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Chapter Eight
Mindy couldn’t believe it. After years of not dating and months of tension between her and Eric, he was leaving. He’d not confirmed it but, in her gut, she could feel the separation between them.
He’d been more than gracious when she’d gone over to his place. Had chatted and they’d made love, but there was definitely a wall.
The bell over the door rang and for two days now, each time, her stomach flipped. It wasn’t Eric.
Taylor, the town’s sheriff, walked in. His muscular build seeming to shrink the interior of her shop. He stopped at a table and spoke to a couple of women and then came to the counter.
His hazel gaze met hers for a moment before moving to the espresso machine. “I need extra caffeine in my coffee today.” Lips curving into a smile made it obvious why he did. Obviously he and Allison had enjoyed each other’s company.
“Got it, extra shot of espresso,” Mindy said, returning the smile. “Muffin to go with that?”
She always gave the police officers a free pastry. There were only four on the force and, to her, it was a way to show her appreciation. “They are fresh.”
He nodded. “I could never turn that down. Oh, and can you give me a coffee to go for my cousin?”
Mindy laughed. “Which one are you talking about?”
“Eric.” He let out a breath. “He’s stuck working on paperwork all day.”
The statement made her sad, she’d looked forward to seeing him. She turned and began making the beverages. “He told me about the job offer.”
“What do you think?”
“Sounds like a good opportunity for him.”
“If that’s what he wants.”
The whirl of the espresso machine gave Mindy an opportunity to collect her thoughts. She poured the dark liquid into a portable coffee cup and carefully placed a cover on it.
When she turned, thankfully, the urge to cry had passed. “It almost sounds like you’re not sure it’s the best thing for him.”
Taylor frowned. “You are correct. It’s not all about work. There are always more important things.” He picked up the cup carrier and the bag with two muffins and gave her a crooked grin. “Thanks.”
The rest of the morning went quickly and at three in the afternoon, Mindy was ready to head home for the day. Her afternoon employee always arrived at three and would remain until closing. She went outside, deciding to walk to Allison’s flower shop and chat before going home to an empty house.
In the afternoons, Mindy went to a yoga studio twice a week and then once a week she and several ladies met for coffee. This day, however, she was free, normally one of the days when she cleaned or shopped for groceries.
Mindy trotted up the steps to the front door of the flower shop. Instead of the tinkle of a bell, Allison’s door had a chime and three musical notes sounded.
Tori was sitting next to Allison and both women turned with wide-eyed looks of people who’d been conspiring. Once realizing it was her, they visibly relaxed.
“What are you two up to?” Mindy neared and plopped down into a chair. “You look guilty about something.”
Allison tossed her wild curls behind her shoulders. “We are plotting how to escape for a day to Billings. You should come with us.”
“Why do you have to plot?” Mindy asked perplexed.
“Because we don’t want to invite Leah,” Tori said. “We want to shop for her birthday. But if she finds out we went without her, her feelings will get hurt.”
“If we both close shop and go, people will talk. It shouldn’t be so damned hard to get away,” Mindy said.
Allison chuckled. “Small towns make life hard. What if we ask Luke to make plans with her for the day? So even if you invite her, she’ll say no.”
Tori, who sat in a plush chair, pulled her legs up and hugged them to her chest. “Thought of that, but he’ll screw it up. Besides, I wouldn’t put it past her to tell him they’ll do it another day just to go with us.”
A customer entered and Allison went to help them. Tori looked to Mindy. “Are you okay? I heard about Eric’s possible transfer.”
