Chapter 1

4 Months Earlier

Elizabeth pressed snooze for the third time that morning. Why she always stayed up so late she wasn't sure. After working out, dinner, and finishing grading, she usually spent her time reading or scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. "Ugh" she groaned. "Tonight I am going to bed early!"

After showering and getting ready for the day, Elizabeth was headed out the door. She decided that morning her regular black coffee wasn't going to cut it and a stop at Starbuck's was in order. Once in the car she put on her "Jammin Playlist" that always put her in a good mood. Soon Redbone's Come and Get Your Love was blasting through the speakers. She knew it was an old one hit wonder, but it never failed to put a smile on her face.

Elizabeth pulled into Starbuck's and saw the drive through line was wrapped around the building. Having some time to spare, she decided to head inside. As she was pulling open the door, her phone rang. Rosie, one of her best friends. "Hey Rosie! I am just walking into Starbuck's. Can I call you back once I'm back in my car?"

"Ugh yes I guess that's fine" Rosie drawed out acting annoyed. "But before I let you go, I must tell you about.."

"Ok thanks Rosie! I will call you back!" Elizabeth cut her off knowing she would never get her off the phone if she let Rosie go on with whatever she was about to say. With that she hung up and got in line.

Thankfully the line was moving quickly. Elizabeth placed her order and went off to the side to wait for her drink. While waiting she overheard a man talking behind her. "Alright, let's try Zofran for the nausea and keep giving the Benadryl as well. I should be in soon. Thanks. Bye."

"Order for Elizabeth!" the barista shouted out. Elizabeth walked up to get her drink and thank the worker. As she started to walk away she realized she needed a coffee collar. The cup was hot! She quickly grabbed one from the counter along with a splash stick. While putting on the coffee collar, she turned back around to leave, her head down focusing on the task at hand.

"Order for Jake!" the barista shouted.

Before she realized what was happening, Elizabeth bumped into a solid wall of muscle. Unsteady on her feet from the run in, the person's hands went to Elizabeth's upper arms to steady her. Looking up from her cup and saying a quick prayer of thanks that she had grabbed the splash stick not a moment before, Elizabeth's eyes landed on a set of beautiful hazel eyes.

"Ah I am so, so sorry. Are you ok?" the man asked. At that moment he looked up himself as his eyes focused on Elizabeth's.

Elizabeth stood there with her mouth slightly agape. She had a strong sense that she somehow knew him, but at the same time she didn't think she had ever met him before. He looked back at her with a similar look of recognition but also confusion etched on his face. The rest of the room seemed to melt away and time seemed to slow as Elizabeth looked at the man trying to figure out the strange feeling that had overcome her.

She wasn't sure how long she stood there for. It felt like a while, but in actuality was probably only a few seconds. "I.. uh.." Elizabeth stammered, still searching his eyes.

Someone nudged Elizabeth from behind, breaking the spell. She shook her head and closed her eyes for a brief second to ground herself. "Yes, I am fine. I'm sorry about that too. It was my fault," she said, still a little flustered.

"Well yeah it kinda was, but I wasn't going to call you out of it" the man smirked, obviously joking.

Elizabeth offered a smile back along with a soft laugh. "Thank you for letting me hold on to my pride like that" she joked and then paused, still searching his eyes. "I.. I should go'' she said, realizing they were standing right in front of the counter for what was turning into a longer than normal time for a simple bump into each other. With that she started to head for the door.

"Hey wait!" the man called out to her retreating back.

Elizabeth turned. "Yes?"

"Do I.. do I know you from somewhere?" he questioned, his brow pulled together clearly trying to place her.

"Umm not that I know of."

"You just… I just.. I feel like I know you."

Elizabeth offered a small shrug as they both looked at each other again. "I…"

"Order for Jake" the barista called out again louder right as the man's cell phone rang. He looked down at his phone. "I need to get this," he said almost reluctantly. "Well.. have a good day."

"You too," Elizabeth smiled right as the barista shouted out Jake again even louder and the man rolled his eyes with a bemused look on his face.

"Bye Jake" she smiled as he offered a small wave with a slightly confused look on his face.

Laughing and shaking her head, Elizabeth was out the door. Finally sitting in her car, she took a deep breath and then a sip of her coffee. "That turned out to be an interesting Starbuck's run" she thought to herself as she started the car.

As Elizabeth headed to school she realized she still needed to call Rosie back.

"Finally! I've been waiting for you!" Rosie answered.

"Well good morning to you too!" Elizabeth laughed.

"Yes, yes good morning! Now." she paused to add a little drama in typical Rosie fashion. "What are you doing tonight?"

"Umm well.. The usual. Workout, dinner, grading and school prep."

"ERRRRN" Rosie shouted, mimicking the sound of a buzzer. "Wrong answer!"

Elizabeth laughed. "What's going on Rosie? I have about 5 minutes before I need to start my work day."

"We are hanging out tonight. Me and you. Like old times. Nothing too special, but I'm coming over, bringing dinner, and we are going to spend some quality time together."

"Rosie I don't know... I have work to do."

"I'm not taking no for an answer!" Rosie demanded.

Elizabeth still hesitated. Rosie's tone softened. "Please Elizabeth? I have no ulterior motives. I just feel like we haven't spent a lot of time together lately. I miss my friend."

"Oh alright!" Elizabeth conceded. "But you better be bringing some of your famous chocolate cake!"

"I already bought the ingredients from the store."

"Yeah you did!" Elizabeth sang out with as mouth watered just thinking of the delicious cake.

Rosie laughed. "Alright dear, well I will let you go. I will text you when I'm on my way but plan on seeing me around 5 or so."

"Bye Rosie!" Elizabeth said as she hung up the phone. Elizabeth had planned to have her normal quiet night, but after talking to Rosie she realized it had been awhile since they spent a lot of time together. With Rosie planning her wedding and Elizabeth starting the new semester, they hadn't seen much of each other. Pulling into the school she smiled, looking forward to the evening.