I follow her through Gem, down a hallway past the restrooms, and step into an outdoor space behind the coffee shop.
Camryn indicates where she wants the arch. I look around, trying to ascertain how I’m going to get the arch to where Cam wants it placed.
Avery was right, the outdoor space is impressive. Vertical cedar boxes house greenery, and string lights swing overhead. The top half of the back of the coffee shop is a windowed wall, and the windows are still open from the morning. The music is low, the grinding of beans periodically punctuating the sound, and it’s altogether a great atmosphere.
“Do you have a way to get the arch back here?” Cam’s eyebrows draw together.
The arch and its maneuverability isn’t at all what I want to talk about, but this is my job, and Joel’s business. So, first things first.
“It’ll be fine,” I assure her. “Let me back the truck in here.”
I go out to the delivery truck and drive it around behind the store, backing it up to a spot where the pony gate can swing open and allow me to move the arch inside. Using the hydraulic lift, I get the arch to the ground and on a large hand truck. Slowly, as if I’m wheeling a tower of Fabergé eggs, I make my way to where she stands. Cam watches the process, arms crossed.
“Grab that side,” I instruct, and together we lower the hand truck until it’s flush with the ground. Cam helps me lift the arch, adjusting it inch by inch until it’s in place.
Cam runs the back of her arm over her forehead. “That’s a lot heavier than it looks.”
“Solid wood,” I explain.
She’s searching the arch, eyebrows pinched in the same way Avery does when she’s concentrating.
“Over here.” I point out what I know she’s looking for.
She smiles when she sees the small addition. “Dani will love that.” Her grin turns proud, and slightly starry-eyed. “Thank you for adding it, Gabriel. I appreciate it.”
I nod. “No problem. This is nice, Cam.” I gesture around. “I didn’t know you had it in you.” I wink at her, and she lightly punches my arm.
“I’m just the idea person. A friend of Dani’s manages the social media for us, and we probably owe the success of this place to her.”
“Was Spill The Beans your idea?”
“Dani’s, actually. Who knew it would be so popular?”
I nod, my hands sliding into my pockets. Spill The Beans was the first thing that came up when I searched Cam’s name on the internet. I hadn’t planned to look up Cam, but when a search for Avery yielded only outdated social media and those articles from Domenica, I felt desperate. I’d only been out of prison a few days, and I finally had a phone again, and I was starving for anything that was remotely related to Avery.
We’re quiet, but I think there’s a lot we could both say. Finally, Cam asks, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” She thumbs behind herself. “Feel free to grab a coffee and something to eat for the road. On the house.”
“Actually.” I cross my arms, preparing to be stonewalled. “I’d like Avery’s address.”
She hesitates. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Why?”
Her arms cross. “She’s worked hard to get over you. I know you all…” she falters, “reconnectedin Sugar Creek. But I’m serious when I say I don’t think she’ll survive you breaking herheart another time. I don’t want to see her go through that again. I was scared for her back then.”
I give her a meaningful look. “I remember how scared you were for her.”
“Gabriel.” She shakes her head back and forth, eyes pleading.
I’m not backing down. “You owe me.”
She looks away. “No.”
“Camryn?”
“No.”
“Yes.” My tone is low, and firm.
