Page 31 of Echoes of You

“What?” Sue asked with mock innocence. “I don’t like anyone who takes one of my favorite people away from Cedar Ridge.”

I lowered myself into the chair opposite her at the desk. “He wasn’t who I thought he was. It’s over, and I’m moving on.”

Sue clapped her hands together. “Good for you. Can you start tomorrow?”

I grinned. “Just tell me what time to be here.” My ribs might not be happy with me, but my bank account would be.

Sue handed me a couple of pieces of paper. “Ten o’clock would be great. We’ll have you here until we close at four. We’ll figure out the days as we go, but I’d say close to full-time hours. Fill these out and bring them in with you.”

“Sounds good.” I stuffed the papers into my purse. “You need anything else?”

“Nope. Happy to have you on board.”

“Thanks for taking me on.”

Sue snorted. “We both know I’m the lucky one. Between you and Aspen, I could retire, and the place would run itself.”

“Start thinking about that island in the sun.”

“I’m already singingMargaritavillein my head.”

A laugh burst out of me. “Glad to hear it.” I pushed to my feet. “See you tomorrow, Sue.”

She sent me on my way with a wave.

I made my way back into the café, and Aspen’s gaze cut to me instantly as she made some coffee drink behind the case. “So?”

“I’m starting tomorrow.”

Aspen clapped and did a little jump. “Congratulations! I’m so happy you’ll be working here.”

I laughed. “You’re just happy you won’t have to work and chase that cutie pie around the place at the same time.”

“That, too.” Aspen balanced the latte and came around the bakery case. She gave me a one-armed squeeze. “This is going to be great. We’ll have the most fun.”

I didn’t usually equate being on my feet for hours on end as fun, but I had a feeling Aspen could make it that way. “I’m excited to start.”

She deposited the latte on a customer’s table with a beaming smile and then turned back to me. “What about a treat on the house?”

“I’m okay, really.” Freebies weren’t something that ever sat well with me.

Disappointment filled her features, and I quickly changed my tune.

“Why don’t you give me whatever Cady’s favorite is?”

Aspen’s smile was back in full force. “That’s easy. Double chocolate muffin.”

“Why do I have a feeling that could put me in a sugar coma?”

“Have it with some milk. It balances it out.” She wrapped the muffin and dropped it into a bakery bag. “Enjoy. And congratulations again.”

“Thank you. For the muffin and for being so welcoming.”

“We’re gonna be fast friends. I just know it.”

I grinned at Aspen, hoping she was right. I needed friends. I’d let them all slip away over the past few years. Adam hadn’tapprovedof any. I shook off the thought and stepped out into the sunshine, almost colliding with someone.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see you—” My words cut off as I took in my mom.

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