Page 4 of Colliding with the Coffee Shop Owner
"Small towns," Hannah shrugs, offering a knowing smile. "Though I have to say, the speculation is reaching fever pitch. Eleanor is convinced he's some eligible bachelor sent by the universe specifically for you."
"Me?" I arch a brow. "What about you? Eleanor needs a hobby that isn’t matchmaking."
Hannah laughs, shaking her head. "Oh, Eleanor tried with me. You know how she is. But I got her off my back when I told her I was still grieving."
I glance at her, surprised. "And that worked?"
Her smile turns a little wry. "It’s Eleanor. She means well, but even she knows better than to push too hard on that one. I figure I’ll ride the ‘grieving widow’ excuse for as long as I can—it’s a good way to buy time. Besides…" She leans forward, her eyes twinkling. "It keeps her energy focused on someone else. Like you."
"Oh, great. So I’m just a convenient distraction?"
"Pretty much," Hannah teases. "But seriously, do you know who this guy is? I looked him up last night, and Lily…" She pauses, lowering her voice dramatically. "He’skind ofa big deal in the tech world. The encryption software that half the banking industry uses? That’s his. He’s not just some guy with a laptop and a start-up—he’stheguy."
I blink, just barely managing to keep my expression neutral. The name rings a faint bell, though it’s distant, buried in all the memories I try not to revisit.
"So… what, he’s got a fancy résumé and a lot of money. What’s he doing here in the middle of nowhere?"
Hannah smirks, sitting back in her chair. "Hiding, obviously. People like that don’t just come to places like this unless they’re running from something."
I know that better than anyone.
The words are casual, but they feel like a jab. I know she didn’t mean them unkindly, but my gut tightens anyway. My grip on the handle of my coffee cup tightens, too, and I force myself to loosen it before I speak.
"Well, whatever he’s running from isn’t my problem. I’m not interested."
My stomach tightens. Of course. Max Lawson is a big deal. Another tech wunderkind with a golden touch is exactly what Idon’tneed.
"Fascinating," I manage, keeping my voice neutral. "I'm sure he'll enjoy his mountain solitude before returning to his very important life."
Hannah gives me a knowing look. "Your tech allergy is showing again."
"I don't have a tech allergy."
"Lily, you still use a flip phone and refuse to get a smartphone. Not to mention, you still don’t have a website up and running."
"I prefer analog." I busy myself wiping down the already spotless counter. "Anyway, what's with the book avalanche today?"
Sensing my desire to change the subject, Hannah gestures to the stack. "Summer reading program planning. I'm trying to develop something that will get kids excited about books instead of screens."
For the next twenty minutes, we discuss ideas for the library's summer programs. Hannah's passion for literacy is infectious, and I find myself relaxing into the conversation. Thisis what I love about Angel's Peak—people who genuinely care about the community and its connections.
When Hannah eventually packs up to head to the library, she pauses at the door, her bag slung over her shoulder. She hesitates, giving me a pointed look. "You know, not all tech people are evil corporate monsters."
"I never said they were," I reply dryly, though I know better.
They most definitely are.
Her expression softens, and her tone shifts, gentler now, almost pleading. "You didn’t have to. Maybe… maybe give this Max person a chance if you run into him? He might surprise you."
I narrow my eyes at her, suppressing a smirk. "Your Eleanor is showing."
Hannah freezes, then groans, pressing her hand to her forehead. "Oh, lord, you’re right. Sorry! Just—I don’t know, blame the small-town air. It’s contagious."
“It’s definitely something,” I deadpan.
She grins sheepishly, the tips of her ears going a little pink. "Alright, I’ll stop. But still… just think about it, okay?"
I roll my eyes. "I’ll think about it the way you think about all of Eleanor’s suggestions."
