Page 101 of Push My Buttons

"Oh my god, what is that face?" she demands, leaning closer. "Something happened. Spill it."

The café is momentarily quiet, so I indulge her curiosity, my hands flying as I describe—in carefully edited detail—how I've been handling Jace’s and Theo's attempts to earn forgiveness.

"Wait," Maya interrupts, her eyes wide. "You just... left him there? With the headset still on?"

I nod, unable to contain my smirk.

"Holy shit, Wren!" She looks impressed and slightly shocked. "And then Theo in the fitting room?" She fans herself dramatically. "That's... wow. I didn't know you had it in you."

I shrug, enjoying her reaction perhaps a bit too much. "They lied to me. Now they're paying for it."

"Damn right they should," Maya agrees, then pauses, her expression growing more serious. "But wait, how are you actually feeling about all this? About them?"

I consider the question, my hands stilling for a moment. How do I feel? Angry still, yes. Hurt by their deception. But beneath that...

"I love them,"I sign simply. "I'm just not ready to say it again yet."

Maya studies me for a long moment, then nods. "Fair enough. Make them work for it."

The café bell jingles, forcing us to break apart as customers stream in.

"Duty calls," Maya sighs. "We'll finish this conversation later."

I nod and move to start making coffee, slipping back into my barista role. The morning rush keeps us both busy, a welcome distraction from the thoughts swirling in my head. Each time the door opens, I can't help glancing up, half-expecting to see Levi's face among the customers. But it's always just another caffeine-deprived stranger.

I have to keep reminding myself that law enforcement is on the case. Detective Rivera messaged yesterday to check in, assuring me they're following every lead. Agent Voss had also messaged multiple times, though something about her still makes me uneasy so I haven’t responded to her messages to call or meet her. Still, there's been nothing new from my stalker since I collapsed on the sidewalk. No notes, no gifts, no sightings. Part of me wonders if he's finally given up, but the rational part knows better. He's waited too long to find me again. He won't stop now.

Around midday, Marcus emerges from his office, coffee stain on his shirt and perpetual scowl firmly in place. He barely acknowledges my presence until there's a lull in customers.

"Since you've missed so many shifts," he says without preamble, "you're closing tonight. Maya opened, so it's only fair."

I nod, not bothering to point out that my "missed shifts" were due to a head injury and hospitalization. Fighting with Marcus is never worth the energy.

"Fine," I sign, knowing he won't understand but needing the outlet for my frustration.

He squints at my hands. "Whatever. Just make sure everything's spotless before you lock up." With that, he retreats back to his office.

"Asshole," Maya mutters once he's out of earshot. "I could have closed again. It's not like I have plans."

I shake my head. "It's okay. I need the hours anyway."

The afternoon drags on, customers coming and going in waves. Between orders, Maya and I steal moments to continue our earlier conversation.

Maya laughs. "I still can't believe you pulled those moves on them. The quiet ones are always the most dangerous." She pauses, her expression turning thoughtful. "You know, at the hospital, when you were first waking up... I heard you. Your actual voice."

I freeze, coffee grounds spilling from the portafilter I'm cleaning.

"I was so angry at them that I didn't even acknowledge it," she continues. "But you spoke. Actual words. And now you're back to signing." Her eyes meet mine, gentle but questioning. "You don't have to explain," she assures me quickly. "I just wanted you to know that I heard you, and your voice is beautiful."

Warmth floods my chest at her words. "Thank you,"I sign.

"So," she says, clearly changing the subject to ease my discomfort, "any plans for the weekend?"

My hands move before I can second-guess myself. "Actually, Jace asked me to go to the launch party for the Wasteland Chronicles expansion. It's this Sunday."

Maya's eyes widen. "The launch party? Like, the big gaming industry event everyone's been talking about? That's huge!"

I nod, a small smile playing at my lips. "Theo took me shopping. We found this amazing dress."