Thanks to her brisk pace, Tamara reached the dressing room before Chelsey could catch up. By the time Chelsey entered, the coffee was already in Hadley’s hands.
“Freshly made by Chelsey,” Tamara said casually as she handed over the cup.
Offering a polite smile, Hadley nodded. “Thanks.”
Instead of walking away, Tamara leaned in and whispered something quietly near Hadley’s ear.
A faint blush spread across Hadley’s cheeks. “Alright…”
She felt mildly flustered, surprised that Eric had chosen to pass along that kind of message through Tamara instead of simply texting her directly.
Without another word, Tamara walked back to the sofa tucked in the rear of the room. Her posture relaxed, her expression unreadable as she lowered her gaze and sat in silence.
Across the room, Hadley removed the lid and took a sip of the coffee. Something in her expression shifted subtly.
“Is something wrong?” Chelsey stepped forward immediately, concern flashing across her face. “Does it taste strange? Should I make you another one?”
“Not at all.” Hadley offered a reassuring smile. “It’s good—really. Just tastes a bit different today. Did you switch the beans or something?”
At that remark, Tamara—seated quietly—lifted her eyes and looked over.
“Really?” Chelsey stiffened slightly, disbelief edging her voice. “I haven’t switched the beans… Maybe it’s the nonstop rain. I opened this bag a while ago, so the beans might have soaked up some moisture.”
Hadley shrugged it off. “That makes sense.”
Chelsey quickly offered to fix things. She reached for the cup. “Want me to brew another one? We still have a new bag I haven’t opened yet…”
“No need.” A gentle smile spread across Hadley’s face as she pulled the cup back. “The taste is a little different from my usual cup, but it’s still fine. A few soggy beans can’t hurt me. I’m tougher than I look. Anyway—” She paused, a new thought surfacing. “How’s your mom doing lately? Is she feeling any better?”
The question caught Chelsey off guard. She faltered before managing an awkward nod and a strained smile. “She’s improved a lot.”
g?ν.k? – ? ?
“Glad to hear it.” Hadley seemed relieved. She sipped her coffee slowly. “Are things alright on your end? Money-wise, I mean?”
That surprised Chelsey, her eyes widening in shock.
“If you’re running low,” Hadley continued without hesitation, “just let me know. I don’t mind helping out.”
Chelsey hesitated for a split second, her lips trembling.
Then, in a sudden motion, she snatched the cup right out of Hadley’s grasp.
Confusion flickered across Hadley’s face as she blinked. “Chelsey, what are you—”
“You really shouldn’t drink this!” Chelsey forced a shaky smile. “Those beans are damp—might not be good for your health. Let me make you a better cup!”
Clutching the cup tightly, she dashed out of the room.
Hadley watched her go, bewildered by the sudden urgency. To her, it was nothing more than a cup of coffee. Chelsey’s reaction seemed wildly out of proportion.
.
.
.