"Evan," I say in a warning tone.
"What? I'm helping her adjust to small-town life. It's a public service."
The diner smells like coffee, bacon grease, and something cinnamon that makes my stomach growl. Rosie, behind the counter, looks up as we enter, and her face transforms into pure delight.
"Dylan Hayes," she calls out. "And you brought the princess! Come here, baby girl."
Maddie breaks away from me and runs toward the counter. "Miss Rosie!"
Rosie comes around the counter and scoops Maddie into a hug that lifts her feet off the ground. She's probably in her sixties, with steel-gray hair pulled into a neat bun and eyes that look like they don't miss much.
"And who is this?" Rosie asks, looking directly at Piper with the kind of interest that feels both warm and deeply invasive.
"Piper," she says, stepping forward to offer her hand. "I'm here for the Heart-to-Heart Festival. I’m doing promotional content."
Rosie shakes her hand but doesn't let go right away. She studies Piper with the thoroughness of someone conducting an interview. "Content? That means videos and such?"
"Yes, ma'am. Photos, reels, and behind-the-scenes footage."
"And you'll be spending time at the bakery." It's not a question.
"That's the plan."
Rosie glances at me, then back at Piper. A slow smile spreads across her face. "Well, isn't that interesting?"
"Rosie," I say, and there's a pleading note in my voice I'ven't heard from myself in years.
"I'm not saying anything," Rosie replies innocently, she says as she lifts her hand in the air in surrender. "Just that it's nice to see you bringing someone new to lunch. Very nice."
Evan snorts, and I want the floor to swallow me whole.
"Our usual booth?" I ask, clearly trying to redirect the conversation.
"Of course, honey, go on back. I'll bring Maddie her usual in a minute."
We slide into a corner booth with cracked red vinyl and a view of the entire diner. I guide Maddie into the inside seat, then hesitate for just a second before sitting next to her, leaving Piper and Evan on the opposite side. Which means I'm directly across from Piper, which means I'll be looking at her for the entire meal, which means I'm in more trouble than I thought.
A younger waitress appears almost immediately, her notepad in hand. She has dark hair pulled into a ponytail and a name tag that reads JENNA.
"Hey Dylan, Evan. The usual?" Then she notices Piper, and her eyes light up with the same curiosity Rosie had. "Oh! You must be the festival person everyone's talking about."
"News travels fast," Piper says.
"Welcome to Valentine," Jenna says with a grin. "Where everyone knows everything about ten minutes after it happens. What can I get you?"
Piper glances at the menu, but Evan leans forward. "Get the patty melt. Trust me."
"The patty melt," Piper agrees.
"Good choice. Dylan, your usual turkey club? And I'll bring Maddie her grilled cheese and fries."
I nod, and Jenna disappears toward the kitchen.
Maddie immediately starts coloring on the paper placemat with crayons Rosie must have given her. I watch her for a moment, my expression softening in a way I can't control, before my eyes drift to Piper.
"Sorry about that," I say. "The interrogation at the door."
"Don't apologize. It's sweet. Everyone clearly loves you."
