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Her cheeks turn pink. There she is. I put my hand on her lower back and steer her toward a booth.

An old guy near the counter stares. I stare back. He looks away.

Clara slides into the booth. “You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?”

“Trying to fight people with your eyes.”

“It’s efficient.”

She smiles.

Sally comes over with two menus. “Morning, Clara.”

“Hi, Sally.”

Sally looks at me.

Then Clara.

Then me again.

The woman practically vibrates with questions.

“Ryder.”

“Sally.”

“Heard you were back.”

“News travels fast.”

Her gaze drops to Clara’s hand beside mine. “Apparently.”

Clara laughs as Sally leaves.

I look at her. “You think this is funny?”

“Extremely.”

“They’re talking about you.”

“They’ve been talking about me since Evan left.”

“This is different.”

“Why?”

“Because now they’re talking about you with me.” I grunt.

Clara reaches for the menu. “Yes. That’s generally how gossip works.”

“You don’t care?”

“No.”

“You’re Devil’s Peak’s good girl.”