4 years later

The smell of expresso brings bittersweet memories. People chatting, friends smiling. This cafe is much bigger than the old Grind at GRendale, but then again it's the university cafe. I look out the window allowing my skin to soak in the sunlight coming from the window. 

"Abby?"

I turn and see a tall man with well-groomed hair in athlete wear carrying a sports bag. I look at his face, blue eyes, and faded freckles around his nose area. 

"Blake?" 

"Yeah, you remembered. Can I have a seat?" He rubs the back of his neck as he gestures to the chair in front of me. 

"Go ahead."

"It's been a while."

"Yeah. Almost four years," I look down at my coffee.

 "I heard about Luke," He carefully says. "And I'm sorry about what happened. He was a great guy."

"He was." I start twirling my cup. 

"I'm glad you met him," He looks at the table. "He was able to make you happy. Even as a friend he was able to understand you. Something I couldn't do all those years I knew you."

I look at him. 

"I've liked you since middle school. But Taylor asked you out first and then your parents, I didn't think it was the right time to tell you anything."

"I know, Luke told me. He even told me about Taylor."

"Of course he did," He smiles to himself.

I look at his sports bag. "I guess you're still playing uh?" I nod toward his bag. 

"I am. Luke, Taylor, and I have-...had been playing since we were in grade school. I didn't feel like giving it up just yet. What about you? With those fancy shoes and clothes, are you a business major?" He teases.

"Actually no. I didn't get to get scouted in high school, so I decided that was it for basketball. I'm actually a criminal justice major, that's why I'm wearing these fancy shoes." I gesture to my black high heels. 

"Wow, criminal justice." he stares at me with admiration. "Never would have guessed. How's your sister?"

"She's doing well. She called me yesterday to tell me she actually joined her high school, basketball team. So that's exciting."

"Following your footsteps I see."

"Right. We're sisters. What can I say?"

"She's living on her own then?"

"No, she got adopted by Luke's mom. So she's living with them. I'm glad she can have a life of her own."

"Of course. So, Criminal Justice? I can't believe that."

"Well, It's been rough, but I finally found my calling. What about you? Your not a sports major are you?"

He smirks, "Very funny. I'm actually majoring in writing."

"Writing? I didn't expect that" I giggle. "What are you working on now?"

"Well, you see, I would tell you, but you wouldn't believe me," He blushes.

"Let me guess ..." I recall the time when I read his poem during class, "poetry?"

He lets out a laugh," yeah."

I smile wide, "You're serious?"

"What? I think writing is a way to express yourself."

"I suppose so. I would have never thought you would pursue that. What made you?"

"I guess you did. And Luke. Moving away. Coffee." He lifts his mug. "Life itself did."

I give a light giggle. I smile at him. 

After a while of talking, He stares at me for a moment as if I were to disappear the next minute.

"What?" 

He comes back to, "Nothing."

"Tell me," I plead.

"I'm glad your free, Abby."

I lower my gaze and then look back at him, "Me too."

Blake checks his watch, "I have to go. I have a game in a couple of minutes."

"Nice. Good Luck."

As he almost leaves, he turns back and rubs the back of his neck, "If you have time, I would like for you to go."

I stare at him for a moment. "Um.... yeah, I'll stop by," I check the time.

"Abby," he says gently.

I look at him, "Yeah."

He leans in with his eyes closed and kisses me. Shocked, I stay very still but slowly melt with the sweet taste of his lips. I close my eyes and kiss him back. When he stops, he's bright red. I stare at him lost for words. He clears his throat and avoids meeting my eyes. 

"I'll see you at the game." I watch him leave and smile. 

I look out the window. I close my eyes and let my skin soak the warmth of the sun. 

Thank you, Luke. For letting me live my life.