Page 8 of Rumors in Bayberry
The memories brought a smile to his face.It’d been a while since he’d thought of his childhood—of how good things had been before they weren’t.He clung to the good memories and shoved away the bad ones.
When he reached the coffeehouse, he glanced up and noticed a carved wooden sign with the silhouette of a mug and the name Steaming Brew spelled out in bright green letters.He liked it.Someone had a good imagination.
When he stepped inside, he came to an immediate stop.He was surprised to find not one but two lines of coffee-craving customers.It appeared Beauty was right about this place.Of course, he was withholding judgement until he actually tasted the steamy brew.
“Took me up on my recommendation, huh?”
He turned to find Beauty standing right behind him.A smile immediately lifted the corners of his mouth.It was like his thoughts had conjured her up.
“With the way you went on about it, I couldn’t pass up giving it a try.”The line moved, and he stepped forward.Beauty followed him.“Did you just get here?”
“Oh, no.I was sitting over there.”She pointed toward a table off to the side.“I saw you walk in.”
He couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed her sitting there.He must have been lost in his thoughts.It was the only explanation for him to miss seeing her.
“Next.”
He glanced over his shoulder to find the barista talking to him.Reed stepped up to the counter.His gaze moved to the blackboard hanging behind the counter.The specials were written in chalk:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
He wasn’t really into pumpkin anything.
Caramel Apple Latte
It sounded intriguing.
S’mores Espresso Latte
Now that was something he had to try.If it wasn’t to his liking, he could come back and order a plain-old coffee with milk.
After he placed his order, he turned to continue speaking to Beauty.But she wasn’t there.Disappointment plagued him.His gaze swept the small seating area, but she wasn’t there either.She was gone as quickly as she’d arrived.
Too bad.He’d been hoping to get to know her a little better.Of course, that would mean revealing more about himself—including his name.It could possibly jeopardize his analysis of the town and its paper.Still, there was something about Beauty that would make the risk worth it.
Her phone buzzed.
Sadie gave Mr.TDM one last glance as he read the menu.He really was as good-looking as she’d remembered.He was possibly even better looking.
She had been totally shocked when she saw him walk into the Steaming Brew.He couldn’t have timed his entrance better if he’d tried.
Her phone buzzed again.
She reached into her purse and pulled out her phone.She lifted it and looked at the screen.There was a text message from her mother that read:Hurry home.
Immediately, flashbacks of her father collapsing at Carrie’s reception played in her mind.Her heart raced, and her palms grew damp.
While Mr.TDM studied the menu, she’d reread the message.Her heart pounded.Was it her father?Her heart launched into her throat.Did he have another heart attack?Please, no.
I…uh…She had to go.Yes.She had to go.
