Beautifully Broken

“No,” I shake my head. “I’m twenty-three years old; I can put my big girl panties on and do this by myself. I’m just going to go up there, be cordial, and be on my merry way. Simple.”

She looks skeptical. “Kitty—”

“Bree, really; I’m fine. Call me after you’re done with your appointment and I’ll tell you everything that happened.”

“Are you sure?”

I nod my head resolutely. “Positive.”

“Okay…” Bree rises from her chair and pats me on the shoulder before walking away. Gavin is now off to the side waiting for his drink. He does a double-take when she passes right by him and walks out the door. He takes his coffee cup from the barista and turns in my direction. I hold my breath as his long strides bring him closer and closer to my table. I realize he must be heading to the little stand off to my right that holds creamers and sweeteners. He’s only about three feet away when recognition washes over his face.

His step falters and his jaw drops. “Kat?”

I smile as I stand up. I don’t miss the quick scan he gives my body when I do. I give myself a mental high-five for wearing cut offs with a fitted tee today.

“Hi, Gavin. How’ve you been?”

He gulps. “Wow, you look…uh…you look incredible. What are you doing in San Francisco?”

“Do you remember my friend, Breanna?”

“I do. She was just here, wasn’t she? I thought she looked familiar.”

I nod. “Yeah, she’s getting married this weekend at Golden Gate Park. She and her fiancé live here in the city.” I don’t think right now is the best time to tell him where I live.

“That’s nice for her. Tell her I said congratulations. Are you flying out after the wedding?”

“Um…”

He gestures to the table. “Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

“Uh, sure.” I sink back into my chair as he takes his place across the table.

“I’d offer to buy you a drink, but it looks like you’re all set.”

I grab my latte and take a sip. “I am, but thank you anyway.”

A myriad of emotions runs over his face as the shock of seeing me begins to wear off. “Happy Birthday,” he says softly and smiles.

I raise my eyebrows. “I can’t believe you remembered.”

“How could I forget the day we met? It changed my life.”

I turn my face to hide my blush. Damn this man and the effect he has on me.

“The Sunshine State really agrees with you, Kat. You’ve always been beautiful but…wow. You’re stunning.”

“Thanks. You look great too.”

He smiles. “So, how’s school? Wait…you just graduated, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but I’m going back for my Master’s so I still have another two years.”

“That’s great.” I notice that he’s not wearing a wedding band when he takes a drink. “What are you majoring in?”

“Education.”

He gulps audibly. “Really? You’re going to teach?”