Lucy’s belly did a flip-flop.
“You knew him?” She hadn’t even told this woman her own name yet.
“Oh, Emilio was well loved here,” she said wistfully as she tucked the fennel into the bag.
A pang of sadness hit as Lucy thought of Yayo with his kind eyes and quiet strength. She missed his stories, missed his smile. Missed his hugs and the way he’d always made her feel at home.
“He was a good man,” Jorie said softly.
“But, how…” Lucy let her voice trail off, wondering how this woman knew she was related to Yayo. She’d only been to Pine Haven Falls with him a few times.
“Oh, little Lucy,” Jorie chuckled. “you were the light of your Yayo’s life. He was always showing photos of you or your latest artwork. I hope you’re still painting. You’re quite talented.”
“I am,” Lucy reassured her.
“Good.” Jorie beamed, adding some spinach to the bag before handing it to Lucy. “I’m so glad we got to meet in person, Lucy. I hope you’ll come back next week, the tomatillos and eggplant should be ready by then.”
Lucy tried to pay her again, but Jorie wouldn’t have it.
“Nonsense,” she waved her off, “family doesn’t pay here.”
Lucy set a twenty-dollar bill underneath a head of cabbage, wondering just how well Yayo had known this woman that she would consider Lucy family. She couldn’t remember him ever mentioning someone called Jorie. Then again, Yayo hadn’t really talked much about the people in town at all.
God, she missed him.
When she got back to the car, Cade was leaning against her tailgate, typing quickly on his phone. He looked harried, his dark hair mussed up like he’d been running a hand through it, and his beautiful lips drawn into a frown.
“Is everything okay?”
“I’m so sorry, Lucy.” He ran a hand through his hair, massaging the nape of his neck like he had an ache. “There’s a situation out at Hidden Pines.” He opened the liftgate, taking her bags from her and loading them up on a curse. “I’m going to have to go in.”
“I understand.” Work was work, after all. “Would you like me to take you home or back to the clinic?”
“Shit.” He scrubbed a hand down his face, shaking his head. “My house. You sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
Cade drove again and Lucy did her best to pay attention to the path he took, but it was hard to focus. His energy was completely different now than it had been earlier. He was quiet, brooding, those dark brows furrowed as he scowled.
Lucy reached over, resting a hand on his thigh. “It’ll be okay.”
He took a hand off the steering wheel to clasp hers. “I’m so sorry, Lucy. This isn’t how I’d hoped to spend our afternoon.” The regret in his voice was palpable and while she shared his disappointment, she absolutely got it.
“It’s not your fault.” He worked in law enforcement. It’s not like people scheduled their crimes according to his work schedule, was it? “I have some things to get done today, anyway.” He shot her a glance, but she continued. “I’d only planned a quick stop to drop off the dog’s stuff and hit the farmer’s market. Not that I minded coffee or anything,” she added quickly, giving his hand a little squeeze. “I really enjoyed our time together, Cade.”
“I did too.” He said softly, “And I’d love to see you again, Lucy.”
“I’d like that.” She smiled up at him.
“I’ll call you then.” He grinned back. And damn, what that grin did to her.
When he pulled into his driveway, Lucy meant to take in his house, but all she could see was Cade.
After a moment of gazing into each other’s eyes, Lucy looked away. She didn’t actually want either of them to go, but what could they do?
“Thanks for hanging with me,” she said softly. “And for the coffee.”
“I had a good time with you today.” He smiled. “And I absolutely want to do it again.”
