“Huh?”I look up at Marie.
“You want me to scan that?”she asks, amused, her hand outstretched for the Bible in mine.
“Oh yeah, sorry.My mind is elsewhere, apparently.”
Marie chuckles.“I totally get it.”After scanning it, she wraps the Bible in tissue paper and slips it into a plain brown bag.
I insert my card into the reader, then shove it back into my pocket.
“How are things going with the Community Center?You guys start planning for your summer extravaganza yet?”
Smiling, I shake my head.“It’s on the to-do list.”The summer barbecue cook-off is our largest fundraising event of the year.What we earn that day typically funds most of our activities throughout the rest of the year.Normally, I’d have already started the planning, but getting stabbed and pepper-sprayed really seemed to put a damper on it.
Or, at least I’m telling myself that’s what’s got me distracted, and not the gorgeous neighbor I am falling head over heels in love with.
“Well, let me know if I can help.”She smiles at me as she offers me the bag.
“Thanks, Marie.Will do.See ya.”After offering her a wave, I step out onto the street and head toward Anastasia’s coffee shop.I really should be getting back; Kyle will be at my apartment in less than an hour to help work on Katelyn’s, but the pull I feel toward her is too strong to ignore.
So, I make my way down the street anyway.
The coffee shop is busy this morning, with patrons coming in and out of the brightly colored door even as I make my way toward it.I count no less than six people who have exited just since I’ve been in view.
But one person pulls my interest.
A man, dressed in dark jeans and a black hoodie, is standing just out front.He has his phone up to his ear, so it’s likely he just stepped out to talk, but something about him has awareness tingling through my body.
He glances up and makes eye contact with me, then offers a slight nod and turns his back to me, returning to his call.It’s a move that should have confirmed he’s not a threat—but I can’t shake the feeling in my gut.
And then a woman strolls out of the shop on three-inch heels, wearing a black pencil skirt and a white button-down blouse.She taps him on the shoulder, hands him a coffee, and the two of them take off down the street.
Maybe I’m just on edge.
With a deep breath, I head up the steps and into Anastasia’s coffee shop.The place is packed this morning with spring break tourists and locals alike gathered at the tables around the small café.Katelyn is taking orders while Anastasia fills them, bustling around behind the counter with far more energy than I think I’ve ever had.
“Hey, Garrison!”she greets happily when she catches sight of me standing just inside the door.
Katelyn’s gaze sweeps over to me, and her smile falters just a bit.Did I really set her off with the apartment question?Or is it something else?
“Hey, there, Demo,” she greets playfully.
“Hey, yourself.”
“Eww, you two are so cute it’s nauseating,” Anastasia says as she makes a face.
“Ignore her,” Katelyn replies.“You want a coffee?”
“Please.”I hand her my card and wait as she finishes ringing me up, then offers me my card back.My gaze travels toward the large windows at the front, and I scan the area for that man or the woman who came out to greet him.
Nothing.
So why am I so bothered?
“You okay?”she asks.
Turning back toward her, I flash a smile.After seeing her reaction to the runner on the beach the other day, the last thing I want to do is worry her about something that, more than likely, is merely me overreacting.“Better now.”
Color dusts her cheeks.“How was the gym?”