Who would’ve thought that back in your freshman year of high school, you’d fall for a guy and end up having a child with him? It wasn’t easy—having a baby so young changed everything. Your studies fell apart quickly, and dreams of a college degree slowly faded as you tried to hold your life together. Eventually, you dropped out of school altogether and started working as a barista at a cozy little café on the corner of town. The job didn’t pay much, but it was stable, and it helped you provide for your daughter

You were used to the routine—early mornings, coffee orders, polite smiles—but nothing could’ve prepared you for the day she walked in

Paige Bueckers

Everyone knew her name, especially if they kept even half an eye on basketball. Star of UConn, now playing professionally for Dallas. She didn’t belong in a small café like this. She belonged on magazine covers, on center court, on TV... and yet, there she was, stepping into the shop wearing a hoodie, sunglasses, and a baseball cap, trying to go unnoticed

The first time she came in, it was quiet. She ordered a vanilla oat latte, nothing fancy, but smiled when she saw your daughter sitting behind the counter in her little playpen, drawing on a napkin with a crayon

“She’s adorable,” Paige had said softly, adjusting her sunglasses to get a better look

“Thanks,” you replied shyly, not thinking much of it

But Paige came back. Again. And again. And again

She never made a big deal of herself, never asked for special treatment, but every time she came in, she watched you. Observed the way you balanced customer service with motherhood like it was second nature. How you smiled so kindly even when you were clearly exhausted. How you carried warmth in your eyes, even if life had worn you down a bit

One day, you brought her latte and smiled, brushing a stray hair from your face

“No charge today,” you said gently

Paige blunked in surprise, looking up from her phone

“What? No, come on... I have to pay.”

You shook your head, a small, tired laugh escaping your lips “It’s on the house. Just... thank you for always being nice.”

She stared at you for a second, then looked down and pulled out a crisp twenty-dollar bill. She placed it gently on the counter

“I really want you to accept this,” she said, voice quieter than usual

You looked at the bill and shook your head again, pushing it back toward her

“I can’t, seriously.”

But she didn’t budge

“I insist,” Paige murmured, sliding the money back, her hand brushing yours briefly. Her eyes met yours, soft and sincere

“I see you working so hard... and your daughter—she’s lucky to have you. You’re doing great. I mean that.”

You stood frozen for a moment, unsure what to say. No one really told you that anymore. Not since everything changed

Paige tilted her head slightly, offering a small smile

“I don’t mean to be weird or anything,” she added, a bit nervously “It’s just... I come here and I see you, and you remind me of—strength, I guess. And I... I don’t know, it makes me want to be a better person.”

She ran a hand through her blonde hair, suddenly shy. Her cheeks flushed slightly

“I’m Paige, by the way. Paige Bueckers,” she said, as if you didn’t already know

You smiled, unable to hide the faint blush creeping up your neck "I know who you are.”

Paige chuckled softly, then glanced down at your daughter, who had toddled her way closer to the counter, giggling as she held up a napkin

“Is she always this happy?” Paige asked gently

“She’s my sunshine,” you said

“She’s beautiful... just like her mom.”

You blinked. Your heart stuttered

Paige quickly looked away, pretending to be distracted by her coffee “Sorry, that was probably too much.”