“It’s perfect,” they both said in unison.
She changed back into her clothes and brought the sweater to the lady at the counter.
“This is a good choice. Date night?” the lady, whose name tag read January, asked.
Jessa blushed. “How could you tell?”
“You two looked like you were on a mission.” She put the sweater in a bag and handed it across the counter with the receipt once Jessa paid, before resting her elbows on it and smiling. “Now, tell me, is it one of the local guys?”
Jessa blushed further. “Yes, it’s Noah. Um… I actually don’t know his last name, but he works with the ski patrol.”
“A Blake, huh? Those boys are handsome, aren’t they?”
“How many are there?” Megan asked. “Maybe I should score a Blake.”
“Four brothers. Good luck. Those boys don’t date often, but it’s a little hard when you live in a small town.”
They thanked January and left the store, stepping outside into the cold air.
“What do you think she meant by saying they don’t date often? The bartender had said something similar the other night,” Jessa said, partially wondering if she was going to be a fling for him. Although, she realized, she couldn’t exactly have a relationship with the guy when they didn’t live in the same town… or even the same state.
“Exactly what she said. They live in a small town and it’s hard to date when the only new people in town are tourists.” Megan shrugged. “You can’t really expect much else.”
“True,” Jessa whispered.
Megan nodded her head at the coffee shop down the street. “In the mood for another coffee?”
“Always.”
They stepped inside Brewbirds Coffeehouse, which was still decorated for the holidays. The smell of cinnamon hit Jessa’s nose, and she sighed in appreciation. Desserts were a weakness for her, and this place had plenty of them.
“We need to make visiting a coffee shop a daily habit,” Jessa said.
“I agree,” Megan said.
“Welcome in!” A woman wearing a cute apron smiled warmly at them as they approached the counter. Several guests were hanging out at the tables inside, enjoying their drinks and desserts.
“Thank you,” Jessa said. “It smells delicious in here.”
“It’s my favorite part of working here,” she said. “I’m Melissa.”
“I’m Jessa. This is Megan. Which one of these delicious desserts do you recommend first?”
“I’d start with a snickerdoodle cookie and a white peppermint mocha.”
“That sounds perfect,” Jessa said.
“I think I’ll do the same,” Megan said.
Melissa told them to take a seat, and she’d bring their orders to them. They found an open table at the window, and sat down, looking around at the small shop and the other stores that lined the street. The town had its charm and was kept clean and cared for by the residents. That much was apparent.
“This doesn’t feel real,” Jessa whispered.
“What do you mean?”
Melissa approached with their drinks, setting them down on the table before returning with their cookies. “Enjoy.”
Once she walked back to the counter to help the next customer, Jessa spoke again.
