“One of the friendliest you’ll ever find.”
She turned to him, hand on the door. “I can’t thank you enough. Truly.”
“Give me your phone.”
“Why?”
“So, you have my number. Day or night, if you need anything.” He took it, added his contact, and handed it back. “I mean it.”
“Thank you, Cole.” She stepped out, and he watchedher follow Chuck into the garage.
Chapter Two
The heat was relentless. Aftyn could feel the sweat rolling down her back as she walked, and she had no idea what she was going to do. She’d have to call her aunt. There was no way around it.
“Avery Newton, if I ever get my hands on you...”
She stopped. Sniffed the air. Her stomach answered immediately. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten, and as much as she hated to admit it, Cole was right.
The town was busy for its size. She found herself smiling thinking about him. He hadn’t owed her a thing and yet he hadn’t left her side. Good-looking didn’t begin to cover it, but it was the kindness that stuck with her.
She was still thinking about it when the diner door swung open ahead of her and the smell hit her like a wall. She stopped dead. Then she noticed the small sign in the window.
Help Wanted.
She stared at it for a moment. Well. It looked like Clifton was going to be home for a while.
A couple coming out held the door for her. “Thank you,” she said.
“Enjoy your lunch,” the man said, taking the woman’s hand as they walked away.
Aftyn stepped inside and sighed at the cool air. She settled onto a stool at the counter, pulled a menu from behind the napkin holder, and studied it carefully. The prices were reasonable, but every dollar counted right now. She might just have to use Cole’s name after all.
“Hi, hon. What can I get you?”
The woman behind the counter had an easy smile and kind eyes. Aftyn liked her immediately.
“I’m still deciding. Could I start with a coffee?”
“Of course.” She had a cup in front of her in seconds. “I’m Connie. My husband Owen and I own the place.”
“Aftyn Hutchins. It’s a beautiful diner.”
“Thank you, hon. Just passing through?”
Aftyn smiled. “How do you know I don’t live here?”
Connie laughed. “Honey, I know everyone in this town.”
“I bet you do. And I bet they all come through that door.”
“Every last one of them.” She topped off the coffee without being asked. “Now, what can I get you?”
Aftyn leaned in slightly. “That’s the thing. I don’t have much on me right now. Cole Harrison said I could put it on his tab.”
Connie smiled. “That’s fine. What’ll you have?”
Aftyn ordered and watched Connie scribble it down, pin the ticket to the wheel at the passthrough, then come back and lean against the counter.
