“I know, but with that many people, how would they remember one face?”
Cole’s lips curved. “Those two remember every usual a customer orders, down to how many sugars in their coffee. They never forget a face.” He leaned slightly closer. “Did you even tell Connie about your sister?”
“No.” Aftyn studied the worn floorboards. “I wasn’t sure how.”
“Tell her the same way you told me. Connie isn’t going to think any differently of you.” His gaze wassteady. “Trust me on that.”
Aftyn pressed her hand to her lower back and surveyed the sun-drenched street through the window. “There are so many shops.” She sighed. “What a way to spend a Saturday.”
Cole straightened. “I need to head home. Horse to work with.” He touched the brim of his hat. “Good luck, Aftyn.”
“Thank you, Cole.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He lingered a heartbeat longer, his gaze holding hers, then turned and strode out. The bell chimed softly behind him.
Aftyn watched him go. “Damn,” she whispered. “What a man.”
She blinked as Maggie reappeared, leading a woman with auburn hair cascading over her shoulders.
“Aftyn, this is Vanna Collins. She owns the shop. Vanna, this is Aftyn Hutchins.”
“Ms. Collins.” Aftyn extended her hand.
“Please, call me Vanna.” Her eyes crinkled warmly as she shook it, then turned thoughtful as she glanced at the phone. “I remember this woman. She came in about a week ago looking for work. I didn’t need anyone at the time.” She ran a fingertip along the phone’s edge. “She was polite enough, but she seemed very fidgety. Couldn’t stand still. Almost like she was about to bolt.”
Aftyn’s stomach clenched. “She was here? Was she alone? Did she mention where she was staying?”
“Alone, yes. No mention of where she was staying.” Vanna’s expression softened with regret. “With tourist season in full swing, most places are booked. I told her to keep checking back as business picks up. She said she would.”
“If she comes back, would you let me know?” Aftyn asked. “And please don’t mention I’m looking for her.”
“Of course.” Vanna slid a pink Post-it across the counter. “Write your name and number here.”
Aftyn scribbled quickly, the pen scratching against the paper. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Good luck,” Vanna said.
“Thank you both so much.” Aftyn pushed through the door into the sizzling sun. The sidewalk stretched before her, lined with brightly painted storefronts. She breathed in the mingled aromas of roasted coffee and pastries, then slipped into the next shop.
The bakery across the street, Sweet Nothings, had been too busy earlier to get inside. She made a mental note to circle back.
When she finally left The Everyday Grind, she crossed over and went in.
Hours later, having worked her way through nearly every establishment on Main Street, Aftyn pushed open the diner door. The bell tinkled overhead and the familiar clatter of dishes and low hum of conversation wrapped around her like a warm blanket. A half-dozen locals turned and waved.
She gave a tired laugh and sank onto a stool at the counter, the red vinyl squeaking under her weight.
“Don’t you get enough of this place during the week?” Connie called from the counter; her apron dusted with flour.
“Apparently not.” Aftyn tugged at her collar. “Could I talk to you when you get a chance?”
Connie’s brow furrowed as she set a plate down. “Of course. Just a few more minutes, we’re winding down lunch.”
Relief bloomed in Aftyn’s chest. “Thank you.”
“Help yourself to something while you wait.”Connie nodded toward the beverage station.
Aftyn slipped behind the counter, filled a tall glass with cold water, and returned to her stool, letting the diner’s warm chatter ease some of the day’s tension.
