Page 30 of Echoes of You

My throat burned. “I’m good. Really, I am. And I appreciate it, but I don’t need it.”

Nash pinned me with that green gaze. “You’ll tell me if that changes?”

“I promise.” I wouldn’t unless I were truly screwed, and maybe not even then. But, hopefully, that wouldn’t be the case.

“You’re such a bad liar,” he muttered.

I gaped at him. “I am not.”

“Theworst. Everything shows in your face. Never pick up poker.”

I grabbed a pillow from the bed and smacked him with it.

* * *

That little goldbell tinkled as I stepped inside The Brew. Aspen looked up from behind the counter and smiled at me. The woman was seriously gorgeous with her red hair and flawless, fair skin, and the genuine kindness that radiated from her only amplified it.

“Morning, Maddie. How are you?”

I returned the smile the best I could, even though nerves coursed through me. “I’m good. How are you and that little troublemaker of yours?”

Aspen chuckled. “Cady’s always putting me through my paces. But it keeps you young, right?”

“I can only imagine. Is Sue in? I’m supposed to meet her for an interview.”

Aspen nodded and pointed to a small hallway. “She’s in her office. All my fingers and toes are crossed for you. I’ve got a good feeling.”

“I’ll be holding on to that good feeling.” Because with everything that had happened in the past two weeks, I’d basically gone numb.

I moved down the hallway until I came to a stop at a door that readSupreme Ruler of All Caffeinated Things. I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of me. It was just what I needed. I knocked lightly on the door.

“Come in,” a voice called.

I opened the door and stepped inside.

Sue grinned at me, the lines around her eyes crinkling. “Maddie. I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Thanks. I’m glad to be back.” I motioned to the plaque as I shut the door. “I like your new sign. And the new décor. The place looks great.”

“That’s all Aspen. She’s a gem. Upped my business at least two times over with all her ideas.”

“That’s amazing. She seems really nice.”

Sue leaned back in her chair. “She is, but I’m working her to the bone being down a waitress. I don’t want her to quit on me.”

I gave Sue a hopeful smile. “I could help with that…”

Sue chuckled. “Please, you’re already hired. I just made you come in here because I wanted to see you for myself.”

My jaw dropped open. “You could’ve told me that. I’ve been sweating bullets.”

Sue waved me off. “Like you had anything to worry about. Everyone in town knows what a hard worker you are.”

My cheeks heated. My work ethic and crazy family were probably all I’d ever be known for.

Sue studied me. “You doing okay? I heard you broke it off with what’s-his-name.”

I snorted.

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