Chapter Fifteen

Bella took a long breath, letting the late afternoon sun warm her face as she stepped out of the hospital. The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions, with Jason acting out of place. She tried not to let it get to her, but Tracy’s knowing smirks and subtle nudges weren’t helping.

“Come on, Bella. You need a break,” Tracy said, appearing at her side. She slid on her oversized sunglasses with a flourish. “Coffee and gossip, my treat.”

Bella laughed despite herself. “You mean coffee and your gossip.”

“Details, details, Tracy said with a grin. She looped her arm through Bella’s and started down the street, leading them to their favorite café, Brews & Bites.

The warm aroma of espresso and freshly baked pastries greeted them as they stepped inside. Tracy made a beeline for the window seat while Bella lingered at the counter, ordering her usual caramel latte.

Don’t forget my blueberry muffin! Tracy called out.

You mean my blueberry muffin, Bella retorted, rolling her eyes as she grabbed their order and joined Tracy at the table.

Tracy leaned forward conspirationally as Bella sat down. So, Jason’s been a bit MIA lately. You noticed?

Bella busied herself with her latte. “He’s been busy, I guess.”

“Busy making googly eyes at Dr. Maloney?” Tracy quipped.

Bella winced, but Tracy’s expression softened. “Hey, don’t take it the wrong way. You know I’m Team Bella, always. But if Jason’s got his heart set on someone else…”

I just want him to be happy, Bella said quietly.

Tracy reached out, squeezing Bella’s hand. And you’re an amazing friend for that. Now, let’s find you someone who makes you happy.

Bella laughed, though her cheeks turned pink. “I don’t need a matchmaker, Tracy.”

“Too bad, because you’ve got one,” Tracy declared. Her eyes lit up as the café door swung open. “Speaking of eligible bachelors…”

Bella turned to see a tall man in a leather jacket stepping inside. His dark curls were slightly disheveled, and his confident smile sent a wave of curiosity through the room.

Oh no, Bella said quickly, recognizing the gleam in Tracy’s eyes. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Too late,” Tracy said with a smirk. She waited until the man had ordered his coffee and was scanning the room for a seat before waving him over. Hey, stranger! Care to join us?

The man hesitated for a split second before walking over, his smile widening. “Why not? Thanks.”

“This is Bella,” Tracy said, motioning grandly. “And I’m Tracy, her much cooler, much wiser friend.”

Lucas, he said, shaking their hands. His grip was firm but warm. “Nice to meet you both.”

“So, Lucas,” Tracy began, leaning forward. “What brings you to our lovely little café?”

“I just moved here,” Lucas said, taking a sip of his coffee. “Starting as a surgical resident at the hospital.”

Bella’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re in medicine?”

Lucas chuckled. “Sort of comes with the territory, doesn’t it?”

Tracy gasped dramatically. “You’re one of us! Well, not me, technically, I’m more of the moral support team. But Bella here is a rockstar nurse.”

Tracy, Bella hissed, embarrassed, but Lucas seemed genuinely intrigued.

“Nice to know I will be working with such talented people,” he said, his eyes briefly meeting Bella’s.

Tracy smirked. “Oh, you’ll find out we are more than just talented. We are a dysfunctional family. Emphasis on the dysfunction.”

Lucas laughed, and the sound was warm and genuine. The three of them fell into easy conversation, with Tracy peppering Lucas with questions while Bella listened, feeling more at ease than she had in days.

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By the time their laughter died down, the once crowded café had begun to thin out. Tracy glanced at her watch and groaned. “Ugh, I hate to be the buzzkill, but I’ve got dinner plans with my parents tonight. Bella, will you survive without me?

Bella rolled her eyes. I think I’ll manage.

“Good,” Tracy said, standing and throwing a sly glance at Lucas. “You two behave.”

“Subtle,” Bella muttered under her breath as Tracy walked out, leaving her and Lucas alone at the table.

For a moment, they sat in silence, sipping their drinks. Bella shifted uncomfortably, but Lucas seemed completely at ease.

“So,” he said, breaking the silence, “is she always like that?”

Pretty much, Bella replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. “She means well, though.”

“I can tell,” Lucas said, his expression softening. “She’s lucky to have you.”

Bella blinked, caught off guard. Uh, thanks. I.....well, we’ve been friends for years.”

Lucas nodded. “That kind of bond is rare.”

Bella wasn’t sure how to respond, so she took another sip of her latte. The conversation shifted to lighter topics, favorite movies, embarrassing work moments and before she knew it, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the café in a cozy glow.

Later in the evening, as Bella and Tracy walked back to Bella's apartment complex, Tracy nudged Bella with her elbow.

Well? Tracy asked, her grin mischievous. “What do you think of Lucas?”

Bella shrugged, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “He seems nice.”

“Nice? That’s all you’ve got? Bella, the man is practically a walking Hallmark movie hero!”

Bella laughed, shaking her head. “You’re incorrigible.”

And you’re welcome, Tracy said with a wink. Now, let’s see if we can arrange a little more ‘accidental' run-ins at the hospital.

Bella groaned, but the truth was, she didn’t mind the idea as much as she let on.

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Author’s Note:

What do you think of Lucas so far? Do you think he will be a good match for Bella, or is there more to his story? Also, what’s your favorite café treat, team muffin or team croissant? Let me know in the comments!