The blonde straightened. “We can’t let them outdo us. We’re getting one of everything.”
The other two women burst into laughter.
My heart ached as I watched them, all continuing to laugh as they ordered. How long had it been since I’d had that easy camaraderie with anyone? A weight settled in my stomach. More than five years now.
I bungled things every time I tried to make a friend. I’d have an anxiety attack, or people would get annoyed that there was so much I didn’t feel comfortable doing. Eventually, I just stopped trying.
“Can I help you?”
A woman’s voice from behind the counter broke into my spiraling thoughts.
“Sorry, I, uh… Um.”
The blonde I’d seen earlier glanced over at me as they waited for their food. She sent me a kind smile. “It’s pretty overwhelming, isn’t it?”
I nodded.
“I come here all the time. I recommend the cheddar scallion biscuit and the double chocolate muffin.”
I nodded once more, resembling a deranged bobblehead yet again. “I’ll do that. And tea, please. Something decaffeinated.”
The last thing my anxiety needed was caffeine.
The blonde shot me a wider smile. “I hope you like them.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly, trying to force my mouth into an answering grin. I wasn’t sure I pulled it off.
“That’ll be eleven-fifty,” the barista said.
I fumbled with my wallet, finally grabbing my debit card on the second try. I offered it to the woman, and she quickly swiped it, then handed it back, moving with expert ease as she gathered my order.
I typed in a generous tip and shoved everything back into my purse. By the time I had that sorted, the barista was sliding a plate and cup across the counter. “Here you go. Just bring the mug up if you want more hot water.”
“Thank you.” I could feel the line forming behind me, so I hurried out of the way and toward a table in the corner. One side of it was against the wall, and the other a window, so I felt protected on both sides.
I sank onto the chair with the wall to my back. It gave me a view of the street with the lake across the way and the rest of the café. The lake was completely frozen over, creating a gorgeous, light blue surface. My mouth curved as I saw a couple of kids skating near the shore.
Turning back to my meal, I broke off a piece of the biscuit and popped it into my mouth. Flavors burst on my tongue. The cheese, the scallions…and I thought maybe a hint of garlic, too. It was incredible.
My stomach rumbled, demanding more. I pulled out my book and lost myself in good food and a young adult story about a battle between angel races. Before long, I’d drained my tea and finished both pastries.
I checked my watch, and my eyes widened. It was almost nine-thirty. I had to be at my interview by ten. I stood quickly, grabbing my plate and mug to take to a bussing station.
“Was the book good?” I started at the deep voice, whirling and almost sending my dishes flying.
The man chuckled. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
My mouth went dry, and I struggled to swallow. He was older than me by five years or so. Definitely around thirty. He wore a police uniform that should’ve put me at ease.
“Way to go,” the man beside him chided as he fought a grin. He, too, wore a police uniform and balanced a to-go cup of coffee in his hand.
The first man scowled at his friend but then turned back to me. He extended an arm, his brown gaze scanning me from head to toe. “I’m Reed. Reed Hall.”
I stared down at the proffered palm as if it were a snake. Forcing my gaze up, I lifted my dishes as an excuse not to take the offered hand. “Hallie.”
Reed grinned. “Nice to meet you, Hallie. You visiting, or—?”
The barista bustled into our space. “Oh. Here, let me take those.”
