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Kelsey was frowning at the computer system when I walked up.

“Did Dale not stock your favorite ice cream again?” I asked in lieu of a greeting.

Kelsey was a few years older than me, and we’d been cordial back in high school, but we’d grown closer ever since she returned after getting a college degree. Although we’d love to have her stay, all of us knew that one day she would be leaving, purely because she wanted a job in marketing.

“No. It’s not that.” She shook her head and looked me in the eye. “What can I get you?”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked. “I haven’t seen you this pissed off since you worked for your mom. Was it Theo?”

She blew out a breath. “It’s not him. He’s great as always. I think Mom is tired of me failing at getting a job. She’s taking matters into her own hands.”

“Really?”

“She’s suggesting I lower my standards. Maybe find a job in social media marketing around here.”

“It’s not a terrible idea.”

She sighed. “Technically, it’s in marketing, but it’s not what I want to do.”

“It’s something.”

“I don’t know if I want to stay in a small town. I always pictured myself packing up and going to the city.” She must have noticed me tense and quickly corrected herself. “Not that there’s anything wrong with staying in a small town. I know it’s perfect for you.”

“Don’t worry, I get it.” And I did. It hadn’t been fun letting Gabriel leave, but I knew it was what he wanted. Many people didn’t want to stay in the small town. All there was to do was gossip and mess with people.

“So, are you gonna look into it?”

“I don’t know. I have things pretty good here. I like my job, even though it’s not what I studied for, and I don’t know if it’s even worth quitting over.”

“You don’t have to decide right now.”

“I’ll think about it.” Her eyes went glassy for a second, then she shook her head. “After I get your order, of course. Lavender latte?”

“You know it.”

Kelsey smiled and put in my order while the barista behind her started making it. As I moved to the pickup counter, I tried to brace myself for Kelsey eventually leaving.

It probably wouldn’t hit as hard as when Gabriel did it, but it still wouldn’t feel great.

At least they were both being honest about it.

I felt someone come up behind me and I immediately tensed. There weren’t very many people in this town who didn’t understand the concept of personal space, but there were a few.

Slowly, I turned, preparing to tell Dale that I needed him to back up. But I paused when I realized it wasn’t the man who owned the town grocery store.

It was the man that I’d met in the bar.

I still didn’t remember his name, but I’d figured there was no need to. I’d never see him again.

Obviously, I was wrong.

His gaze met mine.

“Fancy seeing you again,” he said.

“What are you doing here?”

“I have things to do in town.” He leaned in. “That still includes you, if you want it to.”