“Thanks.I know it’s been hard on her.I was looking for a change and can do my job from anywhere, so I’m hoping she’ll accept some help.She can be stubborn.”I snorted affectionately.
“I’m sure she’s happy you’re here.And I’m sure Daphne is thrilled.I’m constantly amazed at how she juggles everything being a single mom.”
“She’s amazing,” I agreed readily.“I’m so excited to be closer to help out.How do you know Daph?”
“She was a few years ahead of me in school, so we only recently really got to know each other after I moved back and started at the hospital.”
“Oh, are you a physical therapist as well?”My cousin had been working at the hospital since getting her degree a few years back and loved what she did.I just wasn’t sure how she managed it all with an infant in tow.
“Yeah, though I just passed the exams not long ago.Daphne has been kind enough to show me the ropes.”
I wasn’t surprised to hear that about my cousin.Though Daphne could have a seemingly tough exterior, made tougher still by her recent experience with her asshole ex, she had a huge heart.
We ran in silence for a bit, the chirping birds and rustling trees our soundtrack as we neared the base of the trail.
“Have you been to Sweet Bean yet?”she asked as we caught our breath at the trailhead.“Best coffee and baked goods in town.I actually left my car parked in front.Want to grab a cup of coffee?”
“I’d love to.”I was trying not to seem too desperate to make a new friend.Truth be told, I hadn’t had many back in DC.Josh had successfully isolated me from most of my previous friends.
I’dlethim do that, which wasn’t something I’d ever allow myself to repeat.
We made our way to the coffee shop, with me pointing out my house as we passed it.
The bakery was immediately welcoming as we stepped inside, the scent of coffee beans and pastries a delicious combination.The space was open and bright, with several customers posted up around the space in the cozy-looking chairs.Colorful art hung on the walls, and an acoustic song I’d heard but couldn’t place played through the speakers.
“Hey, Katie,” a woman close to our age greeted, smiling from behind the counter.“Your usual?”She quirked a brow.
“I’m so predictable,” Katie muttered with a grin but nodded.“Greta, this is Lucy.Lucy, Greta.”
“Hi.”I waved.“Everything looks incredible.My aunt brought a whole array of pastries over this morning, and I’m just realizing where they were from.”
“Goodie is her aunt,” Katie put in.
Greta’s eyes lit up as she smiled, making her even prettier with her golden curls tied up high on her head.“Love Goodie and glad you enjoyed.What can I get you?”
“An iced coffee please,” I replied.“As delicious as everything looks, I think I hit my quota for sweets today.”
“No such thing.”Greta winked.“Iced coffee coming up.”
Katie and I found a seat by the window and chatted easily as we sipped our drinks.She dug into the breakfast sandwich, which I now regretted not ordering.
Living so close to such an amazing bakery was either the best news or extremely dangerous for my waistline.
Likely a bit of both, and I had to say, I was okay with that.
I was staring out the window, enjoying my new friend and coffee, when a black F-150 parked out front.I watched distractedly as the door opened, then nearly swallowed my tongue when Hudson Carter stepped out.
With the same ball cap pulled low over his brow and dressed in a formfitting white tee, worn blue jeans, and work boots, he was a sight to behold.
When he clocked me through the window, his lips quirked up in a smile far too intimate for strangers.His gaze scanned over me appreciatively, and I fought a wince, realizing that I was a complete sweaty mess after my run.
Katie caught my expression and immediately swiveled to catch sight of what I was staring at just as Hudson made his way through the door.
He tipped his hat in our direction.“Ladies.”
“Whoa, I didn’t realize my new friend was Hudson Carter’s new snack.”Katie fought a giggle.
I threw my napkin at her.“I’m not his anything.We haven’t even really met.”