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“What’s your name?” I held out a hand and he shook it.
“Winthrop. Howard Winthrop. I’m an attorney out of Philadelphia, just here for the rest of the month, soaking up all the fresh mountain air before I go back to the city.”
“Nice to meet you, Howard Winthrop. I’m glad you’re enjoying our little town. Have a great rest of your day.”
“I intend to.” He flicked two fingers out in a wave. “See you around.”
As Winthrop left, Trevor pulled up. “That was him, wasn’t it?” He stared out his window.
“Yup. I do not like him, and I don’t know why yet. He raises all my hackles.”
“Your instincts are always dead on. I’ll tail him and try to find out where he’s staying. He knows your face, so stay clear.”
“Will do. I’m going inside. I’ll catch up with you later.” He drove off and I entered the shop.
“Hey, Vi.” It was busy, well into the morning rush.
“Cade, hi! The usual?” I nodded and she waved me off. I stuffed some money in the tip jar and headed to Mom’s table.
Gram waved me in. “Come here, sweetheart. We’re just visiting with Charlotte. Aren’t you glad she’s back in town?”
“Of course.” Charlotte and I exchanged an amused glance.
“Hello, Caden.” Mom stood up to kiss my cheek. “How are you today, my darling boy? I’m here, writing andnotmeddling. I think I deserve a grandchild for this. Don’t you, Charli, honey?”
Charlotte opened her mouth to speak, but Gram beat her to it. “I don’t know, Dahlia. Nine months of pregnancy followed by childbirth doesn’t quite sound like a fair exchange for not meddling.”
“Meddling is my life, as we all know. So, obviously, staying out of this situation between the two of you is very taxing for me. And babies are fun little blessings, don’t you think? It might be worth your while. I throw an awesome baby shower and I’m willing to babysit at a moment’s notice.”
“You may not be meddling, Mother, but the art of subtlety is still lost on you.” I chuckled and took a seat.
She peered at me over the frame of her glasses. “Dropping hints isn’t the same as meddling, dear, everyone knows that. Is Violet coming over here with your coffee? I need to talk to her about book club. I need to know what snacks she wants me to bring.”
“Oh! The buffalo chicken dip for sure, please. And I am still low-key freaking out about the whole thing.” Charlotte snapped her laptop closed. “Sorry, Cade, I had to get the rest of this chapter out. Hi!”
“Good morning, baby, and no apologies needed. I’m glad Adaline is finally talking to you.”
A rosy flush covered her cheeks. “Me too. She finally knows what she wants and is determined to get it. No more running away. We’re kind of living the same life right now.”
“That’s great, honey!” Mom wrapped her arm around Charlotte in a side hug. “It’s all about the characters, isn’t it? Once they tell you what they require, then you’re off!”
“Absolutely,” Charlotte answered, her eyes on me.
“I for one can’t wait for the next book.” Gram said as she sipped her coffee. She patted her paperback copy ofRun for Itto emphasize her point. “This girl knows her way around a love scene. Am I right?”
Charlotte turned bright red. I’d read her books, and she sure did. Some of my favorite scenes were like reading a memory. But I decided not to reply; she was embarrassed enough already.
“Here you go!” Violet plopped into the seat next to me then slid my order across the table. “I have about five minutes before the next wave hits. You wanted to ask me something, Mom?”
“Yes. I wanted to get a snack list for book club.”
“Margaritas and buffalo chicken dip? Charcuterie and wine? Canapes and cocktails? Upscale or down, Charlotte? We can do anything you want.”
“What do you usually do?”
“Get collectively drunk and gossip,” I answered for Violet. “Does the food really matter for that?”
“Like you don’t show up all eager and raring to go for every book club, Cade.” Gram rolled her eyes as she scolded me. “You know we talk plenty about books. But we also know how to have fun. You’ll be fine, Charlotte. Everyone already loves you, so don’t worry.”
