The bell jingled overhead as I pushed through the door. The diner was half-full, mostly with the usual crowd of locals having late breakfasts or early lunches. Several heads turned my way, and I could practically feel the curiosity radiating from them like heat from the griddle.
“Well, look who finally came back!” Dolly’s voice boomed across the diner as she emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, taking in my wrinkled clothes and what I was sure was my completely exhausted face. “You look like you’ve been through a war, honey.”
“Just a snowstorm,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up as I made my way to the counter. I could feel everyone watching me, probably wondering where I’d been for the past two days. Small towns and their gossip… it was exactly what I’d been dreading since we started back from Amarillo.
Dolly poured me a cup of coffee without asking and slid it across the counter. “So,” she said, leaning forward with a conspiratorial smile, “how was your little adventure with Diego?”
“It was fine,” I said, staring into my coffee cup like it held the secrets of the universe. “The roads got shut down. We had to stay in a hotel.”
“Mmm-hmm,” she hummed, clearly not buying my nonchalant act. “And?”
“And what?” I asked, taking a sip of coffee to avoid her gaze.
She swatted my arm with her dish towel. “Don’t you play dumb with me, Hayden Mitchell Wolfe! That boy’s been making eyes at yousince the day you got here. You expect me to believe you were trapped in a hotel room with him for two days and nothing happened?”
I nearly choked on my coffee. “Aunt Dolly!”
“What? I’m old, not dead.” She chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, it’s about time you had some fun. That California boyfriend of yours sucked all the joy right out of you.”
I set my coffee down harder than I meant to, some of it sloshing over the rim. “Can we not talk about Tommy, please? Ever again if you can help it.”
Dolly’s expression softened immediately. “Of course, honey. I’m sorry.” She reached across the counter and patted my hand. “But I do want to hear about your trip. When you’re ready.”
I sighed, the fight draining out of me. Dolly had been nothing but kind since I showed up on her doorstep, broken-hearted and nearly broke. She deserved better than my attitude.
“I’m sorry,” is what I started with.
“Don’t you worry about that,” she said, patting my hand again. “I understand better than you know. I’ve had my fair share of heartbreaks in my life.” There was a sad look in her eyes, an uncommon expression for her. But it only lasted for a fleeting moment. “How was the trip?”
“It was... complicated,” I admitted, lowering my voice so the other patrons couldn’t hear. “Diego is... he’s not what I expected.”
“In a good way?” she prompted gently.
I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “Yeah. In a good way,” I nodded. “He’s funny and sweet,” I continued, staring into my coffee cup as if it might provide the right words. “And probably the most annoying man I’ve ever met. But he sees me in a way nobody else ever has. Like I actually matter.”
Dolly’s smile grew warmer. “Sounds like you had more than just a shopping trip.”
I felt heat rush to my cheeks. “We... connected. But Aunt Dolly, I’m leaving after New Year’s. And he’s not staying in Sagebrusheither. What’s the point of starting something that’s just going to end?”
She made a scoffing sound that reminded me of when she’d caught me sneaking cookies as a kid. “Honey, everything ends eventually. Life, relationships, sweet summers, and good sex. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth having while it lasts.”
I shook my head, a smile coming to my lips despite myself. “It’s not that simple,” I protested, though her words struck something deep inside me.
“It never is.” She refilled my coffee cup without asking. “But let me ask you something. Were you happy? With Diego? Did it feel right?”
The question caught me off guard. Was I happy? Those two days with Diego had been more than just physical attraction. They’d been filled with laughter, with conversations that lasted for hours, with a feeling of being truly seen. Despite my best efforts to keep him at arm’s length, he’d somehow slipped past my defenses.
“Yes,” I admitted quietly. “I was happy.”
“Then that’s worth something, isn’t it?” Dolly patted my hand again. “Happiness isn’t exactly growing on trees these days, especially not for you after what you’ve been through.”
I sipped my coffee, letting her words sink in. “I told him I needed time to think.”
“And what does your heart tell you?”
“That I’m terrified,” I whispered. “That I don’t want to get hurt again.”
Dolly’s eyes softened with understanding. “Fear’s a natural thing, honey. But don’t let it make your decisions for you. That boy looks at you like you hung the moon and stars.”
