“You’d be surprised.”
“Okay, the whole cryptic act isn’t all that fun. Spill your guts.”
He turns on the radio. “What do you want to listen to?”
“You’re avoiding my question.”
“I’m just trying to be a good tour guide. Have you seen downtown yet?”
As he pulls onto Roots Road, he points over the dash. I don’t dare admit that I’ve sort of become a hermit since moving here. Instead, I just silently take in the town for the first time since I rolled into Roots.
Most of the buildings are made of brick, and judging by the architecture, they look like they could be one hundred years old, but they’re well maintained and host charming splashes of color ranging from lilac-painted window trim to double doors painted a soft robin’s egg color. Lights are strung over the sidewalks, and banners with the town name line the street lights. I’m certain this place looks magical at night-time.
We pass a barbecue joint and a bar, then a bank and a nail salon. Rhett pulls into a spot right in front of the local café. It’s rustic, with dark wood covering the top half of the building and shiny tin covering the bottom half. Wildflowers that match the ones along the highway when I came into town, grow in the flowerbeds in front of the building, and the name “Cup of Sunshine” is written in curly letters on the yellow awning above the window.
Rhett steps out of the truck, rushing over to swing my door open and help me out. I hand him Maverick’s leash before I step down.
“You like coffee, right?” he asks.
“Does a bear poop in the woods?”
“Uh, yeah, I guess so?”
“Yes. The answer is yes. I love coffee. Good idea stopping here. I could use some more caffeine. I’ve only had one cup today.”
“I might’ve had another reason for bringing you here.” He opens the front door for me, and we are welcomed by the musical chime of a bell overhead. Before I have the chance to swivel around and ask him what he’s talking about, a tall redhead barrels in our direction.
“Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!” As she approaches me, I immediately notice her bold green eyes and the way freckles coat her cheeks and her arms. “You must be Olivia! I’m so excited to meet you.”
Her drawl is quite possibly the best thing I’ve heard in my entire life. She is clearly a Texas native, and something about her accent makes me immediately feel a sense of warmth toward her. I go to take her hand, both startled and delighted by her energy, but before I have a chance, she opts for wrapping me up in a hug instead.
“Your parents are the absolute best. They just adore you. I’m so excited you came in here.” She grabs my hand and drags me to a nearby table, indicating for me to sit.
Watching her with wide eyes, I silently obey. She takes me in for half a second and then bolts up from her spot at the table. “You need caffeine, don’t you? How do you like your coffee?”
I rub my eyes. “Black, please.”
“Oh, you’re bold! I like it!” She rushes behind the counter. “Do you want anything, Rhett?”
“Oh, youdidnotice I was here?” His words drip with sarcasm. “I’m good. Thanks.”
“No need to be jealous. You haven’t been replaced… yet.” She winks. Then she notices Maverick at Rhett’s feet. “Oh my god! Who is this little fellow?”
“This is Maverick. We’re fostering him.”
“You two?” She points between Rhett and me, a look of pure delight on her face. “That’s so sweet! How’d that happen?”
Rhett pinches his fingers at the bridge of his nose. “I’d rather not get into it.”
When she reaches out to stroke Maverick, he moves behind Rhett’s legs, and she takes the hint, not forcing herself on him. “How about you take Maverick outside so he doesn’t have to feel so afraid and us girls can chat for a bit?”
“How about you introduce yourself first? Right now, you’re just coming off as some crazy person who wants to get Olivia alone. She probably thinks you’re a murderer or something.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She turns to me. “I’m so sorry! I just got excited to see you. I’m Callie Fletcher, the other owner of this place.”
“Other?”
“Yeah, Rhett and I co-own it.”
