KATHERINE’S POV
The café was already crowded when I arrived. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air, mingling with the soft hum of voices and clinking cups.
I spotted Maddie sitting near the window, her long brown hair tied in a messy bun, a pair of dark sunglasses resting on her head. She was stirring her coffee absently, looking out at the street like she’d been waiting for me.
“Hey,” I said, pulling the chair across from her.
She looked up, her lips breaking into a warm smile. “Katherine.”
“Sorry if I kept you waiting.”
“Not at all,” she said, motioning for me to sit. “I ordered you a latte. You looked like you needed caffeine last time.”
I let out a small laugh, grateful for her easy tone. “Thanks.”
The waiter came over to drop the cup in front of me, and fo
