“Sure, no problems, thanks, Noah.”
“Okay, you guys want any drinks before things get busy?”
They reeled off orders, and Noah went to fill them. He’d always believed in treating his staff well, and found that because he did, they didn’t have too many problems holding on to them.
Heading to the front door, he looked out for no other reason than he could—which was a lie. He wanted to see if Lani was out there, because he was wondering now where she was staying and if she had money for food. Sure, he was angry with her, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be concerned. Was she down on her luck? Stepping outside the doors, he looked up the street then down, and watched the headlights of the Bronco Lani drove leave town.
Where was she going?
Chapter Seven
Lani had baked for Mrs. C, as she insisted on being called, and the woman had loved the cake and the decorating she’d done on top. She’d been hired and was starting tomorrow. Looking through the order book had told her there were plenty to fill over the next few weeks, and that had excited her. Nothing had created that emotion inside Lani since she’d left home.
A new challenge was what it felt like, and one she was ready for, if only for a few weeks. Plus, it was doing something she loved. Usually her work consisted of washing dishes in a diner or scrubbing toilets. She’d taken on some hideous jobs to get money, but this would not be one of those. To celebrate, she was now buying herself some chocolate. The general store, known as the Roar—this town had weird names—seemed a good place to start.
“That’s a fierce frown.”
Looking up from the shelf lined with homemade chocolate she’d been contemplating, Lani nodded to the man standing on the opposite side. He was smiling at her. What was with these people always smiling? Was there something in the water in this town?
“It can get confusing in here, as there’s so many choices. Mac keeps the place stocked well. You need help with something?”
“No, thank you.”
He didn’t leave, and the smile stayed there. There was something familiar about him. Tall, gray hair, but it was those eyes.
“You here on holiday?”
She shook her head, hoping her lack of conversation moved him on. It didn’t.
“You must be the new girl working for Mrs. C?”
“How do you know that? I mean, I only just got the job a few hours ago.”
“Small towns.” He touched the side of his nose. “Nowhere to hide here.”
Lani shuddered. That was her idea of a nightmare.
“But we’re harmless, and you won’t find a better place to stay… if you’re planning on doing that for a while.”
It was a question, she could see it in his eyes. Lani couldn’t be rude, for all she didn’t like sharing things about herself. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying yet.”
“I’m Patrick McBride.” He held out a hand to her. “Excuse me, I should have introduced myself by now.”
He had a nice face, and she wondered what relation he was to man she’d just met in The Howler. It was a face you trusted… if you were the type to trust.
“Lani Sullivan.” His palm was warm as she placed her hand in his.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lani Sullivan. My wife is getting our granddaughter a little treat before we meet her for dinner. We tend to spoil her.”
“I met her, actually. She’s very sweet, and invited me to her party. I said no,” she added quickly.
“Why?”
“Pardon?”
“Why did you say no?”
“I’m a stranger.”
