“Strawberry Springs used to be like that, once upon a time,” I said. “We just got lucky with the STM grant.”
“Do you guys have something like that too?” Piper asked.
Freya shook her head. “The STM grant loves Strawberry Springs, which is great for you guys, but we’re on our own.”
“Oh,” Piper said.
“We don’t question it,” Freya said with a laugh. “I’m just happy to come out here with a booth. A lot of other towns join too. We make the most out of it.”
“And there’s good stuff,” I told Piper.
“So what you’re telling me is that I should have come way sooner. Got it.” She looked back at Freya. “What do you recommend?”
“Anything, but you keep looking at the cinnamon rolls. So, that’s what you should get.”
“You caught me. I’ll take one.”
Freya nodded. I ordered a loaf of sourdough bread and slipped her my card for both while Piper’s eyes traced over the rest of the market.
“So,” Freya said while bagging it up, “you and her, huh?”
There wasn’t any anger in her voice, but it made me tense anyway.
“I’m just showing her around.”
She hummed. “And watching her like a hawk.” She truly had an eagle eye. “I’m happy for you,” she said. “And I hope to see her again.”
“That’s the goal,” I replied.
“Here you go, Piper.” Freya held out the bag, which I immediately took to hand to Piper myself.
“Thank you so much. What do I owe you?”
“Your guide took care of it,” Freya said with a smile.
Piper turned to me. “You did. Why?”
“A welcome gift.”
“I’ve been here way too long for that.”
I only shrugged, skin prickling at her watchful stare. “Don’t look too much into it.”
“You have a good friend here,” Freya said. “And I hear he makes amazing coffee.”
“That he does.”
“Thecoffee shop is why you’re so busy, right?” she asked.
“It is. Mostly in the mornings. I got lucky with the people in town giving it a chance.”
“He’s downplaying it,” Piper said. “The Reserved Bean is incredible and I go every day.”
“I’m glad to have someone here who can tell me what’s actually going on.” Freya laughed. “Rainwood’s too small for a coffee shop like that. I thought Strawberry Springs was too, but you guys are lucky. I haven’t been able to go in yet, but I plan to.”
“What do you drink?” Piper asked.
“Normally a vanilla latte, but?—”
