“Joshua. Hi.” Diane held out her hand to the man, and he took it into his larger one. She noted how firm and sure his grip was. “I wasn’t expecting you for another day or so.”
“I got an earlier release,” he explained. “It took twelve hours from where I was stationed to the US, then I got a direct flight to Seattle, then got a ride up here.”
“Wow!” Diane marveled. “You must be tired.”
Joshua chuckled. A rich, deep sound that shook his frame. “If it took traveling a whole twenty-four hours to do me in, I wouldn’t be a captain in the United States Army.”
Diane smiled sheepishly. “Have you eaten? I can get you something, then we can head over to the hospital,” she offered.
“Thanks. That’s kind of you,” he accepted.
She nodded and headed toward the counter. “Please have a seat anywhere. What would you like? Tuna or egg sandwich?”
“Tuna. Thanks,” he called after her.
She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, black.”
“Coming right up.” Diane turned on the coffee maker before leaving him at the front and going to the kitchen for the ingredients she would need to get started on the sandwich. When she’d finished, she brought it to him. “Here you go,” she said, sliding the dish before him before placing the coffee mug beside it. She turned to return to the kitchen.
“Why don’t you join me?” Joshua offered.
She turned and gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, I can’t. Since I won't be here, I have to prep the sandwiches and pastries for the morning rush. I called my cousin to come watch the shop until I get back, but she isn’t much of a cook, so I have to make sure I have everything prepared before then,” she explained.
“Okay. I understand.”
She made her way to the kitchen and then made the food to be served before placing them in the display case by the counter. Thirty minutes later, Nikki was a no-show, and customers were starting to arrive.
“I’m sorry about this. I know you must be anxious to see your grandmother. As soon as my cousin gets here, we can leave,” she reassured Joshua.
“It’s fine.” He smiled, revealing straight white teeth. “I’m the one who showed up unannounced and caused you to make other arrangements.”
Nikki showed up twenty minutes later.
“Where were you? I told you I needed to leave like thirty minutes ago?” Diane asked her cousin with narrowed eyes.
“I was getting ready,” Nikki replied.
“Well, you’re here now. Take over until I get back.” Diane handed her the apron she’d been wearing and a list of prices for the items to be sold.
“Who is that hunk by the door?” Nikki’s eyes roamed up and down Joshua’s figure.
“That would be Beverly’s grandson. We’re going to visit her now,” Diane revealed.
“If you weren’t engaged to the toad, I’d tell you to go for it. He’s really cute.” Nikki smiled at Joshua before waving. He waved back with a polite smile.
“Oh, I didn’t tell you, the engagement’s off. I broke up with Derek this morning.”
“What? You’re lying.” Nikki’s eyes flashed wide, and her jaw slackened as her mouth formed the perfect “O.”
“Am I flinching?” Diane asked with a raised brow and a smirk.
“No way!” Nikki rounded the counter.
“Nikki, the customers,” Diane reminded her.
“I know, I know. I just need to hug you for making the best decision of your life.” Her cousin smiled wide and brought her into a hug.
