THEO
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Hu Gh:If anyone knows a Jade Clark, their package got delivered to my house.
Comments:
Jade Clark:You’re kidding, right?
Hu Gh:Name seems familiar ...
Jade Clark:Hugh, PLEASE.
Hu Gh:Yeah, yeah. I’m pulling your leg. Your package is in your apartment.
Jade Clark:Thank you.
Jade Clark:Wait, IN my apartment???
The next day,I was the only one manning the shop, which I was grateful for, considering how obvious it was that I was watching the door.
While talking to Piper, she seemed to perk up rightbefore my eyes, but I wanted to know if that was for my sake or if I’d actually made her feel better.
My normal early morning customers came and went, and I tried not to be disappointed. If I was this on edge all day, there was no telling what I would do if she walked in.
I didn’t need to feel this way either. I’d told myself to keep my distance, and I was already failing.
It was near eight when another customer of note walked in.
Henry was dressed in a button-up shirt and tie. I had a feeling he was heading to work. Actually, I knew he was. This was the time he usually was walking into the clinic.
“This isn’t your coffee day,” I said.
“Guilty. We ran out a little early and Wren suggested I get something from here to cheer me up. So, here I am.”
“Want a flat white, or are you changing that today too?”
He laughed and shook his head. “No, thank you. I’ll take my usual. I can’t shake things up that much.”
I nodded and started grinding the beans for the espresso shot.
“You’re taking the change in your schedule well,” I said as I pressed the grounds into the portafilter.
Henry shrugged. “I never like it, but not everything is set in stone. Life certainly isn’t.”
I hummed while the shot brewed and I steamed milk.
Doing what I did all the time gave me time to think.
Once upon a time, Henry was like me. Friendly when he had to be, but he kept to himself. I liked that about him. Hell, I liked that about Cain and Dean, a farmer and electrician, too. But then they all fell in love. They slowly opened up.
“You used to not think that way. What changed your mind?”
Henry answered immediately, “Meeting the right person.”
“That’s all it takes?” It came out with a long breath of air.
“Met someone?” Henry asked.
