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“Can I get a macchiato?” Several diners sitting at the bar snickered.
But Stacy, she kept a poker face. “Darlin’, you’ve stepped out of modern civilization into Second Chance. You have two options. Coffee with fresh milk or without?”
Raven watched Parker’s shoulders slump some.
“With. Make that a small. You wouldn’t by chance have almond milk? Or oat?”
“Do almonds and oats have tetes?” one of the men sitting at the end of the bar asked.
“Bob, behave yourself,” Stacy chastised the man who grunted and continued to dig into his eggs. “Unfortunately, we ran out last year. If it makes you feel any better, the milk came straight from Bee Johnson’s dairy farm just this morning.”
“With milk is fine.”
“What can I get you, Raven?”
“Black coffee.” He fished out his wallet, took out a couple of bills.
“A man after my own heart.” Stacy winked.
“You don’t have to buy my coffee. Really,” Parker said. “The gesture was kind, but I can get it. You did pick me up from the airport.”
“It’s coffee. Not a kidney. Let’s call it even.” He laid down the money. “Keep the change, Stacy.”
“Sure thing, cowboy.”
“Would you happen to know the Ryders?” Parker asked. “I ran into the librarian who told me they own a lot of the real estate in the area.”
Bob laughed again but kept his head bent over his food.
Raven lifted a brow. “Are you looking to speak to them?” Maybe it was best he’d unintentionally left out his last name. He guessed she still thought he worked for the Bonner’s Farm.
She twisted the corner of her lips as if in thought. “It’s always a good idea to know what the real estate looks like in an area. You work for the Bonners, so I’m curious why you think they haven’t opened up a shop in town which is much more convenient for customers.”
Bob had lifted his head and was smiling at Raven. He shook his head to silently tell the man to stay quiet.
“I’m guessing the rural location is part of the charm.”
“Right, but how many people want to travel twenty minutes outside of town to shop for flowers, which are an impulsive buy for many customers.”
He wanted to tell her that he didn’t know a damn thing about flowers, or the floral business, but he was curious how she planned to help Bonnie. He started to speak but Stacy’s “Order’s up” stopped him. “If you see Whiskey, tell him I’ll have those pies ready for pick up this afternoon.”
Raven picked up the two coffees, handed her the smaller cup and stepped away from the counter.
“Whiskey? Whiskey Ryder who owns the local bar, right?” she asked once they stepped outside.
“Yeah, that’s him. Come on, Chow.” The dog pushed up from the concrete and followed behind Raven.
“Are you friends with him?”
“Yeah, you could say we’re friends.” He kept his attention on the sidewalk ahead. “How’s that coffee?”
“Better than I thought it would be.” She’d caught up to him.
“Hey, Ryder! How’s Dean?” Cecil, the antique store owner, asked from the table where he and his friends played cards nearly every morning.
Raven heard Parker’s sharp intake of breath. He didn’t look at her. “Better. Starting to walk without the crutches.”
“Good to hear.” Cecil waved.
