town where I grew up with these refurbished lofts and skinny trees. I double-checked the address twice before I found the place. Caught between two buildings, too close together, a narrow alley led down to a shop highlighted with Broadway letters—COFFEE. I smiled to myself as I took in the tall buildings on either side of this quaint hole. Outdoor lights crisscrossed over my head. I bit my lip with nervous anticipation as I approached the front door.

Entering, I found a space hardly large enough for five people. Instantly, I noticed Levi was not present. I perused the menu to find drinks as complicated and expensive as the eight-dollar price that accompanied them. My hands slipped into my jacket pockets, discovering the crumpled bills within. Withdrawing two twenties, I decided to splurge on the delicacy of an over-priced cup of coffee. I ordered a slice of almond-flavored, coffee heaven and stood outside the door.

Now what?I thought. Had I misunderstood? Did I have the wrong time, the wrong place, the wrong city? As time ticked and my drink dwindled, I decided I’d made another grave mistake when it came to Levi Walker. No longer thirsty, I took a final sip and trashed the rest of my cup before sauntering to the edge of the alley. I spun back to face the cafe. It really was adorable—located between two buildings, tucked away, hidden from the mayhem of the street at my back. It would have been romantic to share a drink…

“Katie?”

I spun to find Levi walking toward me, pushing AJ in a running stroller. His appearance was casual, but his voice rushed with surprise.

“Hey,” I said, too brightly, too eager, too relieved that he showed after all.

“Hey.” He stared at me a moment and then squinted toward the dim alley. “Do you live around here?”

My head tilted in question. He had to know the answer. He’d delivered the letter.

“I’m down two blocks to the left.” Twisting at the waist, he looked behind him. “Impressive.” His tone teased smugly, before he faced me again, a genuine smile gracing his lips. I forgot my name for a moment, the street, the city around me. Nothing existed but him, until AJ’s little feet kicked forward at my shin.

“Well, not when you can’t afford the rent.” I laughed to cover my jittering nerves. His vibe confused me, as if he hadn’t asked me to meet him.

“Struggling college student,” his voice questioned, the lingering tease melting over me. How did he do that with just a look, just the sound of his voice, just the gleam in his dark eyes?

“Something like that,” I muttered. He gave me a chin-tip and an awkward silence fell between us. AJ’s legs kicked again from his seat in the stroller.

“Hello, sweet baby.” I squatted to AJ’s level, grabbing his foot in distraction. He was an adorable baby with eyes like his father and already had a dark head of hair. I only briefly noticed the hearing aids. I wondered what his mother looked like. She must be strikingly beautiful to produce such a picture-perfect child. With a fleeting glance at Levi, I realized he’d settle for nothing less than a gorgeous mate, thus their offspring would be just as lovely.

“What are you up to today, little man?” I teased AJ, as if he would answer me. The moment the question left me, I knew it was directed at his father instead.

“We’re headed to the zoo today. I need to…I need to get out of the apartment.”