“Hey, Tara, where is that check?” A coworker demanded.

“One minute!” She said while delivering a few plates to customers.

Tara quickly went behind the counter, carefully got the right ticket, and brought it to the table.

“I’m sorry for that, ”

“It’s about time!” The guy in a business suit said with a glare.

Tara has been having a messed up day that included a broken alarm clock, her car breaking down, which resulted in being late for work at the diner.

It didn't help that she has a 20-page essay due at midnight as well as a project.

“Don’t even think about seeking a tip this is the worst service that I’ve ever had.” He warned before paying the bill then leaving.

“I swear, you need to get a hold of yourself or-” Her coworker said with an irritated look on her face.

“Listen, I’ve had a rough day and I don't need you to add your ignorant mouth to this mountain of misery. Are we clear?” Tara silently warned.

The coworker nodded and left her alone.

After work, Tara went to the library near her home by bus to finish the 20-page essay and meeting her class partner for the project.

“It’s about time, ” A deep voice whispered as she met him after completing her essay.

Tara met a pair of irritated brown eyes and simply sighed.

“Hey, Jake, ”

“We have to get this finished before this Friday, ” Jake said with impatience.

“Jake Zhang, not today, alright?” Tara softly warned.

He widened his eyes, “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed, ”

“You don’t know how bad, ”

“Want to talk about it?”

She’s been friends with Jake since meeting him in her freshman year. Jake was a real goofball and could be good-looking if he would stop frowning.

Their friendship was a real rollercoaster but at times like this, when he’s genuinely worried for her it had her smiling a bit.

It didn't help that she had been in love with him since the first time they met.

But Tara was content to be his friend, pathetic yes but she won’t scare him away.

Tara explained her entire ordeal and he doesn't say a word until she had finished.

“Do you want to finish this project tomorrow?” Jake asked.

“No, let's get this over with, and thank you, ”

“For what?”

“For letting me complain and moan, ” She said with an embarrassed smile.

“I’ve learned that you would talk about it; you feel better, ”

“You’re a good friend, ”

“Yeah, ” He said with a strange tone.

“You’re alright, Jake?”

“Yeah, c’mon we’ve got a project to finish, ”

“Ok, ” she said with doubt.

After finishing the project, they began gathering their things to go home.

“It’s late, do you want me to drop you off?” Jake asked.

“My apartment isn’t far, ”

“It’s not a problem, besides it's dark outside.”

“I can handle myself, ”

“You don't always have to do it by yourself,”

“I know but I don't want to be a burden, ” Tara cautiously explained.

She started leaving when sensing Jake closely walking behind her.

“Why won’t you ask for help?” Jake asked in irritation.

“I learned at a young age that if I could do it by myself; I won’t need anybody’s help, ” Tara answered becoming annoyed at his persistent questions.

“You must have at least someone that you can depend on?”

“Only my momma but only when I'm at my last, ”

He blocked her from walking towards the sidewalk

“What about me?” Jake asked.

“What about you? You’re my good friend, that's it.”

“What if I freely offer?”

“I don’t take anything too quickly, ”

“How did I fall in love with a stubborn woman?”

“Well, it sure wasn’t my personality, ” Tara answered before it finally sunk in what he had just said.

“What?”

“I’m in love with you, ” Jake said without moving his gaze away from her.

She was so surprised at his admission that he chuckled.

“Well?” He said with a smile that transformed his entire being.

Wow, she thought as her heart began beating quicker.

“I loved you since freshman year, ” Tara confessed with a blush.

“What do you want to do?” He said once taking her hands into his.

“Take it one day at a time and take your offer to take me home, ” She kissed his hands.

“Good, ” He said while pulling Tara into a kiss that had her heart sing.

Better late than never, Tara thought with a smile.