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“It probably did mean more.” Siena was gentle, and Tori reveled in that.

“But not what I thought.” Tori took a deep breath and sat up straighter. At least she hadn’t cried. The few tears that slipped out unbeknownst to Siena while her head was buried in her arms could hardly count.

“So, got anyone you think who just might be my soulmate?” Tori smiled, and it felt good to confess her mistakes, but Siena’s continued unwavering view of her was what brought that home.

“Are you sure you’re ready for that?” Siena squeezed her hand again before releasing Tori to her own devices.

“I have to be.” Tori grimaced through her smile, wishing Siena wasn’t so good at reading her. “I mean, yes, I am.”

Siena shook her head slowly. “Don’t rush into something because you’re trying to meet a deadline.”

“I won’t. I promise. Scout’s honor!”

“Fine.” Siena straightened her back. “I still think you and Haylee will absolutely hit it off.” Siena tilted her head, furrowed her brows slightly and tapped long fingers against the sides of her cup. “But are you absolutely sure, about Miranda I mean?”

“You’re the one who told me not to waste my time with the ice queen right at the start.” She was pouting. She knew it the instant her lips pushed together and her gaze dropped, but damn it, it still stung that she’d let herself get so stupidly wrapped up in someone who wasn’t even interested.

“And you’re the one who told me she wasn’t so icy after all,” Siena parried back.

“She isn’t.” Tori smiled, a small, sad laugh of resignation slipped from her lips. “But she’s also not my soulmate.”

“Okay, well I’ll get in contact with Haylee and give her your details. Is that okay?”

“Thank you.” Tori hoped the words conveyed all the ways she was grateful for having Siena in her life.

“I’m always here for you, Tori.” Siena smiled and leaned back in her chair, and for the first time, actually looked around the cafe. “Next time don’t hesitate, yeah?”

“Yeah okay.” Tori felt her cheeks warm a little, but also felt that welcome pull of a genuine smile tugging at her lips.

Her heart still felt raw and tender. She wasn’t sure going on a date with Haylee would really be fair to either of them, but she refused to give up on her goal just because she fucked up so badly, wasting her time with Miranda.

Guilt twisted her stomach. She hadn’t wasted her time. Apart from their last attempt at connecting, Tori didn’t regret a moment she had spent with her own real-life Ms. Priestly.

“This would be a great first-date place.” Siena spoke as though she had forgotten Tori was there.

“For me and Haylee?” Tori furrowed her brows.

“Oh no, you two definitely need longer than a coffee catch-up. I have no doubt she’ll have some suggestions for you on where to go.”

“You are assuming she’ll want to go on a date with me.” Tori laughed.

“Of course she will. You are adorable, and you deserve your happily ever after.”

After this past week, Tori wasn’t so sure about that. But she was willing to try again.

“You know what?” Siena asked.

“What?”

Siena got a wicked gleam in her eye as she snagged Tori’s phone and dialed. She pressed it to her ear and winked. “Hey, It’s Siena. What would you say to me setting you up on a date with my ex-wife?”

Tori’s stomach clenched hard. Siena wasn’t doing this. She was not making the date right now. Her cheeks burned, flames of embarrassment coursing through her.

“Yeah. She’s right here. Want to talk to her?”

Siena held the phone out, expectantly. Tori shook her head, waving her hands. She wasn’t prepared for this.

“You asked.”