“One of these days, we’re going to sit down and you’re going to tell me all about you and Cole and this place.”
“I’d love that,” she said. “What can I get started for you?”
“Hadley’s chocolatey drink with a shot of espresso,” I said. “And a plain croissant.”
“Coming right up,” she said, grabbing a to-go cup and a Sharpie.
“So, what’s a belly basket?” I gestured to the laminated flyer.
“Oh. It’s just a wicker basket that’s filled with food. Every year in autumn one of the local ranches hosts a barn dance. The belly basket auction is a fun little tradition. Men put the baskets together. Women bid on them—usually their husbands or boyfriends. Or if you’re interested in someone, that’s kinda how you make it known.”
“Wait,” I said, taking the croissant from Gracie. “Men do the baskets?”
“Yeah.” She grinned. “It’s like the Sadie Hawkins dance. Where the girls ask the guys.”
“Oh, that’s fun,” I murmured.
“Are you going to have Brooks put together a basket so you can bid on it?” she inquired.
“I just found out about this two seconds ago. But yes. Absolutely. What does the money go toward?”
“The town donates the money to a local charity orbusiness in need. Last year Mountain Mutt Rescue was the recipient of the funds. This year it’s going to the women’s shelter that helps domestic abuse victims get apartments and jobs.”
“What a good cause.”
I was loving this town more and more.
“Here’s your Hadley’s Hooch,” the female barista said, handing over the drink.
“Is that its official title?” I asked with a smile, accepting it with gratitude.
“Yep.” She nodded. “To those in the know. So now you know.”
“You should do a secret menu,” I said.
“That’s a fun idea,” Gracie said.
I set my coffee down so I could reach for my phone to pay.
“Brooks took care of it,” Gracie said. “He set up a tab yesterday. So you’re good to go.”
“I don’t have any cash to tip.”
“He took care of that too.” She winked. “You’ve got a good one, Poet.”
“The best,” I said automatically.
How was I going to repay him for being so sweet and thoughtful?
“Hey, this is a really random question,” I began, “but do you have bananas in the back kitchen?”
“Yeah.” She frowned. “Why?”
“I want to make banana bread, but I have no ride to the grocery store to get the ingredients.”
“I could make it for you.”
I shook my head. “I want to make it.”
