4

The next afternoon, Chas was back at the café, juggling a steady flow of orders during the mid-afternoon rush. The hum of the espresso machine and the murmur of customers’ conversations filled the cozy space. She wiped her hands on her apron and glanced at the clock—another four hours to go.

The familiar jingle of the doorbell drew her attention. She looked up and felt her heart skip for a moment. Nick was back, stepping inside like he belonged there, his dark coat slung over one arm and a casual smile on his face.

Chas half-laughing, half-surprised “You again? You’re not stalking me, are you?”

Nick grinning “Caught me. No, I just couldn’t stay away from your excellent coffee recommendations.”

Chas rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling as she

grabbed a menu out of habit. “Let me guess—black coffee again?”

Nick leaning on the counter”Actually, I’ll take whatever you recommend this time.”

Chas raised an eyebrow, then turned toward the espresso machine.

“Alright, but don’t blame me if you don’t like it.”

Nick watched her work, noticing how her movements were practiced and efficient despite the occasional chaos of the café. She had a quiet focus, and he couldn’t help admiring it.

When she placed the drink in front of him, a frothy caramel latte with a swirl of whipped cream, she crossed her arms with a smirk.“There you go. Something to shake up your routine.”

Nick studying it “Looks fancier than what I’m used to. Let’s see if it’s worth the hype.”

He took a sip, his eyebrows raising in surprise. “Not bad. Sweet, though. Are you saying I need to sweeten up?”

Chas laughed, shaking her head.“Maybe. Or maybe I just thought you looked like you could use a change.”

Nick chuckled, but before he could respond, the café door opened again, letting in a group of noisy college students. Chas excused herself to take their orders, leaving Nick to enjoy his drink.

As the café settled again, Chas returned to Nick’s table, leaning slightly against the counter. “So, you’re making this a habit now? Visiting my café?”

Nick answer with tease “Can you blame me? Good coffee, great company… What more could I ask for?”

Chas answer with funny mockery“Flattery won’t get you free refills.”

Nick laughed, the sound warm and genuine.“Fair enough. But in all seriousness, I like this place. It’s got character. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re here.”

Chas blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. She felt a faint blush creep up her neck but quickly busied herself wiping the counter.“Well, enjoy it while you can. I’m only here a few days a week.”

“Noted. I’ll have to time my visits perfectly then.”Nick answered

They shared a small smile, the air between them light but tinged with something unspoken. As Chas was called away to handle another order, Nickwatched her go, his thoughts once again lingering on how much she seemed to carry on her own.

When she returned, Nick stood up, pulling out his wallet.“Alright, I’ll stop distracting you. For now.”

Chas smirking“Finally. My productivity was plummeting.”

He handed her cash for his drink, but as she started to make change, he shook his head.

"Keep it. Consider it a tip for the best caramel latte I’ve ever had.” Nick answered with generosity

"You’re way too generous, you know.”Chas answered playfully

Nick grinning “Get used to it.”

As Nick stood up, ready to leave, he hesitated, glancing back at Chas. His easy grin faltered, replaced by a look of quiet seriousness. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly debating something.

"Chas, can I ask you something?”

Chas blinking, surprised at his sudden shift in tone“Sure… what is it?”

Nick leaned against the counter, lowering his voice so the other customers wouldn’t overhear. “That dorm room you live in… it’s, uh… pretty small, isn’t it?”

Chas frowned slightly, caught off guard. “It’s not the Ritz, but it’s fine. I’ve managed this long.”

Nick shaking his head “I don’t know how you do it. Balancing college, work, and then coming home to that tiny space—it just doesn’t seem fair.”

“Nick,I’m used to it. It’s not ideal, but I don’t really have another choice.” Chas answered with reassurance

Nick hesitated again before speaking, his words careful but earnest. “You could stay at my place. As housemates.”

Chas stared at him, stunned into silence."What?”

"I mean it. I’ve got plenty of space. You wouldn’t have to worry about rent or living in a cramped dorm. It’s just… I don’t know, it doesn’t sit right with me, seeing you work so hard and then barely having room to breathe.”Nick answered

Chas's mind raced, her heart pounding. She opened her mouth to respond but faltered, struggling to process the unexpected offer.

"Nick… that’s… really generous of you, but I can’t just move into your house. It wouldn’t feel right.”

"Why not? You’d have your own room, your privacy. I wouldn’t get in your way, I promise. I just… I want to help.” Nick grinned and answered with reassurance

Chas looked at him, searching for any hint of insincerity, but all she saw was genuine concern.

"It’s not that I don’t appreciate it. I do. But it’s a big thing to ask—living with someone I barely know.”

"I get that. I do. And I’m not trying to overstep. I just… I’ve been lucky in life, Chas. Not everyone gets that kind of luck. If I can make things a little easier for you, I want to.” Nick answered softly

Chas bit her lip, her thoughts a whirlwind of doubts and gratitude.

