“Well.” Her voice was a tone Aftyn had never heard from her before, flat and unwelcoming. “Look what the cat dragged in.”
The woman’s mouth curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Connie.”
“What can I get you?”
“Cole’s usual. To go.”
Connie glanced at Aftyn, just a flicker, then turned back. “He send you to pick it up?”
“No. I want to surprise him.”
“You’ll do that alright,” Connie said, mostly to herself.
“I’m sorry?”
“Nothing.” Connie was already turning away. “I’ll put the order in. You can sit while you wait.”
“I’ll stand.”
“Suit yourself. You usually do.” She pushed through the kitchen door without looking back.
Aftyn didn’t need anyone to tell her who this was. She already knew.
The woman caught her staring. “Something I can help you with?”
“Nope.” Aftyn kept her voice even. “Not a thing. Excuse me.”
She followed Connie into the kitchen and found her standing beside Owen, arms crossed, waiting.
“That woman is up to no good.”
“That’s Callie, isn’t it?”
“Yes. But you don’t need to worry about her. Cole is not interested. Not anymore.”
“You don’t know that, Connie. What if seeing her brings everything back?”
“It won’t.” Connie’s voice was certain. “She’s here for one reason. Someone told her Cole was seeing someone and that woman cannot stand the idea of someone else having what she decided was hers. She gave up that right when she walked out on him.”
Aftyn looked through the pass at Callie standing by the door. “She’s beautiful,” she said quietly.
“So are you, and you’re a sight nicer. She’s not here to stay, she’s here to stir things up. Don’t let her.”
“There’s not much I can do if Cole wants her back. And I’m leaving anyway.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I do. Cole and I agreed going in. No strings.”
Connie laughed softly. “How’s that working out for you?”
Aftyn’s mouth curved despite herself. “Not great on my end.”
“Cole is crazy about you. Just let things find their own way.”
“I’m trying. But seeing her walk in here doesn’t help.”
“Don’t give her that much power. Cole’s too smart to go back to that.”
