She nibbled her bottom lip. She’d rested yesterday and most of this morning, and she told Cody she’d be back at work this afternoon. Not that he’d liked that. The man had basically growled at her that she needed to take more time off, but she couldn’t. Not with his bar being so understaffed. He was training another person this coming week, but even that wouldn’t be enough.
And maybe there was also a small part of her that wanted to go to work because she wanted to spend the evening with Cody, even if it was just at the bar.
Okay, not a small part of her. A big, mammoth, couldn’t-get-the-guy-out-of-her-head part.
Sweet dough scented the air before she’d even reached the store, making her speed up her steps. If Cody didn’t already make her want to stay in Misty Peak, the cupcake he’d given her from Sugar and Spice would.
She stopped in front of the store, her gaze catching on the display of cupcakes through the glass. Oh God, as well as cupcakes there were glazed donuts and cookies and a million other amazing-looking baked treats. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea, because Harper and sweets could be a dangerous, addictive combination.
The second she pushed inside, her mouth watered. If she thought it smelled good from the outside, that was nothing compared to inside the shop. And not only did it smell amazing, but the place was all fun pastel colors. There was a counter to the side and several tables for customers.
Her gaze caught on the coffee machine. Okay, this was definitely her favorite place on Earth.
She was so busy taking it all in, she almost missed the customer at the counter. Tilly. She had a wide smile on her face as she spoke to the older lady behind the counter. She looked nothing like the defeated woman who’d walked into the bar the other night.
“Darling, don’t let the haters get to you,” the older woman said, leaning forward. “Anyone with half a brain knows you have a good heart.”
Tilly’s smile softened. “Thank you, Mrs. Sandler.” She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes widening. “Hi. Harper, right?”
“Hey. Yes. It’s nice to see you again, Tilly.”
“You too.”
“This place is gorgeous.” She once again took in the array of baked goods.
“You haven’t been here before?” Tilly turned toward the older woman. “Then you haven’t met Mrs. Sandler, the talent behind these delicious treats and the reason people visit Misty Peak. Mrs. Sandler, this is Harper, Cody’s new bartender.”
Mrs. Sandler’s brows rose. “You work with Cody? That’s wonderful! I’d heard he needed some help at the bar. That boy takes on too much work.”
“He’s actually doing me a favor,” Harper said, lifting a shoulder. “He gave me the job when I had no experience and I desperately needed one.”
“He has good instincts. Well, except when he hired Travis and Dayne. I could have told him they were bad news.” She shook her head. “Anyway, what can I get you, dear?”
Tilly leaned closer to Harper. “The Oreo with buttercream frosting is amazing.”
Her mouth watered just at the description of the cupcake. “Yes. One of those, please. And a coffee in a to-go cup.”
Mrs. Sandler nodded. “I’ll make both your coffees now. Have a seat, ladies.”
Harper settled at the closest table, and Tilly sat opposite her.
“You look happy,” Harper said before she could think better of it.
“Mrs. Sandler has that effect on me. Plus, she’s never held the sins of my family against me like other members of the community.”
Harper frowned. She wanted to ask what those sins were, but there was no way she actually would. They didn’t know each other well enough for that, and she knew better than anyone that family issues were complicated and sometimes best left unspoken.
“I’m sorry I was so down and out the other night,” Tilly continued. “It was my first day back in town and it was rough.”
“That’s okay. If you don’t mind me asking, why return if people aren’t kind to you here?”
The corners of her mouth lifted, but the smile was almost sad. “A few reasons. I own a house that was left to me. Also, this is where I grew up, so more than any other place, itfeelslikehome. Plus, I just got a job here. One I’ve wanted since I was a kid. Although, it’s not public knowledge yet, and I have a feeling when it is, not everyone will be happy.”
No place hadeverfelt like home to Harper. Even when she’d moved out of her family house and into her own apartment, her mom and brother had still been too close and poisoned it by dropping by too often, demanding things from her. The cabin was probably the closest she’d ever had to a real home. And wasn’t that sad…
“I hope people come around.”
“Me too.”
