Violet—his wife, business partner, and an absolute sweetheart—flutters out from behind the bakery case in a Holiday’s apron and jeans. I spent so many afternoons here with Stella and Gabby during high school, she almost felt like a second mom, and the wide grin spreading across her face says the feeling might be mutual.
“Would ya look what the caffeine dragged in! Haven’t seen you since the day of the accident.”
I wave a crutch. “Hi, Violet.”
“I still can’t believe that happened to you right outside this shop. And that your doctor was my nephew! Although, I guess that’s not that big a coincidence in a town this small.” She immediately sweeps me into a one-armed hug, mindful of my balance. “You still take your coffee as sweet as you are?”
“Nowadays it’s just a house blend. Black.”
She twirls back to the counter, where Simon’s already busying himself with coffee.
“Okay, well, can I interest you in a Meyerlemon cream cold brew instead? It’s a lightly sweet, springy twist on cream cold foam.”
While I’m not completely convinced, he looks so enthusiastic and has never steered me wrong when it comes to coffee. “If you’re making it, I’m sure to like it.”
“It’s been a hit since we introduced it.” Simon’s grin intensifies. “I think you’re gonna love it.”
Violet nods her agreement and kisses her husband on the cheek. I find a seat near the window and distract myself by watching how happy they are together. Is there something like that for everyone? A relationship that gives instead of takes? That grows together rather than apart?
The bell chimes again, and there they are.
My parents.
Mom’s in her Sunday-best blouse, hair too neat for a casual meet-up. Dad’s in slacks and a pressed polo, eyes already scanning for weakness. Then he sees the crutches and the glint ofI told you sofills his eyes.
“You’re hurt? What happened?” Mom gasps, rushing over. “Are you okay?”
I nod, stiffly. “A distracted driver almost hit me. I twisted my ankle pretty good jumping out of the way.”
Dad frowns, slow and deep. “That’s Los Angeles for you. Everyone too busy on social media to pay attention to the real world.”
I brace because here it comes. The admission I should have given them the day of the accident. Mom’s gonna be hurt and Dad’s gonna be… I can’t even guess. Whatever it is, it won’t be pleasant.
“Actually, it happened the first day I got here. Just right out there at the corner of Main and Baybreeze.”
Dad pulls out the chair across from me but doesn’t sit. “And now you can’t work?”
Not even a glint of concern in his eyes.
“Not at the moment,” I say behind a stupidly pleasant smile. “No.”
Simon walks by and drops off my coffee with a quietthunk.“For the walking wounded.”
“Thank you,” I mutter as he lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I hear Stella telling me to channel my inner badass with my dad, and Nash telling him that none of this is about him, but for some reason, even with all these people in my corner, I feel like the little girl who only wanted to earn her father’s approval again.
Mom sits, visibly trying to rein in her concern. “I wish you would’ve called.”
“I know. I just…” I trail off unsure how to say I wasn’t ready to face Dad’s wrath with the man standing right there.
Mom’s expression says she understands and the flush to her cheeks says she’s angry but won’t do anything about it. “I just hate that you’ve been here this whole time and we didn’t even know you were in an accident.”
The hurt in her eyes makes me feel small. I should have called her.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine,” Dad says, finally lowering himself into the seat. “You’re hurt. You’reunemployed. And you’re… what? Still going back to Los Angeles tomorrow? How?”
I look out the window and take a deep breath. This is all too familiar, him on the attack and me on defense. “I’m staying with Stella.”
