Late to Love

Chapter 30: Lights out

The next morning, Lukas woke up with a heavy weight on his chest. The previous night with Macey had been passionate, but as the morning light seeped into his apartment, his thoughts inevitably drifted back to Nina. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to talk to her-if not to mend their strained friendship, then at least to clear the air.

After a quick shower and grabbing his jacket, Lukas decided he'd visit her. Maybe they could have a real conversation, something they hadn't managed in weeks. But as he walked through the snowy streets, heading towards Nina's neighborhood, he passed by Daniel's grocery store. The sign caught his attention-he'd heard a lot about this guy, and Nina seemed to be growing closer to him. Something made Lukas pause. His feet slowed down until he found himself stopping right outside the shop.

On impulse, he pushed the door open, a small bell jingling as he stepped inside. The warmth of the store enveloped him, a stark contrast to the winter chill outside. Shelves were neatly stocked with organic produce, local honey, and artisan goods. It was clear this place had a community vibe-a real sense of care. He understood why Nina liked it here.

Daniel was behind the counter, ringing up a customer. He looked up when he saw Lukas and smiled politely, though there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

"Hey," Lukas greeted awkwardly, nodding toward the counter.

He hadn't planned on coming in, but after the pub quiz the night before-where he'd watched Daniel and Nina share shy smiles and playful banter-he couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to talk to the guy. Clear the air, maybe.

Daniel looked up from where he was stocking jars of honey, and his face broke into a small smile when he saw Lukas. But there was something in his eyes-just a flicker of uncertainty.

"Hey, Lukas," Daniel greeted, his voice as soft as always but warm.

"Hey," Lukas replied, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets as he tried to push down the awkwardness swirling in his stomach. "Thought I'd stop by. Got time for a quick chat?"

Daniel nodded, setting the jar down and wiping his hands on his apron. "Sure. What's up?"

Lukas hesitated for a beat, feeling like he was stepping onto shaky ground. "I just... I wanted to make sure everything's cool between us. You know, after last night."

Daniel tilted his head, slightly confused. "Why wouldn't it be? The quiz was fun-Nina invited me, and it was cool hanging out with everyone."

Lukas scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah, it was. But I guess I got the sense that, well... you're figuring out that Nina and I have a lot of history."

Daniel's eyes softened with understanding, and he nodded slowly. "I kind of picked up on that. But it's not really my business."

Lukas appreciated Daniel's straightforwardness. The guy was quiet, maybe a little awkward, but he was genuine. "I just don't want there to be any weirdness between us. Nina's important to me-she always has been. But I'm trying to respect whatever's going on with you two."

Daniel's gaze dropped for a moment, and he exhaled softly before looking back up. "I get it. And to be honest, I'm still figuring things out with Nina. She's... amazing, but I don't want to step on any toes, you know?"

Lukas shifted, feeling both relieved and unsettled by Daniel's sincerity. "Nina invited you to the dinner at my grandma Rosie's. That's a big deal, man. She doesn't invite just anyone."

Daniel chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck-a gesture Lukas had noticed was a habit of his. "Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was too soon. But I really like her, Lukas. And I'm not trying to push anything. I just want to see where it goes."