Stevie got the call from Brock and she asked him to meet her at Lock'd n Loaded, an alt-indie espresso bar downtown. They have bands that play on Fridays and Saturdays. Lindsey had even played there a couple times. She frequented this little shop, she knew the owners and they knew her kids. Callie vowed that Lock'd would be her first job. The music was cool and the vibe was totally unique. She dressed in a long skirt, a fitted velvet wrap top and boots despite it being early summer. Her long blonde hair fell in natural waves and her bangs were growing out so she twisted them and pinned them to the side with a pretty metal flower barrette. Lindsey was especially lovey, kissing her cheek sweetly and stroking her face. She smiled at the closeness. His touch was so familiar and comforting. She had professed her love for him recently and though she knew nothing could come of it, she almost wished something could. As the time grew closer to her leaving to meet Brock however, he grew more distant and didn't even reply when she told him goodbye. That stung. She left the house in near tears, getting in her car and turning the music up loud to drown out her thoughts. She pulled up and saw his truck immediately, it was unmistakable, show-y. She hurried in, her fringed bag tossed over her shoulder, and waved to him through the window. He got up and kissed her. This was a good sign!

"Hey! You made it!"

"Yeah, sorry I'm late."

"It's okay. You're here now"

"Did you order yet?"

"I just want a black coffee but I guess they don't sell that here" he said, rolling his eyes and Stevie forced a smile. "So I don't know what to do about this"

"About the coffee?"

"No. I want you to come to Dallas with me, Stevie."

"I would love to be there but my kids have to come first. We both know that."

"Yeah, I know" he says, rolling his eyes once more.

"Don't be like that, please. I'm trying. I talked to Lindsey and he's being so great about this. He offered to move to Texas to be close"

Brock's expression changed. "He doesn't need to be close. He's fine where he is"

"They're his children. He doesn't want to miss a moment with them. We have been doing this together since they were babies. He hasn't missed a day since they were born"

"Hm" he says, crossing his arms.

Now I rest my head from
Such an endless dreary time
A time of hopes and happiness
That had you on my mind
Those days are gone, and now it seems
As if I'll get some rest
But now and then I'll see you again
And it puts my heart to the test

So when are all my problems going to end?
I'm understanding now that
We are only friends
To this day I'm asking why
I still think about you

"This music is shit" Brock says, still fuming from what Stevie had said. Her mind was slowly changing about him. He really was immature. She excused herself to the bar to order his black coffee and her caramel soy with a shot of espresso. She stood there talking with Jared, who was making their coffees.

"What's his deal?" Jared asked, flipping the longer wavy part of his hair out his eye. He had an undercut and intricate tattoos that peeked out from under his dark grey tee shirt. He was warm and friendly and would look out for anyone. He and Stevie had bonded over children and books as his daughter was just four years old and he was raising her on his own. His little one had even been over to their house multiple times. Her kids were so good with her.

"I don't know. He's been acting weird"

"Like how? Sorry if I'm prying" he says, giving her a small smile as he worked.

"Honey, I couldn't tell you" she says, watching Brock. "I know this is outside his comfort zone but you know Lindsey, he will always be a part of my life."

As the days go on I wonder
(Will this ever end?)
I find it hard to keep control
When you're with your boyfriend
I do not mind if all I am is
Just a friend to you
But all I want to know right now
Is if you think about me too

"He's so important to you. He's your kids' dad" Jared said.

"Exactly but he doesn't get that. He said we should just leave and settle something with the courts"

"Whoa, no way!"

"That's what I said. I can't do that."

"So why'd you and Lindsey break up anyway? You guys seem perfect for each other"

"To be honest, I don't even remember why. Sure, we had our problems but it wasn't all him. Lindsey used to be controlling. As soon as we got married and moved to Phoenix, everything was different. Night and day from San Francisco. He was rude and would boss me around. He would get mad if I went out to show my paintings and claimed I would never spend enough time with the babies, which isn't true. He's not like that now, so don't get the wrong idea but I felt trapped and alone inside my marriage so I filed for divorce behind his back. He refused to sign them and we had this huge blow up fight that got a little physical. It was so scary. It was painful for me because when I looked into his eyes, I never saw that awful man. I saw the boy I fell in love with."

"Wow...heavy"

"Totally"

"But he's not like that now?"

"Not at all. He's caring and kind, a great dad, hardworking, loving...he is so gentle with me and protective."

"He sounds great"

"He's perfect"

"And everything you want" Jared says, smirking.

"Yeah...everything" she says dreamily.

"I don't want to pressure you but you have to decide. I'm your friend and I just want this to work out for everyone. I know both of you, I know your kids and you are the only people I have seen 'work'. It's just my opinion but..."

"But what?"

"Go get him, Stevie. My ex, she didn't give a shit about me or Maggie. She left and she signed away her rights."

"Damn..."

"For real. So what was I supposed to do with that? Lindsey stayed, you guys live together for Christ sake!" He says and they both laugh.

"Yeah, that's true"

"I know you guys could work something out but that guy" he says, nodding his head toward Brock, "has got to go. He's bad news bears"

"I guess I have some thinking to do"

"Make the right choice, Stevie. You know what you want but you're not going for it. Take a chance."

So when are all my problems going to end?
I'm understanding now that
We are only friends
To this day I'm asking why
I still think about you

Stevie stands there, listening to the song a moment.

So when are all my problems going to end?
I'm understanding now that
We are only friends
To this day I'm asking why
I still think about you

"I know it sounds nuts and you totally have time"

"Yeah"

"I won't keep you, though. Your drinks are done."

"Thanks, Jay."

"No problem at all, Stevie. Figure it out. I will be happy for you either way"

"No you won't" she jokes.

"Okay, maybe I won't" he jokes back.

She takes her drinks back to the table and sits them down.

"What took you so long?"

"Oh just talking to a friend"

"I thought you came here to talk to me"

"I did, honey."

"Fine, so meet me in Dallas in a couple of weeks to scout for houses. I will send a ticket for you and everything."

"Will you still be around?"

"When you call me, sure. I'll fly right out. I'd do anything for you"

"I know" she says. "Thank you"

"You're welcome, darlin" he drawls. "I love you"

"Love you too, Brock"

"See you tonight, dinner then back to your place?"

"Sure" She accepts a peck on the lips and sits in deep thought for a few minutes alone as Brock has already left with his coffee.

I do not mind if all I am is
Just a friend to you
But all I want to know right now
Is if you think about me too