Mrs. Jones smiled back then faced her son. “Tristan, did you make up your mind yet about that research post in New Zealand?”
TJ stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Yeah, Mom, I know.”
Lila’s hands went cold even though she was holding hot cider.A research post? In New Zealand?That was even farther than England. He obviously had no intention of ever settling down. Not here, anyway.
“You’re quite the world traveler,” she said lightly, though her voice came out sharper than she intended. She turned to rearrange muffins that didn’t need rearranging.
TJ shot her a look, then faced his mother. “I haven’t decided yet, Mom. Please don’t push me.”
Mrs. Jones rolled her eyes. “Well, you know I’d rather you find something here, but what I want never seems to matter. He’s determined to break his mother’s heart,” she said to Lila with mock sorrow.
Lila’s smile was lopsided. “At least he’s here now.”
“Yes, that’s true,” Mrs. Jones sighed. “Well, I’d better go before I buy something I don’t need. See you both later.” She waved and wandered down the aisle as music started up again.
TJ turned to Lila. “You all right? You got quiet all of a sudden.”
She forced a laugh. “Just trying to take all this in. Your mom’s quite the character.”
“Tell me about it,” he said, still smiling.
Lila grabbed a box of lids and opened it for customers to use. Of course he’d be leaving. Why wouldn’t he? He didn’t belong here. TJ Jones was the kind of man who belonged everywhere else. England, New Zealand… anywhere but Clear Creek.
Her heart sank. Today was going to be hard. She’d have to keep her heart from doing something really stupid.
TJ watched his mother disappear into the crowd, her cheerful wave lost among festival-goers. The moment she was gone, the air between him and Lila changed. He’d noticed it earlier, subtle but definite. Yesterday she’d laughed easily, her eyes bright with mischief. They’d had a great time. Now her shoulders were tight, her words polite.
Had he done something wrong? Said something to offend her? His mind raced over yesterday’s events. Maybe trying to get her to dance had been the wrong move, but he’d only been having fun. It had felt good being with her.
He brushed muffin crumbs from the counter, though there were hardly any, mostly just for something to do. “You all right?” he asked her, not for the first time that day.
“Fine.” She didn’t look at him. “We’re about to get busy again.” She nodded toward a crowd heading their way.
He ignored them. Something in her tone clipped off the words like a slammed door.
“Right,” he said softly.
The group stopped at their booth, locals he recognized from years ago, each wanting a handshake or quick chat about his travels. Normally he’d enjoy it, but this time every question about England, or his work made Lila’s back stiffen a little more.
“So what’s it like living over there?” one woman asked as she took her coffee.
“It’s quite lovely,” TJ said automatically. “Everywhere in Europe has a different pace, a different culture, but home’s still here in Clear Creek, you know?” He smiled at her, then wagged a finger. “You’re a Turner, aren’t you?”
The woman laughed. “Yes, I am. I’m surprised you recognize anyone. You didn’t go to school with all of my kids.”
“They all doing well?”
“Oh, quite. They’re grown, and I still have a few in college,” Mrs. Turner said.
He nodded toward the people behind her. “Well, I’d best stop holding everyone up.”
She thanked him for the coffee and moved on.
Lila didn’t react to their conversation. She just nodded to the next customer and poured another cup.
When there was a lull, TJ tried again. “You sure you’re okay, Lila?”
“Of course.” She smiled, too brightly, as far as he was concerned. “I’m just trying to focus on work.”
