Page 68 of The Backup Groom

I raised my fist in agreement. “It’s about time. I see good things happening in your future.”

“You’re an amazing fortune teller. Incoming,” Dean said, his back straightening as the front door dinged again. “They’re early.”

I turned toward the door, my anticipation building.

Amber looked as lovely as ever, wearing a white sundress with pink flowers on it. As they approached Dean at the register, something felt off, though. She seemed to avoid eye contact with me. She always smiled when she entered, but not today.

“Good morning, ladies!” Dean saluted them.

“Good morning,” I said, preparing their usual drinks, a Caramel Spockiato for Amber,and a Kenobi Cocoa for Stella.

“Stella—I would like to take you out on a date,” Dean said, not wasting a second, and not minding that more than a few customers heard him ask her.

Stella feigned surprise. “A date requires you to ask me properly, kind gentleman.”

“I see.” He adjusted his collar and cleared his throat. “Will you—”

“Of course, silly,” Stella answered. “It’s about time you asked.”

I raised my palms in the air. “That’s what I said.”

Dean retorted. “I can’t help it if her beauty renders me brainless.”

Stella gave him a flirtatious wink. “Good answer.”

He could not disguise his pleasure. “I try.” His eyes went wide, and he stared at Amber. “Holy crap. Is that what I think it is?”

Amber held up her hand, no smile, no spark, and no eye contact. “Yes, it is.”

My eyes bugged out, to the point I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to blink properly again. On top of it all, my blood ran icy cold. My heart stopped mid-beat.

There was a diamond ring on her finger.

I couldn’t breathe.

Amber’s eyes met mine and she frowned. “Scotty . . .”

I nodded one too many times, unable to maintain eye contact. “Absolutely. I’m working on your drinks right now.” I swallowed hard and flipped around so she couldn’t see my devastation.

I blew it.

I had my chance and now it’s gone.

She really liked that guy, obviously.

There was a very good chance I was going to be sick. My eyes burned as I tried to pull myself together, but it was no use. I ducked down below the counter, pretending to look for something as my eyes filled with tears.

Suck it up. You’ve got a business to run.

I wiped my eyes, stood, then took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Luckily, I kept my head down to finish their drinks to at least preserve some dignity.

I set them on the counter and called out, “One Caramel Spockiato and a Kenobi Cocoa.”

Amber and Stella came over to get their drinks.

“Thank you.” Amber glanced inside her cup and blinked twice before looking up at me. She obviously noticed her drink was different this time. Customers who ordered a Caramel Spockiato normally got one of Spock’s ears designed in the foam, but I had always put a heart in Amber’s drink for as long as I could remember.

Until today.