Page 70 of The Billionaire's Teacher

“All right. If you do hear, you know I’m always curious.”

He chuckled. “Sure. I’ll let you know. You going to the café?”

“Yep. Gotta charge my phone.”

“Have a good one.” He waved and went on with his day.

I crossed the square, stopping to have a brief conversation with two other townies as I made my way to the café. A little bell over the door rang as I pulled it open, and a blast of cold air hit my face. Goosebumps covered my arms. I should’ve thought to bring a sweater.

“I wondered if we’d see you, Sunny.” Clara grinned from behind the counter as she wiped it with a cloth. “Here for a recharge?”

I laughed. “In more ways than one, yeah. Can I get a caramel latte and one of your Cuban sandwiches?”

“Absolutely. There should be a spot in the corner near the plugs.” Clara nodded toward the far side of the café. “If not, make Bennie move. He’s been here too much anyway.”

“I heard that.” Bennie looked up from his laptop. “You know how to get me to leave.”

“You’re not serious.” Clara propped her hands on her hips.

“Aren’t I?” Bennie’s busy gray eyebrows lifted, blending into the generous mop of gray hair that covered his head.

Bennie and Clara were both probably in their late sixties. They’d been friends for as long as I’d lived on the island. First, with their spouses, but it had continued without interruption when both had lost their mate.

I tipped my head to the side. “What did I miss?”

“Nothing.” Clara scowled at Bennie. “I’ll start on your order.”

I looked at Bennie.

“I asked her to marry me. Not going home until she says yes.”

I grinned. “Really? That’s great.”

“No, it isn’t!” Clara called from the kitchen.

“Yes, it is. Don’t be stubborn, Clara.” I looked after her then back at Bennie and shot him a thumbs up.

Bennie reached up and patted my arm. “Thanks. Good to have you on my side.”

“Stubborn?” Clara stomped out of the kitchen and pointed her spatula at me. “I’m stubborn? Are you seeing someone?”

I bit my lip.

Clara straightened. “When did this happen?”

I hunched my shoulders. “It hasn’t yet. But…I’m getting there. It’s one of the reasons I need to charge my laptop. I need to send an email.”

“See? It’s not an affront to nature to remarry after all.” Bennie sent a longing, puppy-dog worthy look at Clara.

Clara sniffed, then spun on her heel and marched back into the kitchen.

“Sorry. Hope I didn’t get your sandwich burned.” Bennie looked sheepish.

“Worth it if it means she reconsiders.” I shot him a conspiratorial wink before heading to the table tucked in the corner. There were indeed plugs underneath. I set up my laptop and phone, plugged in both, and looked out over the café tables. Bennie sat, submersed in his laptop again. A smattering of other tables were full with locals as well.

I smiled slightly. Here in town, everyone knew everyone else’s business. I didn’t mind being part of it for a little while, but I’d be just as glad to get back to my cottage. Of course, now that I’d told Clara about Wes—publicly, at that—the news would make the rounds. More than likely, I’d have a few of the folks I knew better than most swing by to see if it was true.

Well, so be it.

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