Page 17 of The Coffee Bar on Camellia Court

"And Juno," the older woman turned to her, catching her as she started back to the counter.

"Yes?"

"Aren't you bringing lunch by today, too? You should take your break then and join us."

Wait, what? Alex's gaze snapped to Juno, who looked as surprised as he felt. Maybe he'd head to the bed and breakfast after all.

"I don't have that on my calendar," Juno said, frowning slightly.

"Oh. Well, I guess Ward just forgot to put his order in." Mrs. Becker's innocent expression was about as convincing as a politician's apology. "I'm sure he'll call you this morning."

Alex fought the urge to laugh at the transparent matchmaking attempt. Glancing at Juno, he could see she was having the same struggle. For a moment, it felt like they were co-conspirators again, sharing a private joke at someone else's expense. Just like old times.

The moment slipped away as Dixie May pushed through the front door, still in her Carpe Diem uniform. "Hey, gang. What are you all doing up at this ungodly hour?" she asked. "Well, not you, Juno. You have to be up at this ungodly hour or people like me will die."

"Die?" Mrs. Becker echoed, eyebrow raised.

"Yes, Mrs. Becker," Dixie May nodded emphatically. "Literally, not figuratively, die. Dead. Kaput."

Juno looped an arm through Dixie May's and walked with her back to the counter. "Come on. I'll hook up your life-saving IV for you." Over her shoulder, she added, "And I'll get Ward's order for you, too, Mrs. Becker."

As soon as Juno was out of earshot, Mrs. Becker leaned closer to Alex, her voice dropping. "You need to talk to that girl, Alex. Tell her about what you've been through."

His stomach plummeted. "I'm sorry. What?"

"She didn't know about Jason, Alex," Mrs. Becker said gently. "All this time back in Autumn Lake, and no one ever told her."

"That wasn't your story to tell." He fought to keep his voice steady.

"Perhaps not," Mrs. Becker conceded. "But I'm old enough to know that sometimes people need a little push. And you two have been circling each other for eight years now."

"It's not that simple," he said, rubbing his temple where a headache was forming. "I messed things up pretty badly."

"I know." Mrs. Becker's eyes were kind as she nodded. "She told me about the letters."

"Letters?" Alex frowned. "What letters? I don't know about any letters. I'm talking about—" He broke off, stopping himself before he could spill his secret. Now was not the time and place, and not with his old teacher, either. "Whatareyou talking about?"

Her expression shifted from understanding to confusion. "The letter she wrote to you explaining her reasons for leaving."

A chill spread through his chest. "I never heard anything from Juno after she left. It was like she disappeared off the face of the earth." His voice trembled just the slightest bit. But before he could press for more details, Juno returned to the table carrying a large carry-out box. Both he and Mrs. Becker fell silent, watching her approach.

"Four breakfast sandwiches, two thermoses of coffee, and a dozen cinnamon rolls," Juno said, patting the side of the box. "Penny's favorite. I'll carry them out to the car for you."

"Perfect," Mrs. Becker beamed, reaching for her purse, and getting to her feet while Alex struggled to do the same. "So we'll see you at lunch time, right?" she pressed.

Juno nodded good-naturedly. "I'll watch for the order."

Alex gathered his crutches, his mind racing. Juno had written to him? For fifteen years, he'd believed she'd simply disappeared without a word, without a backward glance.

"Need a hand with that?" Juno asked, nodding toward his empty coffee cup as he balanced awkwardly on his crutches.

"No," he said, more abruptly than he intended. Then, softening, "I mean, I've got it. Thanks."

He had to talk to her, had to find out about her letter. But not here, not now, with Mrs. Becker watching and customers arriving and his thoughts in chaos. He followed along behind the women, feeling useless while Juno held the door for Mrs. Becker, then for him, her arms full with the food box that he couldn't carry for her.

Standing on the sidewalk, he watched Juno help Mrs. Becker into her car. Juno had written to him. His mind was going a mile a minute.Whathad she written?

At that moment, she lifted her gaze, and their eyes met over the top of Mrs. Becker's car.

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