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He grinned. "I would love some coffee. But I also just thought you'd enjoy the company. I miss hanging out with my best friend." He came behind the counter and started making himself a latte.

"I am glad that you're here. And I missed you too." She plated a cinnamon roll for him.

"These look so good," he said, eyeing the cinnamon roll.

"Thanks," she replied.

"How is everything going?" Michael asked.

"With the cafe or..."

He raised an eyebrow. "Either."

She chuckled. "The cafe is fine, as you know. You're here everyday. I think the walls need some art though. What do you think?"

"You know I'd paint this place in pride flags if I knew it wouldn't impact sales," he said with a shrug. "Bring on the color."

"You're not wrong," Eva agreed. "I think a more subdued approach might be better. But I was thinking about asking Claire if she would consider putting some of her art in the cafe. Maybe she'd want to display some paintings."

Michael grinned. "You want her art in the cafe? That's amazing! I bet she'd love that."

Eva smiled. "I hope so."

"Are you going to ask her tonight?"

"I don't know." Eva sighed. "I want to. I just need to figure out the right time."

Michael nodded. "You'll find the right moment."

Eva hoped he was right.

"What are you two talking about?" a voice asked, and Eva's heart raced.

She spun around and saw Claire standing there. She was smiling at her, looking relaxed and beautiful. Eva was suddenly nervous.

"Nothing," Eva said, her voice wavering.

Claire raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Then can I get a chai latte while you two continue talking about nothing?" she teased.

Michael chuckled, clearly enjoying her nervousness. "Eva wants to host your art in the cafe."

"Michael!" Eva chided him.

He shrugged. "What? You said you'd ask when it was a good time. There aren't any customers. Now is a good time. Plus this way I get to see her reaction too."

Eva sighed and turned back to Claire. "So...what do you think about that? We could have it be your own gallery opening. Later on maybe I'll bring in other local artists. I'm just coming up with ideas really here, but I would like your art in the cafe, if you're open to that at all."

Claire was silent, staring at her with wide eyes.

Eva bit her lip. She was afraid she'd offended her somehow.

"You'd do that for me?" Claire asked finally.

Eva nodded.

"And you want me to display my art in the cafe?" Claire added, still sounding shocked.

"Yes, of course," Eva assured her.