Page 75 of At First Catch

“Research.”

“You asked Walter.”

“Walter is a respected source of local information.”

“Walter can be bought with baked goods.”

“That’s between Walter and his conscience.”

A giggle slips out of her.

From behind the register, Bailey looks up.

“For the record, Walter would’ve told him for free.”

Hadley groans. “Whose side are you on?”

“Romance,” Bailey says. “Always romance.”

I take a slow drink of my coffee to hide my smile. Hadley catches it anyway.

“Don’t encourage her.”

I lower the cup. “I’m drinking coffee.”

“Smugly.”

“Didn’t realize there was a wrong way to do it.”

Bailey snorts. “Oh, I like him.”

“You already liked him,” Hadley mutters.

“Now I like him for you.”

Hadley’s smile breaks completely, and I conclude it was worth the drive.

“I’m deeply invested,” Bailey calls. “I’m practically producing this romance.”

I laugh under my breath while Hadley covers her face for half a second.

“You see what I deal with?”

“I think she might be my favorite person.”

“You are absolutely not helping.”

Silence settles for a moment after that. Comfortable. Easy. Hadley wraps both hands around her coffee.

“So...”

“So...”

“Did Miguel survive this morning?”

I sigh dramatically. “Barely.”

“He figured out you were distracted?”