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I looked at the muddy trench I was building.
Can't today, bro. Too much to do.
But Ethan sent another message.
It's important. Need to talk.
I sighed, knowing that when Ethan said something was important, it probably was.
Fine. But just one coffee.
Not for the first time, I wished there was still a bar in town.
***
As I drove past Elara's bar, my chest tightened. My eyes flicked to the sign out front. It still said, "For Sale." There was a photo of Elara's friend, Jenna, on the sign, her bright white smile dazzling against the murk of the rainy day.
Why hadn't anyone bought it yet? The place was a goddamn gem. Had Elara been forced to defer her pastry course? Without the money from the sale, how could she afford the fees?
I parked up and got out, hiking up the collar of my heavy plaid jacket. The streets were deserted, the usual bustle of families and tourists replaced by the relentless downpour. Pushing open the door to Java Joe's, I was greeted by the familiar tinkle of the bell and the welcome warmth of the quiet cafe.
Ethan sat by the window, nursing a steaming china cup. "Cole! Over here!" he called, his pale blue eyes crinkling with warmth.
"Hey," I grunted, sliding into the ridiculously soft couch across from him.
"Black coffee," he said, nodding to the drink waiting for me.
"Appreciate it."
"It's been a while. How you holding up?"
"Fine," I said, crossing my arms. "Save for the Goldharbor Bay job."
"So I hear."
"How was the car show?"
"Maine Hot Rods and Heroes was a blast!" he said, smiling as he thought back. "There was a 1966 Shelby GT350 that was so damn perfect it was painful to look at."
"That's a type of car, I take it?"
"No, genius, it's a brand of elephant."
"I'd stick to garage work and leave the comedy to professionals.”
"Heard much from Elara?"
"Nope." I swallowed hard. “Which is good.”
"You must miss her."
"I'm fine. We had fun, but we always knew our lives were on different tracks."
"You're putting on a brave face, but—"
"Is this why you invited me here? You wanted to check in on my feelings about Elara? Still trying to settle that bet? You said it was important."
Ethan hesitated, tracing the rim of his mug. "Kind of. I wanted to talk about the council planning meeting. And Elara."
