I considered that. “No,” I admitted. “Not only.”
Apprehensive. Nervous.
And yeah, excited.
Karl flashed me a knowing smile. “Do yourself a favour and try not to overthink things.”
I shot him a look. “You and Stefan should compare notes.”
Karl’s eyes twinkled. “Ah. So he said that too.”
I took a sip of coffee, avoiding his gaze.
He chuckled. “Well, that’s promising.”
I frowned. “What is?”
“That you might actually listen this time.”
I snorted, but didn’t argue. There was little point. He wasn’t wrong.
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen.
Stefan: Want to meet me for coffee at Romeo before our days starts? They open at 8.
“I don’t have to ask who that’s from, do I?”
I jerked my head up. Karl was grinning.
“I think I’ll skip breakfast.” I lurched to my feet and headed for my room to get ready.
“Do I assume you won’t be here for dinner again?” Karl’s wry chuckle followed me up the stairs. “Just let me know.”
That sent a pang through me.A good guest keeps his host informed.
“I’ll let you know what my plans are—when I have some.” As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, trying to decide ifmy clothes gave off the right vibe, Karl’s voice floated up the stairwell.
“Might be an idea to take your toothbrush.”
A shiver trickled through me.Great. Putthatidea in my head, why don’t you?
Then I grabbed my bag.
There was nothing wrong with being prepared.
As I rounded the corner, I glanced at my watch. 8:05.
I snorted.Sure, because arriving five minutes latedefinitelymakes me look less eager.I crossed the street to the café. The tables outside Romeo were already set out, chairs neatly arranged, but still empty. The street hadn’t quite woken up yet.
I walked up to the door, took a deep breath, then stepped inside. Warmth wrapped around me immediately, the air permeated with the smell of coffee, fresh bread, and something sweet underneath it.
I spotted Stefan at once.
He was seated with his back to the wall, absently stirring the contents of a mug as if he had all the time in the world. Then he looked up.
Straight at me.
My chest grew tight.