She joined the queue inside, scanning the shop.
No empty tables.
Naturally.
She’d managed to time it right outside with the parking spot, though. Perhaps luck would follow her inside and someone would leave once she had her drink.
Five minutes later, after claiming her latte, she gave the shop one more sweep.
Every table was occupied, and as far as she could tell, no one was getting ready to vacate.
Apparently, her luck had run out.
She started to turn toward the door.
“Devyn!”
At the summons from a familiar voice, she pivoted back to find Charley leaning sideways in his chair and waving at her from a table at the far end of the room. A woman with a long blond ponytail sat facing him, nothing but her back visible.
As she walked toward them, Charley spoke to the solo customer at an adjacent table, then took the second chair at that table and set it next to his.
“Seats are at a premium today.” He remained standing. “Please join us.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“You won’t be.” The blond woman smiled as she approached. “Charley and I are just chitchatting. BJ Stevens Nash.” She held out her hand. “And you’re the famous ballet dancer.”
“Only in limited circles.” Devyn returned her firm shake. “I’ve seen you at church. It’s nice to have a name to go with a face.”
“Have a seat.” Charley tapped the chair.
Since all she had on her agenda for this afternoon was her daily workout, she could afford to stay for a chat. And it beat going in search of a vacant bench outside—or drinking her latte in the car while passing drivers looking for an empty parking spot gave her the evil eye.
She slid onto the seat.
“I didn’t realize you two hadn’t met.” Charley retook his chair. “Since BJ knows about you, let me fill you in on her. She’s an accomplished architect and the owner of the premier design and construction company in the area. Before that, she worked for an architectural firm in LA. Hope Harbor was fortunate she chose to make this her home.”
The other woman grinned at her. “If you ever need a PR rep, Charley’s your man.”
“I don’t do PR. I just tell the truth.” Charley lifted his cup in salute. “Besides, your work speaks for itself. The renovations you did at Edgecliff are amazing.”
“That was a once-in-a-lifetime job.” The woman turned to her again. “Edgecliff is a historic estate outside of town built by a lumber baron more than a century ago. The owner wanted to repurpose it as a museum and special events venue. I was fortunate to get the job.”
“No.” Charley shook his head. “Edgecliff was fortunate to getyou.”
“See what I mean?” BJ raised her hands, palms up, then shifted her attention to Charley. “Thank you for the kind words, my friend.”
“They’re well-deserved. Anyone in this area who has a construction or remodeling project would be smart to hire you.” Charley drained his cup. Stood. “My muse is calling, ladies. Enjoy the rest of your beverages.”
He replaced the chair he’d borrowed at the adjacent table with his own, raised a hand in farewell, and sauntered toward the door.
“That man has a way of brightening up your day.” BJ followed his progress, lips tipping up.
“I know. He’s the same as I remember him from when I lived here years ago.” Devyn sipped her drink, mind working at warp speed.
Coincidence ... serendipity ... happenstance ... whatever the reason she was being prodded to think about the out-of-the-blue ballet studio opportunity, maybe she should go with the flow. Asking a potential resource for information wasn’t like making a commitment, after all.
She set her cup down. Wrapped her fingers around it. Checked out the adjacent tables.
