Uh-oh. Based on Raine’s expression, she didn’t look thrilled about talking to her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But something made little sense. “He’s in town on a Thursday?”
She rolled her eyes. “Emmett rented a room in a house, but he’s moving into an apartment and wants his stuff I stored in my garage. I’ll be running between the fair and the coffee shop all weekend, so I told him this weekend wasn’t a good time. And then he showed up today unannounced.”
Garrett drank more. “I’m going to keep working. Thanks for the coffee.”
Taryn waited until he was over by the booth. “Are you okay?”
“I was a mess at first, but it’s been over three months so I’m better.”
She flinched. “That long?”
Raine nodded. “You’ve been dealing with the other bakery.”
“I’m sorry for not being a better friend.”
“Don’t be. Summit Ridge stole your employees and is ruining your business. If that happened to me, I’d barely be functioning.”
Taryn sheepishly raised her hand.
“Exactly, so don’t think you failed as a friend. You haven’t,” Raine said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Honestly, all you would have done is listen to me go from one extreme to the other. We’ve tried long-distance, broke up, tried the long-distance again.”
“Being apart and dating must be rough.” Which was why that hadn’t been an option when Garrett had been here over the holidays.
“The worst,” Raine agreed. “And we can’t ignore the bottom line. He hates living in a small town and only stayed because we started dating, but now he wants me to move to Seattle.”
Taryn’s jaw dropped. “Are you considering it?”
“No way.” Raine’s tone was firm. “My business and life are in Silver Falls. I looked at what’s available, and I can’t afford a coffee shop there. Now that I own a place, I don’t want to be a barista or manager for someone else again.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me, too, but I’m tired of this yo-yoing. I’d rather move on than keep pretending this will somehow miraculously work itself out. We want different things. That’s no one’s fault.”
“I’m not sure I’d be handling this as well as you are.”
“Oh, I wasn’t at first, but I’ve had months to come to terms with it. I visited him in Seattle several times, and I don’t want to move to a bigger city. There’s a reason I bought a coffee shop in a small town. Silver Falls is home now.”
Raine’s cell phone buzzed. “That’s probably Emmett, wondering where I am.”
“Thanks again for the coffees.”
“You’re welcome.” Raine surveyed the yard. “I can’t wait to see your booth tomorrow. Someday, I’ll get more creative with an entry.”
“If you ever need ideas, ask.”
“Trust me. I will.” Raine laughed. “See you around, Garrett. Give my best to your sister.”
“Will do.” Garrett raised his cup. “I’ll be by for another of these.”
“Now, go work so you can sleep tonight.” A quick hug and Raine left through the side gate.
“Raine seems nice.” Garrett placed his glass against his neck.
“She is.” Taryn glanced toward the side yard.
“You’re worried about her.”
“Yes, but I also feel guilty for not being a better friend. I’ve been so wrapped up in what’s going on with the bakery—”
