Lucy couldn’t believe she’d let herself be talked into going out—on a Friday night, no less—when her spatial painting assignment was due at midnight. All she had left to do was polish a few details, take some photos of the painting, and upload it to the server. Still, she would’ve much preferred spending the rest of her evening on a date with Netflix. But Tiffany had a gift for persuasion—also known as being more stubborn than a mule.

She glanced at her watch again. It was 5:14 p.m. Tiffany had called to say they were pulling up ten minutes ago. And Lucy was freezing. Even though the frost had let the sun hang high in the steel-blue sky earlier, there was no trace of it now. The streetlamps cast yellow-white glows across the road, making the snow on the curb shimmer.

Suddenly, bright headlights lit up the driveway—Tiffany’s turquoise Toyota RAV4. Lucy jumped inside and slammed the door to keep the evening chill out.

"Finally. I thought my ass was gonna freeze off!" she said, flopping into the middle seat.

Tiffany twisted around in the driver’s seat to look at her.

"Complaints can be directed to my dear brother," she said, jerking her thumb at the guy next to her—clearly her twin. Same slightly upturned nose with a sprinkle of freckles, same wild reddish-brown curls. The only difference: her eyes were dark green, his more like milk chocolate.

"Screw you. You’re always the one who takes forever," scoffed JJ—nickname courtesy of a childhood obsession with some cartoon.

"Can we just go?" Lucy cut in, putting an end to the brewing argument. Despite being legal adults, the Lavoie twins still bickered like kindergarteners.

They pulled out of Indian Road and merged onto Howard Park Avenue. It wasn’t until they hit Dundas St. W. that Lucy realized someone was missing.

"Aren’t we picking up Jonathan?"

"Aww, do you miss him already?" Tiffany teased, glancing at her in the rearview mirror with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.

"Alan, you have my full permission to slap her."

Before JJ could act, Tiffany answered quickly.

"He said he’d meet us there."

"Wow. With his lack of direction, I’ll be shocked if he even makes it."

"He texted me—he’s already there," Alan added. "And we’re already late."

"Shut up," muttered Tiffany, deftly overtaking a car.

"Just don’t kill us, please."

"You’ve got to be kidding me!" Lucy exclaimed once they arrived.

She hadn’t asked which café they were going to. Apparently, she should have. She pointed at the sign above the entrance: The Velvet Note.

"You seriously brought me to the place I work at?"

Tiffany double-checked that she’d locked the car, then grabbed Lucy by the arm just as she tried to turn back.

"Jonathan insisted on this place."

"Great, guess I know who I’m tossing under the car now," she hissed, poking her friend in the shoulder. "Along with both of you for not warning me."

The twins laughed, knowing Lucy adored them too much to actually follow through. Tiff looped her arm through Lucy’s and the three of them went inside.

The Velvet Note Café was located in Old Toronto, near the Queen Street West and Strachan Avenue intersection. Lucy knew it well—she worked there on weekends as a waitress.

As soon as they stepped inside, the warm scent of coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon hit them. The interior was lit by high-hanging industrial lamps, and by day, sunlight streamed through tall windows overlooking Trinity Bellwoods Park. Opposite the entrance stood the bar, decorated with hand-painted tiles and shelves lined with carefully selected coffee blends from around the world. Beside the wooden counter, a glass case showcased cakes, croissants, muffins, and all kinds of sweet treats.

The main room was spacious yet modest. Exposed red brick walls gave the place an industrial charm, softened by warm lighting and wooden furniture. Black-and-white photographs of 1950s Toronto hung on the walls, alongside artwork by local painters.

In the right-hand corner, on a small raised platform, stood a white Yamaha U1 piano—visibly contrasting the rest of the decor. This spot was the heart of weekend evenings: on Saturdays and Sundays, the owners hosted cozy live concerts during social gatherings. The soft music would mix with guests’ chatter, laughter, and the clinking of ceramic cups—what made The Velvet Note so charming.

The café was nearly full. Alan looked around for Jonathan and spotted him near the back, seated by a fireplace framed in carved wood. Lucy had to admit—he picked the best spot.

"Hey! What took you so long?" Jonathan greeted them as they approached.

"Traffic and all that," Alan explained before his sister could start blaming him.

They sank into the plush armchairs. A waitress appeared at their table like a ghost, giving Lucy a quick smile.

"Hey, miss us already?" she asked with a grin, flipping open her notepad.

"Of course. I can’t wait for Sunday’s shift," Lucy deadpanned. The girl laughed quietly and took their orders.

Jonathan stuck with his half-finished cappuccino, only adding a cranberry-white chocolate oatmeal cookie. The Lavoie twins both ordered a French press brew—strong and aromatic—with a side of brownie. Lucy went with her usual: a rooibos honey latte, caffeine-free and made with almond milk and honey.

Once the waitress left, Jonathan turned to Lucy.

"I didn’t know you worked here."

Lucy shot him a skeptical look, resting her elbows on the table.

"Then why this place?"

"Believe it or not, I didn’t pick it just to piss you off. I got a job here."

The Lavoies immediately caught the meaning behind his words. It took Lucy a moment longer to connect the dots—then she slumped lower into her chair.

"That’s awesome, man!" Alan said, oblivious to Lucy’s murderous glare.

"How’d you land the gig?" Tiffany asked, equally excited.

"Recommendation. Everett suggested I apply. Their pianist dropped out last minute and they needed someone fast. So here I am." He spread his arms with a wide grin. Then he caught Lucy’s look and recoiled. "Jeez, is she okay?" he whispered to Alan.

The waitress returned with their drinks and desserts, setting everything down before vanishing again. JJ waved his hand dismissively.

"Don’t worry. That’s just her being normal."

"Lucy expresses joy in very mysterious ways," Tiffany explained, nudging her.

"As if I don’t see enough of you on campus already," Lucy groaned, sitting upright. "Do you have your schedule yet?"

"Supposed to get it today. But hey, look at the bright side—we can ride together. Always nicer with company!"

Lucy took a sip of her hot drink, raising a brow.

"I prefer riding the subway alone."

"Aren’t you scared of going home late?"

"I carry pepper spray."

The twins burst out laughing at Jonathan’s failed attempt at bonding. Alan decided to put him out of his misery.

"You won’t win with Lucy. She’s like Grumpy Smurf, destroyer of fun."

Lucy flipped him off, which only proved his point. Jonathan raised his hands.

"Okay, okay, I surrender." He downed the rest of his coffee in one gulp. "So, Lucy—how’s that spatial painting assignment going?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering if you managed to finish it on time."

"The deadline’s midnight. Why so curious?"

"No reason. Just saw Everett walk in a second ago."

Lucy nearly choked on her drink and whipped around toward the entrance—hardly subtle. Even in a packed room, she spotted the dean’s jet-black ponytail with ease. She quickly slouched back down.

"Crap. I should be fine-tuning the details, not sitting in a damn café! What the hell is she doing here?!"

"She came for my performance," Jonathan explained.

Tiffany, whose mind had been trained for years to catch gossip and hidden meanings, quickly connected the dots.

"Oh, you sneaky little devil," she cackled. "Two birds with one stone, huh?"

Jonathan shrugged innocently.

"I get credit for the previous semester and get paid? Hard to say no."

He looked up and spotted the café manager approaching.

"Okay, that’s my cue." He stood, smoothing out his shirt. "Wish me luck!"

"Good luck!" Tiffany beamed, holding up both thumbs.

"Aren’t you gonna wish me anything?" he asked Lucy as he walked by.

"Trip and knock out your two front teeth," she replied with a fake smile.