“I don’t know, Nick. It feels… complicated.”

Nick nodded, stepping back slightly to give her space.

“I’m not asking for an answer now. Just… think about it, okay? No pressure.”

Chas answer after a pause, softly “Okay. I’ll think about it.”

Nick's expression relaxed, and the faint smile returned to his face.

“That’s all I’m asking.”

He grabbed his coat and gave her a small wave before heading to the door.

“See you around, Chas.”

As the door jingled shut behind him, Chas stood frozen for a moment, her mind still reeling.

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Chast tossed and turned in her narrow dorm bed, staring at the ceiling. The dim light from the streetlamp outside filtered through her thin curtains, casting faint patterns on the walls. She sighed and turned onto her side, clutching her pillow, but sleep refused to come.

Nick's offer played on a loop in her mind.

Chas muttered to herself "Stay at his house? As his housemate?"

She tried to dismiss the thought, telling herself it was absurd. Nick was kind, sure, but this was too much. Why would someone like him—a successful musician with a life worlds apart from hers—offer something so generous to a near-stranger?

Still, the idea lingered, teasing her with possibilities.

She glanced around her dorm room, taking in the cramped space. The single bookshelf overflowing with textbooks, the tiny desk barely big enough for her laptop and notebooks, the bed that creaked every time she moved. It was home, but only just.

Chas think to herself "Would it be so bad to have more space? To not have to worry about rent for once?"

But then doubt crept in.

"What if he regrets it? What if it’s awkward? Or what if people misunderstand?"

She sat up, frustrated. Hugging her knees, she stared out the window into the night. Nick's words echoed in her head:

“I just want to help.”

He had looked so sincere when he said it. There was no ulterior motive in his eyes, no trace of pity—just genuine concern.

Chas ran a hand through her hair, groaning softly.

“What am I even thinking? This is ridiculous.”

But no matter how hard she tried to shut the thought out, it kept returning, tugging at the corners of her mind. Maybe, just maybe, Nick's offer wasn’t as crazy as it seemed.

She lay back down, staring at the ceiling again. Sleep still wouldn’t come.

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It was a warm Saturday afternoon when Chas arrived at the orphanage, her so-called “home.” The familiar sight of the ivy-covered brick building and the laughter of children playing in the courtyard instantly eased her worries, if only for a moment. She made her way to the kitchen, where Carol was preparing tea, the scent of chamomile filling the air.

Carol looked up and smiled warmly as Chas walked in.

"Chas, my darling. You’re here early today.”

Chas dropped her bag on the chair and hugged her foster mother tightly, the embrace grounding her.

“I just needed to get away for a bit. It’s been… a lot lately.”

Carol raised an eyebrow as she gestured for Emma to sit down at the table.

“A lot? That sounds like more than just school and work. Spill it, love.”

Chas hesitated, fiddling with her hands. She had always felt safe confiding in Carol, but Nick's offer had been on her mind so much that she wasn’t sure how to start. "It’s… about Nick"

Carol paused as she poured tea into their cups, her smile widening slightly.

"Nick? The musician? What about him?” Carol ask her further

Chas sighed, leaning forward with her elbows on the table. “He… offered me something, and I don’t know what to do.”

Carol sat down, her curiosity clearly piqued.

“Go on.”

Chas took a deep breath and explained everything—their unexpected meetings, the conversations at the café, and, finally, Jack’s offer for her to stay at his house as a housemate. Carol listened intently, her expression thoughtful as she sipped her tea.

When Chas finished, she leaned back in her chair, searching Carol's face for a reaction.

“That’s quite an offer. And what do you think about it?” Carol ask her again

Chas shrugged, looking down at her cup.

“At first, I thought it was crazy. I mean, who offers that to someone they barely know? But then I started thinking… my dorm is so cramped, and I’m barely making ends meet. It would make things easier, but…”

Carol tilted her head, sensing the hesitation.

“But you’re afraid of relying on someone else.”

Chas nodded.

“I don’t want to feel like I’m taking advantage of him. He’s done so much for others already, and I don’t want to be a burden.”

Carol reached across the table, her hand resting gently on Chas's.

"Chas, Nick is a kind man. A generous man. He wouldn’t offer if he didn’t mean it. You know, he’s been supporting this orphanage for years—always donating, always asking how he can help. Every event we’ve had, he’s been there, quietly making a difference. He’s a gentleman, through and through.”

Chas blinked, surprised.

“I didn’t know he was that involved.”

Carol chuckled softly.

“He doesn’t advertise it. That’s what makes it genuine. And from what you’ve told me, he seems to genuinely care about your well-being. I think he sees how hard you work and wants to ease your burden. There’s no shame in accepting help, Chas. You’ve spent so much of your life looking out for others—it’s okay to let someone look out for you.”

Chas bit her lip, Carol's words sinking in.

