Page 5 of Mine Forever
And proceed to beg with class and dignity.
I wish I knew who I’d pissed off in another life that has landed me in this situation.
When anxiety claws at me, I think about what’s at stake. Not just my livelihood, but the financial lives of Katie and all my other workers.
Promises had been made to them, and failing my people isn’t an option.
And if that means facing my past head-on, then I’ll do it. Even if the anxiety makes me want to lose what little breakfast I ate.
I park in a public parking lot next to the row of buildings housing the coffee shop and step out into a wall of humidity that makes my clothes stick to me immediately.
Walking into the coffee shop, I find an air-conditioned, caffeinated heaven with the rich aroma of java that promises to pack the punch I need.
Judging by the line, it looks like the whole town is looking for their caffeine fix.
I shift my stance and do my best not to push along the woman at the counter telling the barista that her granddaughter finally graduated from the bottle to a sippy cup.
“It’s a whole different pace around here,” a deep voice says near my ear.
Startled, I turn around and stare into the face of a man who can give Chase a run for his money in the “Hey, I’m hot and broody” category.
And is as famous as Chase in his own right.
“I’m sorry, what?”
He chuckles and the smile I’ve seen in advertisements makes an appearance. “Well, I can tell you’re not from here. The reason it’s slow is because Ms. Odette up there”—he nods with his strong chin—“is telling Becky all about the new baby.”
“Oh, yes. Well, thanks.”
“No problem.”
I face forward again, before turning back to him. “How did you know I’m not from here?”
He waves a hand up and down. “The outfit.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing. It just doesn’t scream island time.”
I look down at my trademark work uniform of a button-up blouse and pencil skirt. A glance around the shop tells me I couldn’t look more out of place if I’d run through the coffee shop with my hair on fire.
“I suppose it doesn’t,” I say with a smile.
“Hey, there’s a smile.” He holds out a hand. “Nate Gentry.”
“Yeah, I know who you are,” I say, shaking his hand. “Eden Mitchell.”
“Are you a fan of baseball, Eden?”
If he only knew…
“I’ve seen a game or two. But you’re all over the place, so…”
He smiles. “Yeah, but it should slow down now.”
As we move forward, I glance back. “You live on the island now?”
He holds a finger up to his lips and winks. “Shhh…don’t tell anyone.”
