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And Mark’s chilling message written on the door.
Stay away from my girl.
Mika shudders with one eye on her tables. It’s a slow morning at Bruno’s Diner, giving me plenty of time to update them — and there’s more than enough to gossip about today. “I can’t imagine if someone did that to the inn,” she says. “That’s awful.”
“And they’re sure it was Mark?” Tish asks.
“I saw the security footage myself,” I say. “It was him.”
“That’s wild. Like, we always knew Mark was crazy about you, but I never thought he was crazy, you know?”
I set my coffee down, my nerves jittery enough. “He’s never done anything like this before,” I say.
“How did he know Scott owns the shop now?” Mika asks.
Tish snorts. “The same way everyone knows everything about anyone in Small Town.”
I nod in agreement. “People have been talking about the hot new single dad for weeks,” I say. “Mark wouldn’t have to dig too deep to find out more about him.”
“Jeez,” Mika says, biting her cheek. “There’s something about this that doesn’t add up…”
“What?” I ask.
She cracks a grin. ”What the hot new single dad was doing at your place so early this morning.”
Tish gasps, her eyes sparkling for details. “Oh, that’s right!”
I blush. I fucking blush. “After Mark left, Scott stayed with us to make sure we were okay.”
They swoon.
“Oh, that’s so sweet of him,” Mika says.
“He slept on the couch,” I say, then... “Until the middle of the night when he totally crawled into my bed, but that’s so not important right now!” I say over their squeals of joy.
“Not important?!” Tish asks. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but that is absolutely the most important part of the whole damn story.”
“Is it?” I ask, still blushing.
“Of course!” Mika says, seeing my doubt. “What’s up? I thought this was what you were hoping for.”
“It was. It is! I’m just... nervous. You know? About Mark and everything. It’s like I can’t let myself enjoy this until he’s found.”
They nod, understanding.
“Well, I think we should celebrate,” Tish says. “It’s karaoke night at Sparks Pub this weekend. We should go!”
Mika smiles, but her eyes cringe with hesitation. “I’ll pass on the singing, but I can stop in for a drink.”
“Ditto,” I say.
Tish pouts. “Fine,” she says. “Bring your honeys. Y’all can get drunk and listen to me attract the love of my life.” Her mouth quirks. “Or... so I hope.”
“I’m sure you will, Tish,” Mika says.
“I better. It’s my turn! First you. Now, Lottie. I’ve gotta be next! Right?”
“Sure,” I say. “You or Pamela Palmdale.”
