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The sun isn’t exactly beaming in through the windows when I wake up the next morning. My room faces the back alley, which won’t get much light. But even if it did, the windows in this building are old and cloudy which on the bright side, is a nice filter for early rays.
The bed is nice. Clean sheets. They’re not organic cotton or purple, but they’ll do.
I unpacked most of my toiletries last night and took the longest hot shower that bathroom had ever seen. It was refreshing not to have the tub drain clog up or the water turn cold after fifteen minutes.
I can’t make long showers a habit though or Mr. Reeves will kick me out of here in no time.
I shiver at my internal thought. I’ve been homeless for under twenty-four hours and already living in fear of another eviction.
It’s Saturday and I originally had nothing but wedding planning to do this weekend. But I’m hoping Emily will let me drop by and make up some hours at the library.
Heading downstairs, I can already smell the coffee and warm muffins
I love how Mr. Reeves turned the original lobby into a bar. It makes the Inn so much more than just a place people check in for the night. It’s a place of gathering, unwinding and celebrating.
I yawn. “Morning, Tessa.” I greet the waitress Aiden hired last fall. From what I know about her, this is the longest running job Tessa has held in town. She’s been fired nearly everywhere else. Which is impressive when you’re under thirty and hot.
She even worked at the library for a hot minute before we found out she wouldn’t charge people for late returns.
But that’s apparently Tessa’s style. She works at a place long enough to do something…well, heroic, but against the rules.
Last year she was almost arrested and fined by the police department after they found her destroying parking violations in the system and then sending a mass email to the citizens of Hideaway Spring that it’s been dismissed.
They call her the town Rogue.
“Morning.” She sips on her coffee behind the bar. “And welcome. How’d you sleep?”
“Well, thank you.” I nod politely.
Tessa’s face twists. “That bad huh?”
“I was just so exhausted. I’m sure Aiden told you?”
She shakes her head, loosening some of the wild red curls tied on top of her head. “I figured it out.”
“How?”
“Take it from someone who not only can’t keep a job, but a place to live.”
“You almost sound…proud.”
She shrugs. “Stability isn’t my thing. Coffee?”
“Please.”
I set my phone at the bar and see a reminder notification.
9:30 AM – Meet Noah at Township Bakery
Shit.
That's in thirty minutes. I glance down at myself. Black leggings, long heather gray sweater—okay. This is fine. Except… I should probably change out of my fuzzy purple slippers. And run upstairs to grab my planning folder.
“Morning.” Aiden comes through the back door and Tessa jerks, pulling the towel from over her shoulder and scrubbing the counter.
He rolls up his sleeves as he steps behind the check-in desk, pulling open the ledger.
I step over tentatively. “Mr. Reeves. Thank you so much for accommodating me here. And…for everything you helped me with last night.”
