“I picked up a stray dog that I had to take the shelter if you are still looking for a new companion.”
I snort a laugh. “As much as I love dogs, I’m traveling too much in the coming months. Besides, sometimes I’m not home all day, so the little guy won’t have many walks. As for companions, I have friends.”
Carter slides his coffee to the side. “Okay, I won’t press. Everything else good? You seem a little, I don’t know…” He tips a shoulder up toward his ear. “Lacking energy. Are your gym sessions not delivering?”
“Nah. All good. Sometimes, I just need to shift my mind when a big wedding is added to my calendar.”
“Yeah, I’m not a fan of big weddings.” Of course, he would say that. His own wedding was small. “Rosie’s parents never let us forget it that we chose that route. Maybe that should have been my sign.”
“You grew apart and she is younger than you. It’s not like you two are going to kill one another if you cross paths.”
He ponders my statement for a few beats but doesn’t comment, instead shifting his attention to something else. “How are Liam and Hailey? I see Hailey around. Sometimes at the grocery store.”
I swirl my coffee with the spoon. She texted me a thank-you the other week, and it’s been two weeks since I’ve seen her. “I’m sure she’s fine. Liam is busy with his wedding prep.”
Or I’ll kill whoever may cause otherwise.
“Okay.” He doesn’t ask any more, instead eyeing the menu on the wall, which is ridiculous since he always orders the same thing. “I’m kind of starving. I should probably order a muffinor something. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? I’ll need to take it to go, I have a meeting with Dad.”
We both groan from the thought. Our parents are local elite, if we are honest. Their words more than ours, even if it’s true. Our dad used to work in finance in Chicago before settling down in Everhope. They have a big house along the river a few streets over from Everhope Road.
“Dad still trying to push you to run for mayor next year?” The pressure stems from his own agenda, even if Carter would be good at it. Our dad is now retired but seeing one of his sons in government and having a little control of local taxes is a bonus.
He continues to study the wall. “Hell if I know. I’m only going for entertainment. I normally zone out as soon as Mom hints that I should reconnect with Rosie.” It exasperates him always. They love his ex-wife. “Okay, bran muffin and another coffee.” His cell begins to vibrate as he stands, and he quickly answers on his approach to the counter.
I don’t listen in, instead my eyes wandering to the wall to examine the menu, even though I know everything on there. But my eyes stop and pin on where I see Hailey walk into the café.
Shit.
I pretend not to look at her, and I’m saved when my brother touches my shoulder. “I need to run. They need me at the station.”
“Don’t worry, Carter, we always have a muffin on standby when you’re here,” Sara, the owner, calls out, and he winks at her.
But her calorific gesture brings attention to us, and Hailey’s eyes swim straight to me, and the corner of her mouth slowly lifts.
“See ya,” I distantly hear my brother say. I only tip my nose up to acknowledge that I heard him.
As he leaves, saying hi to Hailey in passing, Hailey slowly walks my way.
“Hey.”
“There you are. Did you come for a bagel?” My cheeks tighten from a grin.
She sits herself on the chair that my brother just vacated. “Quiet, you.” She points a finger at me with a warning glare. “And I need coffee. I’m flying out tonight.”
“All packed?”
“Yeah, and I should even be able to keep my carry-on. I hate when they make you gate check.”
Sara arrives at our table. “Can I get you something?” she asks Hailey as she wipes her hands on her apron that is covered in flour.
“Yeah, a flat white with oat milk.”
“To-go or for here?”
A scratchy sound escapes from Hailey’s luscious lips before her eyes sweep between me and the barista. “Uh… you know what?” Confidence seems to overtake her. “For here.”
I’m relieved she said that. But also, a bit pissed.
