Brandon's POV
The late afternoon sun dipped low as I drove through downtown, splashing gold across the streets like paint poured from the sky. Everything shimmered—cars, storefront windows, the top of my steering wheel. Even the dust swirling up from the road looked beautiful. Or maybe it was just my mood.
I couldn't remember the last time I had been this excited, and for something so simple—a date.
A real one.
With Chloe.
My fingers tapped the steering wheel, a restless rhythm of anticipation. I kept catching myself smiling like an idiot. Every ten seconds, I glanced at the empty passenger seat, imagining her sitting there, smiling back at me. her hair tucked behind her ear the way she always did when she was nervous.
Today was going to be perfect. I had planned everything.
MILK & MOON CAFÈ
