“If someone makes you happy, why not celebrate that?” he asks, blushing like he’s just realized how vulnerable he sounds. He clears his throat and looks away from me. “Anyway, this is just a tiny way for me to say that this week has been amazing. That’s all.”

I try not to fixate on his words: Happy. Amazing. They make my stomach flutter in the best way.

“Just so you know, I didn’t get you anything,” I say apologetically. “And now I feel bad.”

“Come on, don’t feel bad,” he says, taking my hand in his. “I came up with this on the spot, and it took two seconds. And anyway, your gift to me is introducing me to this place.”

He sips slowly from his latte, considering it. I taste mine carefully, letting the beverage dribble out from under the cloud of whipped cream so as not to disturb the cinnamon heart. It’s fragrant and flavorful.

“Yeah, it’s official,” he says. “You’re right. This is delicious.”

“I told you! I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

“Now I finally trust you.”

“What, like months of working together didn’t earn that?”

“This sealed the deal.”

Chatting in front of the crackling fireplace, nestled into the coziest spot in town, I feel at home in a way I never did in LA. It’s not hard to imagine endless winter afternoons curled up in these armchairs with Ryan. It would be so easy, so satisfying, so comfortable. I’ve learned my lesson already: I know it’s not smart to get lost in giddy feelings, daydreaming about a future with a man who might someday break my heart. I don’t want to repeat that mistake. But for whatever reason, things with Ryan feel different. I don’t worry about losing my spark around him.

Ryan glances at the clock hanging above the cash register. His face falls.

“We probably have to get going,” he says.

We drain the last of the lattes, and I savor the sweet, spicy dregs at the bottom of the mug. I hug Lolly goodbye, and she makes us promise to come back before another ten years slip by.

“Because let’s face it, honey, I’m not getting any younger,” she says, sighing. “And anyway, I like him. Keep him around.”

Ryan laughs lightly and reassures Lolly he’ll come by for another latte soon.