Oliver pulls me into a tight embrace as I struggle to keep from crying. I’m on probation because of a simple mistake? What’s worse is that Eroscian customers aren’t going to feel safe in my shop. Once I have myself under control I pull away, and a thought comes to me. “I need to get different colored cups for non-caffeinated drinks so that what happened today can’t happen again.” The vision of Luke’s scared face flashes in my head. “And to keep you guys protected. People are going insane over this.”

“That’s a good start.” Oliver frowns for a moment and glances past me. “Excuse me a minute.” I watch him approach Ian. I would wonder what they’re talking about, but I need to get to the restaurant supply place a couple blocks away to grab cups that aren’t white.

I catch Debbie’s eye. “I’m going to go get us some different containers to use for aliens so there will be no confusion again.”

“Good idea. I’ll hold down the fort.”

I call out to Oliver before I leave. “I’ll be right back.” Luck is on my side when I get to the restaurant supply store, because they’re having a sale on red and green holiday cups. I grab a few sleeves of the green ones to take with me and arrange for the rest to be delivered. While two cases won’t last long, at least it will tide me over until I can get some with our logo.

If I manage to stay in business that long. Horns blare as traffic stands still, and I glance around at the people walking by me on the sidewalk. Maybe I’m paranoid, but I’m sure I see a few humans give the aliens they see the side eye. I imagine after what happened today, Eroscians are going to find it hard to trust human strangers since so many seem to believe the worst about them. And I’m sure they won’t want to be anywhere near coffee shops. I don’t think a drink contest is going to save me now.

A woman bumps my shoulder as she goes by, and I stumble as she apologizes. I recall what the officer said to me about being on probation, and my stomach knots up with worry. What other kinds of mistakes could happen that might cost me my business? My staff is going to have to be super vigilant. It was apparent today the officers have something against Eroscians, and it makes me nervous for my alien employees. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine one of the guys being accused of foul play if another incident occurs.

I enter my shop and let out a sigh as I notice the lack of customers that seems to be our new normal. Debbie sees me and comes over to grab a sleeve of cups. “I like the green. It’s very Eroscian,” she teases, and I’d chuckle if I were in a better mood.

When her face falls I say, “I’m sorry. This whole situation has me worried sick. Can you imagine if they come after Ian, Matt or Derrick on a witch hunt? I don’t know how to keep them safe.”

“I know, I’m nervous too.” Plastic rustles as she opens up the package of cups. “By the way, Oliver asked if he could borrow Ian for a while, and since it’s so slow I said it was okay.”

The front door creaks open and I’m startled by my friend Hannah’s voice. “Morgan! Oh my god.” She rushes over and tugs me into a tight hug. “I just saw you on the news. Do you know what happened to that poor guy?”

I pull away from her. “I called Cassie and she’s going to look into it.”

“Thank god.” Hannah’s brow knits as she rubs my arm. “How are you doing? I heard the officer say your shop is on probation.”

Tears burn in my eyes and I blink to keep them from falling. “I’m okay.” I sink into a chair as my throat tightens.

“Honey,” Hannah sits across from me. “It’s going to be okay. All of this will settle down soon.”

“Yeah. But when it does, will I still have a business?” I sniff and swipe a tear from my cheek.

“Of course you will,” she says. “You’re clever and creative. I have no doubt you’ll get through this just fine.”

“I wish I had the same confidence.” I glance around. “But look at this place. It’s been dead for days, and I can’t imagine I’m about to become the new hot spot for Eroscians any time soon.”

Hannah says, “Maybe you need an event to bring in more business.”

“We thought of that. I have a caffeine-free drink contest running right now.”

“That’s great. You could beef up your bakery offerings too.” She lets out a moan. “I could live off your chocolate croissants.”

I sigh, because becoming more focused on food would come with the same set of problems, only switching the caffeine in coffee for caffeine in chocolate. “I know you’re trying to help, but it might be time for me to face the fact I may not survive this.”

“That doesn’t sound like the Morgan I know.”

I realize I’m being dramatic, and I blow out a breath of air to help calm myself. “You’re right. I think I’m just upset about what happened earlier.”

“Then let me distract you for a while. Why don’t you tell me about Oliver? Are things going well?”

I recall the kiss I had with my alien match when he was trying to convince me to marry him this afternoon, and my lips turn up a little in a smile. “We’re great. He even asked me to marry him already.”

“That’s so awesome!” Hannah’s face glows with happiness. “When is the wedding?”

“I didn’t say yes.”

“Why not?” she asks.

“It feels too fast, and with all that’s going on, I shouldn’t be devoting my time to my love life.”

She shakes her head. “Wrong. I think that’s exactly what you should be doing. There’s only so much you can do until this mess gets sorted out. Why not focus on a good thing in your life?” She pulls out her phone. “You know what? You two are coming to dinner tonight. I’m not having you moping around and fretting about something you can’t control.”

The memory of the fish Jake cooked the last time I had dinner at Hannah’s is all the convincing I need, especially since I know Oliver will love whatever Jake makes. “I’d like that.”

Hannah stands up. “Great. Come over around six, and the two of us can drink ourselves silly.”

I hug my friend. “Thanks for being such a great friend.”

“See you soon,” she calls out as she leaves, and I take the boost in my spirits with me as I return to my office to see about ordering new coffee cups.

Around five o’clock, I begin to wonder about Oliver, because he hasn’t come back yet. I text him to find out what the hold up is and to let him know we’re having dinner at Hannah and Jake’s. He replies that he and Ian are working on a project they started back on Eroscia, which strikes me as odd considering what’s going on. Although, since I don’t know what Oliver could do to help me at this point, perhaps he decided what I needed was to have him out of my hair.

When I arrive at Hannah’s, she greets me with a glass of wine. I take a big sip and let out an audible sigh. “That’s just what I needed. Thanks.”

“C’mon in the kitchen. Jake got oysters.”

I expect to see Oliver, but he’s not here and I ask, “Has anyone seen my alien? I seem to have misplaced him.”

Jake tilts his head when there’s a knock on the door. “I bet that’s him.”

“I’ll get it.” I’m not sure how I became so attached to Oliver this quickly, but I realize I miss him. I smile as I open the door. “Hey.”

He leans down and gives me a kiss. “I missed you.”

His face is warm under my hand as I place it on his cheek. “Me too. Where have you been?”

Oliver’s eyes dance with mischief. “It’s a secret.”

Recalling today’s conversation at the park makes me think he bought me a ring, and the feeling I had earlier about us rushing things has faded. “Uh-huh. Do I get a hint?”

He places his forehead against mine. “It’s something that will change your life for the better.”

My heart flutters as I say, “I like the sound of that.” And I do, because if he asked me again now I’d say yes.

“Good. Because today I realized I’m in love with you, Morgan.” The warmth of his love fills me, and Oliver kisses me before I have to say anything. “All I want is to make you happy.”

I may not be in love with my alien yet, but I’m well on my way and I say, “You already do.”