“Wow.”
“She’s a classic, all right. One of these days, I’m going to find the time to fix her up.”
Hailey admired his cheerful optimism in the face of his situation. “Good plan. There’s nothing like a classic vehicle.”
She unwrapped the bagel and took a bite. Heaven. It was almost as good as the coffee. One thing for sure, Beth could bake. Even now, sitting in her overheated SUV, the sweet and savory scents from the coffee shop tempted her. She really should go inside. She stared at the white brick building with its green and white striped awning. A gust of wind blew through the open window, she shivered and hugged herself.
“You’ll freeze out here. Go inside,” Jesse urged. “Say hi to Beth. I’ll bet she’s chomping at the bit to talk to you.”
“I can’t.” She glanced at the truck’s heat gauge. It was cooler, but not cool enough to shut off. The heater blasted hot air on her feet, but wasn’t enough to compensate for the icy chill streaming in her window.
“Go ahead. This is Silver Creek. Nobody locks their doors. It’ll be fine. I promise. This isn’t Spokane. It’s small town Alberta, the place you grew up. Where they roll up the sidewalks at eleven every night and nobody leaves their house all winter.”
She laughed at the familiar refrain. “I couldn’t wait to leave after high school.”
“Me too.” His grin was contagious.
“And yet, here we are,” she said sadly. She’d gone so far, only to return to the beginning. “Back in town, looking to start a new life.”
“Is that why you’re here?” His tone was compassionate and slightly more than casual.
“The U-Haul didn’t give me away?” It should have. Nobody showed up in their childhood town, hauling all their belongings, unless they needed a place to restart life and lick their wounds.
“How would I know? You might have a punk rock band in there.” He quirked an eyebrow as if he really wanted to know about her band.
“Do I look like a punk rocker to you?” A soft laugh escaped her and her shoulders relaxed. Maybe running away and forming a band was a good idea. Or, she could join the circus. She could be an attraction, the chubby girl with the black bags under her eyes. Maybe fans would mistake them for goth-emo makeup. That would draw a crowd. Great. Now she was worried about her looks. Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong man. Was there ever a good time and place for self-flagellation? Still, old habits die hard.
What she really needed was a hug from her bestie. Nobody understood Hailey like Beth did. She stared at the quaint coffee shop, watching people come and go. Neighbors and strangers chatting. Not a single one seemed to be watching her and Jesse. Life in a small town told her someone was watching and taking note, they always were. It was equal parts charming and annoying.
“Maybe I could go in.”
“You should.”
Her head snapped around to stare at him. He laughed. The deep bass rumbled along her skin like warm honey. “You think?”
“I know. My sister swears by her best friend therapy. Whenever she’s stressed, she takes a night out with the girls to chillax.” He waved at the shop. “Look, there’s Beth, pacing near the window.”
Hailey turned her gaze toward the café. Petite, blonde, Beth, in her crazy gypsy clothing waved frantically and gestured Hailey to come inside.
“Go, before she blows a gasket. I’ll watch over your truck.”
“Really?”
He nodded.
“Jesse Phillips, you’ve made my day. Twice. You’re a hero and a saint.”
Another honeyed laugh burst forth, this one accompanied by an enormous grin showing his sparkling white teeth. Dang. He was good looking when he smiled. Nope. She wasn’t attracted to this dirty, enigmatic man. Snatching up her purse, she thanked him, yet again, and hurried inside, leaving her SUV, trailer and all her worldly possessions in the care of a virtual stranger.
She was losing her mind.
“About time you came in,” Beth yanked Hailey into a tight hug, squeezing her stuffing out. “You’ve been out there chatting up Jesse for half an hour.”
Hailey glanced at her watch. “Fifteen minutes, tops. He was sweet, he bought me coffee.”
“He’s hot. He has been since high school. NO, since junior high.” Beth spun Hailey in a circle. “Let me look at you. Oh my gosh, I missed you so much. Too much. Tell me the trailer means you’re here to stay.”
Tears slipped down Hailey’s cheeks. She sniffed and wiped them away with her sleeve. “Longer than you know. I might be here forever.”
