Page 6 of Espresso Your Love
“Aw. It’s hard for her. A lot has happened in the last year, and this move was a surprise to all of us.”
“I know. But it felt like the right next step.”
“I know it is. This is a good opportunity for you. We’re proud of you.”
“Thanks, Sis. See you soon.”
My stomach grumbles reminding me I haven’t eaten yet and I need to feed Max. He’s lying on the floor next to the bed with his head on his front paws.
“Want some dinner, buddy?” His head perks up.
“I saw a diner down the street. I’ll grab us some grub, and we’ll call it an early night.”
3
Cassie
“Who was that?” Ashley squeals loudly as she comes bouncing around the corner up the stairs.
“ASH!” I shush her. “Can you be any louder?”
“Why, yes, I can, but don’t change the subject. Who was he?” She plops down next to me on the couch.
“I’m not changing the subject. We live in a small town, and everyone talks. And I don’t want to be the talk of the town. So…shhh.”
“Okay, okay,” she whispers.
I adjust myself on the couch and take a sip of coffee.
Ashley nudges me. “I’m not getting any younger. Spill the coffee beans!”
I have to laugh at her antics. Even when she’s eighty, she’ll still be a spitfire.
“He just came up here and sat down. We talked for two seconds, then he got a phone call and left.”
“He didn’t just leave. He looked back up herethenleft.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “What did you talk about?” She grabs my arm and shakes it.
“His dog, who was super cute by the way. Did you see him?”
“Yeah, yeah.” She waves her hand in dismissal. “But the guy—”
“The guy with the dog, whose name is Max.”
“Ohhh, Max. What did he say?”
“No, the dog’s name is Max.”
“Stop talking about the dog. The guy! What’s his name?”
I sigh. “His name is Ryan. It was a short conversation, nothing really.”
“My mom said it looked like y’all were enjoying yourselves.”
“Of course, she saw. She sees all.”
Ashley’s mom, Molly, is like a second mom to me. So, I’m not surprised she was keeping an eye out. She always has.
“He must have traveled from Richmond, or maybe he’s new to town? I’ve never seen him in here before. We’ll have to ask the Madame Cs. They know everything. Those town gossips.”
