"I don't think Callie needs anyone around her," I manage. "She's doing fine on her own."
"She is. But everyone needs someone." Luke grins. "Even stubborn donut shop owners who won't admit they need help."
I focus on my eggs. I can't look at him. Can't let him see whatever's showing on my face.
"Speaking of which," Luke continues. "There's this guy, Marcus something, he came into the shop last week, he’s been hanging around ever since. I think he's into her."
My hand tightens on my fork. "Yeah?"
"Yeah. He seems decent enough, works at the bank, and I think he asked her to dinner."
Something hot and sharp cuts through my chest. "What'd she say?"
"She turned him down, said she's too busy." Luke shakes his head. "That's what I'm talking about, she's so focused on work, she's not even seeing what's in front of her."
"Maybe she's not interested."
"Or maybe she doesn't know how to let anyone in." He looks at me. "You ever feel like that? Like you've been alone so long, you forgot how to be with someone?"
I have no idea how to answer that question honestly.
"Sometimes," I say carefully.
"Yeah." Luke drinks his coffee. "I think Callie's the same way. After Mom died, she just shut down, she threw herself into helping Dad with the shop, then into running it herself. She’s never stopped long enough to actually live."
"She seems happy."
"She seems busy, that's not the same thing."
The waitress refills our coffee. I wrap my hands around the mug and try to figure out how to change the subject.
"Anyway," Luke says. "I'm glad you'll be helping with the Memorial Day delivery. It gives you two a chance to talk. Maybe you can convince her to slow down."
"I doubt she'll listen to me."
"She might. She respects you." He grins. "Plus, you're not her annoying big brother. That's gotta count for something."
We finish breakfast. Luke pays despite my protest. We walk out to the parking lot together.
"Thanks for coming," he says. "I know you're busy."
"Always got time for you."
"I know. That's what makes you a good friend." He claps me on the shoulder. "Same goes both ways. Whatever you need, I'm here."
I nod because I can't speak.
Luke drives off. I stand there in the parking lot with the sun beating down and the weight of his trust pressing on my chest.
I need to leave.
Not just the parking lot, not just for the day. I need distance. Real distance. Time away from Hearts Bend and Callie and this situation that's spiraling out of control.
I get in my truck and drive to the cabin. Once inside, I pull up my email and search for the message I've been ignoring for two weeks. The one from my old unit commander asking if I'd be interested in a security consulting job in Denver.
It's three weeks, maybe four. It’s good pay, and a chance to work with the team again. A chance to get away from here and clear my head.
I type a response before I can second-guess it.
