Chapter 13 Esme finally finished cleaning up her little shop . She put her hands on her hips and let out a long , satisfied sigh . It had been almost two weeks since she'd walked away from Liam . She'd picked this small town for a reason - the air was fresh , the pace of life was slow , and it was exactly the change she'd needed . The moment Esme arrived , she dove right in and rented a shopfront . It wasn't big , but it was perfect for the cozy coffee shop she'd always dreamed about . Now everything was ready . Esme packed away her cleaning supplies and locked up for the night. She caught her reflection in the glass door and surprised herself with a big , genuine smile . How long had it been since she'd smiled like that ? The thought sent a tiny ache through her chest - a pain she thought she'd long since buried . Liam , Joy , and their little boy were probably living their happily ever after by now . " Liam … " The name slipped out before she could stop it . Esme quickly shook her head , trying to clear him from her thoughts . This was her new beginning . She wasn't going to let old memories drag her down . As she stood there , lost in thought , something warm and soft brushed against her ankle . " Mrow ~ " A little orange tabby cat rubbed up against her , purring so sweetly it almost sounded like a question . " Oh , hey there , kitty ! " Esme beamed , crouching down to scratch its head . The kitten flopped over , showing its belly and mewing for more attention . " This little guy really likes you. " The voice was warm and easy , and Esme glanced up - she hadn't noticed the man standing a few feet away . " Oh ! Sorry , I didn't see you ," she said , scooting over to give him some space . He smiled and knelt down beside her . The kitten immediately snuggled into his hand , like they were old friends . " Is he yours ? " Esme asked . He shook his head , that gentle smile never leaving his face . " Nope . " He set down a bag of cat treats and started rubbing the kitten's belly like he'd done it a hundred times . " Found him around here a few days ago . Whenever I pass by , I stop to feed him . " " So , he's a stray ? " Esme met his eyes , mirroring his smile . 1/22 14:39 Chapter 13 " Looks like it , " he said , his voice low and kind . " He probably wishes he had a real home . " Watching him with the kitten , Esme noticed how his lashes cast delicate shadows across his cheeks . Something soft and hopeful stirred in her chest . " Alright then ," she said , scooping up the kitten like it was the most natural thing in the world . " Mrow ? " The kitten didn't protest , just blinked up at her , confused but curious . " Wait , where are we going ? " the man asked , a little thrown . " To the vet ! " Esme said , clear as day . She set the kitten on her shoulder , grinning over at him . " Let's go ! " She was already pulling up directions to the nearest animal clinic on her phone , not giving him a chance to argue . He blinked , then scrambled to grab his bag of treats and followed after her , still a bit stunned . He ran a hand through his messy hair , steadied himself , and offered her his hand . " I'm Neil . Nice to meet you ." Esme stopped and shook his hand , just as formally . " Esme . I just moved here , so … nice to meet you too , Neil . " The little tabby , not wanting to be left out , placed its tiny paw on top of their hands and let out a soft " mrow . " They both looked at each other and burst out laughing . The shadows of her past seemed to drift away , fading with every step toward the evening . Neil walked alongside her . " So that cute coffee shop on the corner - that's yours ? " Esme nodded . " It is . Tomorrow's my first day open . Guess I'll have a kitten as my first customer . " The orange tabby meowed right on cue , rubbing its head against her cheek . ' I'll be there too ," Neil said , grinning . " I've actually been curious about your place for a while . " She shot him a teasing look . " You trying to compete with the kitten for my attention ? " As she spoke , the glowing sign of the animal clinic came into view just ahead . 2/2