Page 28 of Love Like Ours

Max nodded, the tension in his posture easing further. “Alright, I’ll trust you on that.”

They both turned to watch Loki, now lying in the sand a few feet away with his stick, gnawing on it contentedly.

“Now,” Palmer asked with a smirk, “you want another beer, or were you just here to scope out the local competition?”

Max chuckled, shaking his head. “Competition? Please. I’m just trying to make friends and fit into this small-town scene without looking like the awkward new guy who doesn’t know how to order at the coffee shop.”

Palmer grinned. “Let me guess—walked into Sara’s Nook and accidentally asked for a caramel macchiato?”

Max groaned. “Close. I asked for oat milk, and the barista looked at me like I’d just insulted her grandmother. Apparently, ‘we don’t do that here.’”

Palmer laughed, grabbing Loki’s leash. “Yeah, small-town life’s got its quirks. You’ll figure it out. Almond milk is the alternative around here.” He chuckled.

Max smirked. “Good to know. And here I thought moving to a lighthouse would be the weirdest adjustment.”

“Welcome to Pride,” Palmer said with a grin. “It’s a learning curve, but you’ll survive.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Max said, his tone dry. “What’s up with the old guys sitting outside the shops all day long? They look like they’re judging everyone who walks by.”

Palmer laughed and slapped the guy on the shoulder. “They are. Like I said, welcome to Pride.”

If he wasn’t careful, he’d grow to like the man.