𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 • 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐛𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤

epilogue

𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫

"God damnit," I laughed at my mom from across the table, looking up from the board game we were playing.

"I won, that means you have to get coffee," she snickered.

"Remind me again why it has to be Starbucks?" I asked, standing up from my chair.

She shrugged. "Cravings, I guess. And maybe you'll meet a cute boy on the way."

I rolled my eyes, a smile evident on my face. "Doubt it. I'll be right back."

"I'll see you later," she smirked, still enjoying her victory.

I pulled on my coat and stepped into the icy December air. Snow was everywhere preparing itself for Christmas tomorrow, draping over Overland Park like a blanket. A wet, cold, icy blanket.

I shivered and got into my car, heading over to the Starbucks I would always go to. The road was slippery and I almost had an accident about three times, you bet I honked at a lot of people.

I breathed in, preparing myself to go out there into the cold again. At least it wouldn't be for too long of a time. I figured I would drink something there and then take my mom's drink to go.

I stepped out of the car and made my way over to the entrance without slipping and falling on my ass - an achievement. I pushed against the door and let myself in, immediately comforted by the warmth of the building.

I smiled and walked up to the line, looking at what Starbucks had to offer. Someone tapped my shoulder and I turned to face them.

"Ellie?" they said.

"Colby, hey!" I smiled widely.

He engulfed me in the warmest hug, rocking us from side to side. "I haven't seen your face in ages. Wow, I'm so happy to see you."

"It has been a while. It's nice seeing you too," I chuckled. I breathed in his scent. It was so familiar, and I couldn't help but feel at home instantly.

He released me and smiled at me. "Can I get you a drink?"

I nodded. "Yes. Yes, you can."

"Great," he nodded back. "What do I get you?"

"Surprise me," I chuckled and walked off to find us a table.

He arrived a couple minutes later, two cups in his hands. He sat down in front of me. "Thanks. What is it, though?" I asked, looking at the cup.

He just chuckled, so I took a sip. "Colby, is this what I think it is?"

"A black and white hot cocoa? Because it is," he winked at me.

I grinned. "That's the same drink you got me the first time we went to Starbucks! How did you remember that?"

"Well, you did too, right?" he smiled.

I nodded. "I suppose so. How is mister influencer Colby Brock's life going? Getting married yet?"

He shook his head and laughed. "I'm good, in general. Not seeing anyone though, so definitely not marrying either."

"Hmm," I replied and took another sip. "Why not?"

He let out a short chuckle. "None of them ever compared to you. Anyways, how are you doing? Getting married yet?"

"No," I laughed at him mimicking me. "I've lived a happy single life the past two years. I'm in no rush."

"Exactly," he replied. "Do you still live with your parents?"

"Nope, I live in an apartment. Though I must admit it does get lonely," I said. "It's at times like those that I miss staying at a mansion with six, sometimes seven other people. There's always someone to talk to."

"Yeah," he nodded. "The Traphouse. Those were the best days of my life. I still live at my apartment."

"Haven't torn it apart yet?" I chuckled.

He shook his head, a smile on his face. "I've taken pretty good care of it."

As he shifted in his seat, the small, shiny object around his neck caught my eye. "Is that the necklace I gave you for Christmas?"

"It very much is," he chuckled. "I wear it everyday."

"That's nice," I smiled. "Who did you take to the Citizen and Knuckle Puck concert?"

"I didn't go," he smiled back. "I gifted the tickets to people I knew couldn't afford them."

I nodded. "That's nice of you. And it's exactly what I would've wanted you to do if you weren't going yourself."

"Nice to know it was Ellie-approved," he snickered. "Man, I missed you so much. You have no idea."

I chuckled softly. "I think I do."

He smiled, changing the subject. "So, what brought you here? I'm pretty sure you can get coffee closer to where you live."

"Yeah," I chuckled. "My mom and I were playing a board game and I lost. She made me get Starbucks."

"Oh," he replied. "Do you have to get back?"

"No," I smiled. "She'll understand."

His lips pulled into a grin. "So she wouldn't mind if I took you somewhere? Maybe back to the abandoned factory?"

I smiled widely. "No, definitely not."

He stood up, and I followed his example. I took my cup from the table as he extended his hand towards me, and I gladly put mine in his. "Are you ready to embark on an adventure?"

"With you?" I smiled and bit down on my bottom lip. "Always."

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