For once, I don't mind. I think I just found my local sponsor.
"Hi," I say, letting a soft smile curl the edges of my lips.
"Oh—yeah—hi. I mean, good morning," he stammers, blinking too much. "You're not… you're not from around here, are you?"
"Just passing through." I offer a nonchalant shrug, then cut in before he can start grilling me with small-town curiosity. "But you don't look like you're from here either. And yet…" I glance toward the barman, "he's your uncle?"
His chest expands a little, visibly pleased. "Born and raised right here in Briar Hollow," he says, settling onto the barstool like it's a throne. "But I lived in New York for a few years. Studied and worked there before I came back to help my grumpy uncle run this place." He extends his hand with the flair of someone who's done a hundred handshakes in an office setting."Jace Cole. And that's my uncle, Winston Cole." He nods to the barman.
I take his hand. "Sage." I don't add my last name—Quinn. Even if Sage isn't my birth name, but one I took after leaving my old life, I don't want any traces left. Just in case.
"Sage," he repeats, like he's trying it out on his tongue. "Beautiful name."
Behind the bar, Winston glances over. He doesn't say anything, just raises a brow, and goes back to polishing glasses, letting the scene play out.
Meanwhile, Jace casually rolls up his sleeves like he's just so relaxed, and there it is—a Rolex. Bold, shiny, definitely trying too hard.
"New York?" I echo, tilting my head. "That's impressive. Not an easy place to break into."
He takes the bait, hook and all. "Oh, totally. You have to know how to move fast, think on your feet. But once you get the rhythm, it's a jungle you learn to dance in."
"What did you study?" I ask, already guessing the answer.
"Finance," he says, as expected. "Worked on Wall Street for a while. I was actually up for a management position before I moved back."
I give him a perfectly measured look of admiration. "That's big. Let me guess… twenty-seven? Twenty-nine?"
He straightens, grinning like I just gifted him a medal. "Twenty-five, actually. I was one of the youngest juniors in my department. They gave me a pile of backlogged issues no one else could solve, and I cleared it in a week. My hiring manager said he'd never seen anyone move that fast. Got me a meeting with the director."
"Wow," I say, leaning in just slightly, letting my voice dip to something softer. "So humble as well."
He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know… I try."
I smile into my coffee. I don't even have to push. He's walking himself straight into every line I draw.
"Jace, don't talk the poor girl's ear off," the uncle says with a shake of his head, though there's a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
"Oh, it's fine, honestly. Fascinating," I say brightly, turning toward Jace with perfectly timed clumsiness. My elbow 'accidentally' knocks the coffee mug. It wobbles dramatically, tips, and spills, some splashing onto me, more onto Jace's pristine shirt.
Before it can hit the floor, he shoots out of his seat and snatches the mug midair with impressive reflexes.
I gasp. "Oh my god, I am so sorry," I say, feigning mortified embarrassment as I stand, grabbing a napkin from the counter. "I can't believe I just… ugh, your shirt!"
As I fuss and dab gently at his chest with one hand, the other slips behind him like muscle memory. A soft glide, practiced fingers, and there, his wallet is in my hand and tucked under my sweater before he even realizes what side of the bar he's facing.
"It's totally fine," Jace says, laughing it off. "No big deal. It wasn't even hot."
"You sure? Because I really messed up your Wall Street look."
He grins. "Well, you got some too," he points to the splash on my sweater. "Looks like you took the worst of it."
I glance down with a little groan. "Yeah, I should probably change. Luckily, I always carry backup," I add, patting my backpack.
"Smart," he says, all charming, still clueless. "A prepared woman. I like that."
I don't let myself feel bad. Not for this. Not now.
"I'll be back in a jiff," I say with a sweet smile, maneuvering toward the hallway that leads to the bathrooms.