“You really think it’s a good idea?”

Carol smiled, her eyes full of warmth and certainty.

“I think Nick is one of the good ones, Chas. And I think you deserve to let yourself accept his kindness. But at the end of the day, it’s your choice. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”

Chas nodded slowly, her heart feeling a little lighter.

“Thanks, Mom. I think… I think I’ll give it some more thought.”

As they spent the rest of the afternoon catching up, Chas couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of clarity. Nick's offer was still a big step, but maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t such a bad one after all.

Carol stirred her tea thoughtfully, her warm gaze fixed on Chas.

“You know, Chas , Nick has always been a good man. A genuinely kind soul. He’s been supporting this orphanage for years, even before you started volunteering for the event. He never makes a big deal out of it, but his donations have helped us more times than I can count.”

Chas's brows furrowed in surprise.

“Really? I didn’t know he was that involved.”

Carol nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Every charity event we’ve held, he’s been there. Not just to donate, but to actually talk to the children and staff. He asks how we’re doing, what we need. And every time, he listens. Truly listens. That’s rare in people, especially someone with his status.”

Chas sipped her tea, trying to reconcile the image Carol was painting with the Nick she knew—the confident, teasing musician who had a way of getting under her skin.

“And when I say he’s a gentleman, I mean it. He doesn’t just throw money at a cause and walk away. He cares, Chas. And from what you’ve told me, it sounds like he cares about you, too.” Said Carol softly

Chas blinked, caught off guard by the implication.

“Cares about me? He just… worries, I guess. About my dorm and everything.”

Carol leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle but firm.

“That’s more than most people would do, darling. Offering you a place to stay isn’t a small gesture. It’s a way of saying he values your well-being. And knowing Nick, he wouldn’t have offered if he didn’t mean it.”

Chas fidgeted with the handle of her teacup, Adrianne’s words making her chest tighten.

“But isn’t it… too much? I mean, I don’t want to feel like I’m taking advantage of him.”

Carol smiled knowingly.

"Chas, you have a habit of thinking you have to do everything on your own. It’s okay to accept kindness when it’s offered. Nick isn’t the kind of man to offer something he doesn’t want to give. Trust me on that.”

Chas let out a long breath, her thoughts a whirlwind.

“You really think it’s okay?”

Carol reached across the table and squeezed Chas's hand.

“I do. But the decision is yours to make. Just remember, Chas, accepting help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.”

Chas nodded, her heart feeling a little steadier.

“Thanks, Mom. I’ll think about it.”

Carol smiled warmly.

“That’s all I ask. And whatever you decide, you know you’ll always have my support.”

As they continued their conversation, Chas couldn’t shake the weight of Nick's offer. Carol's words echoed in her mind, painting Nick in a light she hadn’t considered before. Maybe, just maybe, saying yes wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

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The afternoon sun streamed through the wide windows of Nick’s townhouse as he wandered through the upstairs hallway, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished wood floors. His hands were in his pockets, and his mind was elsewhere, replaying the conversation with Chas from earlier.

He stopped in front of the room next to his bedroom, a space he hadn’t given much thought to in years. Pushing open the door, he stepped inside and looked around. The room was simple and bare—plain white walls, a large window overlooking the street, and a small closet tucked into the corner. It had been a guest room once, but no one had stayed in it for a long time.

Nick let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck as he stood in the middle of the empty room. He could picture it now—Chas’s things filling the space, a pop of her bright, quirky personality transforming it into something entirely hers. A small smile tugged at his lips as the image formed in his mind.

Without overthinking, Nick made up his mind. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

He started by dusting off the furniture that had been left behind—a sturdy desk and a simple wooden bed frame. The mattress was old and thin, so he made a mental note to replace it. Pulling open the closet door, he checked to make sure it was empty, brushing away a few cobwebs in the corners.

Next, he moved to the walls. They were stark and uninviting, and Nick knew they wouldn’t suit someone like Chas. His thoughts wandered to her love of warm, vibrant colors and her bubbly energy. Maybe a soft pastel or a light yellow would brighten the space.

As the hours passed, Nick worked steadily, rearranging furniture and making a list of things the room would need—a new bedspread, curtains, maybe even a small rug to make it feel cozier. The faint hum of his favorite soft rock playlist played in the background, keeping him company as the room slowly started to take shape.

When he finally paused to take a step back and look at the progress, the room already felt different. It wasn’t quite there yet, but it no longer felt empty.

Nick leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze thoughtful. “She might say no,” he muttered to himself. “But if she says yes…”

He let the thought trail off, a faint smile on his lips. For the first time in a long while, the idea of someone else sharing his home didn’t feel like an invasion. Instead, it felt… right.

With that thought, he pushed away from the doorframe and headed downstairs, a sense of quiet anticipation settling over him. Whatever Chas decided, he wanted her to know she had a place here—a space that was hers, if she wanted it.

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