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Tommy's concern grew, but just as he was about to press his sister for more information, he checked his watch and realized he'd be late for work if he didn't get a move on. As much as he wanted to help Sofia with whatever had her looking so troubled, he didn't have enough time to give her the attention she deserved.
But he'd definitely ask her about it later.
"All right, well, I gotta take off," he announced. "You sure you'll be okay until I meet you back here for dinner?"
"Of course," Sofia replied with a familiar eye roll, one that totally reminded him of when they were kids. "I'm a big girl, Tom. You don't have to babysit me for the next two months."
"Good, that'd be terrible."
"Hah, hah," she deadpanned. "Go to work. You're hovering."
With a final smile for his favorite sister, Tommy stepped out of her room and into the dimly lit hallway, the scent of whatever Joan was making for breakfast drifting through the inn.
His stomach growled. He definitely should've eaten something in the car on the way back from the airport this morning. He'd left at the crack of dawn to pick Sofia up, and now he'd have to settle for whatever day-old baked goods were at the station.
As he rounded a corner, lost in thought, he collided with a man wearing glasses and a colorful sweater. The impact caused both of them to stumble slightly, and Tommy quickly reached out a hand to steady the stranger.
"Whoa, hey, sorry about that," Tommy apologized. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
"Ah, no worries." He gave a half-smile, a sheepish glint in his eyes behind the glasses. "I suppose we're both guilty of not yelling 'corner,' right?"
Tommy tilted his head, not understanding.
The guy chuckled nervously and shrugged. "Sorry, I used to work in a restaurant. You have to yell that before you go around any corners, or you'll wind up smashing your nose on a tray of food. Ask me how I know."
"Ouch," Tommy said with a laugh, then extended his hand. "Tommy."
"Ethan Carter," he replied, returning the handshake. "Are you staying here, too?"
"Nah, I live in Snow Hill." He felt like he could tell a lot about a person based on how they shook hands, and this guy's handshake practically screamed, "Normal Norman."
"Cool. I'm here for a break. Work stress, and all that."
"Snow Hill's great for that," Tommy said, nodding in understanding. "Next thing you know, you're gonna move here to escape the stress for good. That's what I did, anyway."
Ethan chuckled. "I can work from anywhere, so maybe I will."
"You wouldn't regret it." Tommy looked at his watch again, wincing. "Well, I better get to work. Enjoy your stay, Ethan."
"Thanks," he said with a grin. "You too. Er, enjoy your life, I guess."
Tommy laughed again, nodding in farewell before continuing down the hall. That was the thing about this town. You couldn't go anywhere without running into someone you knew—and if you didn't know them yet, you'd probably stay and chat so you could get to know them. It hadn't made him late to work yet, but he picked up his pace before it happened this time.
But halfway down the stairs, he slowed, a twinge of anticipation stirring within him. Would he catch a glimpse of Grace? Or was she still sleeping?
Doubtful. She hadn't told him much about herself on their date, but he figured her for an early riser. His dad had owned his own business for most of Tommy's life, and the man practically never slept.
Discreetly scanning his surroundings, his heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing that smile of hers or hearing that laugh he'd started to crave... both of which had haunted his dreams last night.
As Tommy made his way to the front door of the inn, he couldn't help but glance into the cozy front room. It was probably his favorite room in the whole place. Plush couches were arranged around a crackling fireplace, and he itched to sink onto the deep cushions with one of the books from the inn's library on the back wall.
He'd do it, too, if he weren’t already running late.
He started to reach for his coat, but then his eyes were drawn to the seating area by the bay window. His time as a police officer had made him observant, and his gaze narrowed on Grace's computer. It sat on a small table, a mug of steaming coffee beside it.
His gaze darted around the space as if he'd somehow missed her when he'd done his first sweep of the room.
No dice.
