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Though she hated being the center of attention and mingling with people if she didn’t have to, she had worked in a bakery that she loved. Creating works of art with her hands had been her passion. While she’d been behind the scenes most of the time, she’d dealt with customers on occasion. She knew how to handle people if forced to.
The problem was she couldn’t exactly give references to her old job. That would lead back to her old life. While she had purchased a new identity, it hadn’t come with a background in anything. She had a spiel ready for her lack of prior employment. Of course, she wanted to avoid that at all costs. She wasn’t the best liar. Her poker face could use some work.
“Not really, but I’m a quick learner, and I like helping people.”
Which wasn’t exactly a lie. She liked to bake and help people eat wonderful treats.
“Great. You’re hired. Come around the counter and I’ll show you how to use the register.”
Eve’s mouth dropped open, eyeing the woman as if she’d lost her mind. Seriously, had she? She was going to hire her on the spot. No asking for references. No asking for her ID or anything. Not even fill out an application. She wanted to be grateful she didn’t have to go into her fake spiel, but this felt odd.
But beggars also couldn’t be choosers and she didn’t have any other options on her plate.
“Okay, thank you.”
Eve tried to wipe the surprise from her face as she walked around the counter.
“I’m not insane hiring someone I just met. You’re Eve Johnson. You moved into town yesterday and live right next to the chief of police. It’s a small town. Word gets around quickly. How do you like the house?”
“It’s perfect.”
That wasn’t a lie either. She had a roof over her head and enough space to live a quiet life. She was coming to learn, though, not in the shadows. Not if Juliet already knew so much about her, that might be a problem. She had never considered that moving to such a small town everyone would get into everyone’s business. She needed to stay under the radar. It was crucial to her survival. But she shouldn’t be surprised. Teddy knew about her too.
“Don’t worry. You’ll get used to our little town. Come on. I’ll show you where to stash your purse, and then I’ll give you a crash course on how to run the counter.”
Crash course it was. Juliet barely had time to show her how the register worked before a line formed. Lunchtime was a hopping time in the cafe.
“I’ll have the BLT with some coleslaw.”
Eve attempted a decent smile at the man with shaggy brown hair and sweat lingering on his forehead. When she handed him the food, dirt was packed underneath his nails and covering his hands. Construction worker? Carpenter? Definitely someone who worked hard labor, but the least he could do was wash his hands.
She gave him the total and tried not to cringe when he passed her a ten, touching her hand.
“Do I know you? I mean, you’re Eve Johnson, just moved into the cottage, but have we met before? I’m Bob Taylor.”
“We haven’t.”
He eyed her critically, his stare unnerving her. There was no way he recognized her from her former life. She’d made sure to change her appearance from her hair to the way she dressed.
“You look so familiar.” He snapped his fingers, making her flinch. “I probably saw you driving into town. That must be it. I was working the sign yesterday when you drove through the road construction.”
A silent breath released. That would make sense. She had no words to offer him though as the terror still ran through her veins.
“Have a great day, Eve.”
She offered a weak smile, then greeted the customer behind him. The day dragged on with person after person.
“You look wiped. First day and Juliet is already pushing you to the limit.”
She had no idea who this man was, but she wasn’t going to say one bad word about Juliet. At the moment, the woman was her savior for giving her a job on the spot.
“What would you like to eat?”
The man’s lips twisted into a crooked grin. “The daily special. Sorry. I’m sure everyone has been in your face all day. New in town and all.”
“It’s been…different.” She had no idea how to describe people knowing who she was without even introducing herself, including this guy.
One bowl of chicken wild rice and a baguette roll—the daily special. The soup smelled wonderful. Her stomach even growled when she pushed the bowl closer to his side.
