“Keep your distance until you have a vehicle, just in case she bolts when you confront her. When doyou think you’ll get one?”
“Aunt Ping said pick something out and she’ll send the check. Paying cash.”
“Impressive. Need help looking?”
“I’d love that.”
“Saturday morning? There are three dealerships nearby.”
“Perfect. Nothing fancy, just something reliable. A few years old, clean history.”
“They’re solid places. We’ll find you something good.”
“You’re still coming for dinner Friday?”
“Count on it.”
“Good. You can stay over and we’ll head out early Saturday.”
“I’d rather not leave Ollie alone overnight.”
“Bring him. I’m sure Connie won’t mind.”
“Alright. See you Friday at six.” He smiled. “Goodnight, darlin’.”
“Goodnight.” She hung up.
Cole set the phone on the armrest and flipped through channels, letting the glow wash over him until his eyes grew heavy. He clicked off the TV and headed down the hall, ready to face whatever that stubborn mare had in store for him tomorrow.
****
Friday morning, Aftyn’s arms ached as she set steaming plates on the counter. The bell above the door jangled and she huffed out a sigh that blew a strand of hair from her face.
“I heard that,” said Mr. Barton, his weathered face crinkling.
Aftyn laughed. “Not much gets past you.”
“I don’t know how you all do it. Running around like chickens with their heads cut off.”
“I feel like one this morning.” She wiped her palms on her apron.
“It’s harvest time. Men need their bellies full before they work their asses off.”
“That they do. I’ll be right back with your breakfast.”
“I’ll be right here, honey.”
She smiled and turned toward the kitchen when the bell chimed again. She glanced back over her shoulder, and the breath left her body. She ducked into the kitchen before they could see her.
Connie and Owen both looked up, spatulas paused.
“You alright, hon?”
“My sister and ex-husband just walked in.” Aftyn pressed her trembling hands together.
Connie moved to the passthrough and squinted through the steam. “Yep, that’s her.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “You stay put. I’ll take care of them.”
“I have customers, Connie.”
