Mary studies us for another second.
Then smiles knowingly.
“Well, whatever it is…”
“…I approve.”
Boone groans.
“Mary.”
“What?”
“I’m just saying.”
She winks at me again.
“He’s a good one.”
Then she heads back toward the counter.
I glance at Boone.
“You’re popular.”
“Unfortunately.”
“You’re respected.”
“That’s different.”
I take a sip of coffee.
“This place is charming.”
“Wait until the entire town hears you’re here.”
“That sounds terrifying.”
He laughs softly.
Outside the diner window, the town moves slowly.
People walking down the sidewalk.
A dog tied to a bike rack.
Someone watering flowers in front of the bookstore.
Normal life.
Boone watches me for a moment.
“You’re smiling again.”
“I am.”
“You like it here.”
