Ryan pulls open the door and gestures for me to enter ahead of him.
“Always such a gentleman.” I chuckle, looking over my shoulder at him. “Even before his first cup of coffee. I’m a lucky girl.”
He rolls his eyes and leads me towards the counter.
Brian Marshal clears his throat as we pass his table. “It’s a shame to hear about Inkfluence.”
Slowing to a stop, I scrunch my nose.
“What do you mean?” I shift from one foot to the other and tilt my head. “What happened?”
Sitting taller, he slowly folds the newspaper he was reading, dragging out his reply as long as possible.
“I’m surprised you haven’t heard,” he drawls, glancing between Ryan and me.
“Heard what, Brian?” Ryan huffs, squeezing my hand a little tighter.
“Apparently, someone was feeling creative with some spray paint over the weekend.”
“Spray paint?” I narrow my eyes and peek at Ryan.
“I haven’t walked over to see it myself, but I’ve been told there is some colourful language painted on the wall.”
Before I can ask any more questions, Maggie rounds the counter and swoops in, handing Ryan a pink takeout bag and two to-go cups in a tray.
“Brian, that’s enough,” she says firmly, sliding magenta-framed glasses up her nose. “You are getting on my last nerve lately. If you don’t stop bothering my customers, I will move your table onto the sidewalk.”
There is cheering on the far side of the room, followed by some loud shushing. I don’t check to see who it is because I’m too busy watching them have a silent standoff. I assume Maggie won because after a moment, Brian turns in his seat and makes a production of shaking and reopening his paper.
Satisfied, she takes my hand and leads me back outside with Ryan close behind.
“I’m sorry, Sunshine. I was watching for you so I could tell you first.”
“Tell me what?” I ask as my pulse picks up. “What’s happening?”
“Someone painted some unpleasant words on Inkfluence’s back wall and door.”
“The building was vandalized?” I clarify. Emerley isn’t immune to petty crime, but I’m still surprised.
Maggie glances at Ryan, then back to me.
“Yes. Banks found it this morning when he went in. He and Logan are there now. I suspect Mason will be along shortly.”
The news hits me like a freight train. They think Braden did this—to get back at me. He damaged Ryan’s truck and now he’s targeted where I work. What the fuck is wrong with him? Why won’t he move on and forget about me?
“Ryan?” I choke out slowly, turning towards him.
He must see the panic in my eyes because he steps closer and tries to reassure me. “It’s okay. I’ll come with you.”
To Maggie, he says, “Thanks for the heads-up and for this.” He raises our usual breakfast order.
“Of course. I’ll touch base with you this afternoon when I’m done with work. If you need anything before then, let me know.”
After a brief hug, she returns to the bakery, leaving us alone on the street.
“Come on. Let’s go see what’s going on,” Ryan prompts.
Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I say, “Okay. Do you mind driving?”
