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I grunted as I followed her steps, walking out of the maze after her.

She was right about one thing though.

I vowed, as well, to stop running into her because she only made me angrier and angrier.

Chapter 5

Jacqueline

Iloved coming to the Maple Lane Café, which sat on the corner of Maple Lane and Moss Street. For me, the coffee here was always amazing and the way they decked it out for the holidays, especially the fall ones, always brought a smile to my face.

True, I didn’t go out as much as I nearly wanted to or probably should.

But with all the run ins last Sunday with Jackson, not to mention around town this week, I just needed a break. So, I called my boss, said I needed Saturday off and here it was, Friday night, and I was at the café.

But not for coffee.

Okay, well, that too.

But every Friday night here, they had performers, and I just needed a mindless activity. I thought this would just be the perfect place to let it happen.

“Hey sugar, I didn’t think you’d ever stop by on a Friday night.”

I gave Lina a look as I sat down, making her smile.

“I know. But there’s been a lot going on and I needed a break. So, I took a vacation day to enjoy myself tonight.”

“You know, you need that every once in a while, Jacqueline. I get that life for you is quiet, but that doesn’t mean that you need to work all the time. I’m glad to see you out. The performer tonight is amazing. He’s got a great voice. He’s been in a time or two. Not even from around her, which makes it better.”

“I love that, Lina. What’s his name?”

“Drew. Got more of a country twang to him, but he still looks yummy.”

I couldn’t help but join in on her laugh.

“Do you want your usual tonight?”

I thought about it before nodding.

“Yeah, probably don’t need the coffee, but it just sounds good. I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I said I was doing this.”

“I’ll get that right up for you.”

“By the way,” I told her, gently touching her arm. “All the Halloween decorations out here look amazing. I love what you did. Especially the lights in the windows. It casts some amazing schemes in here.”

“Right? When I saw the idea, I just knew I had to do it. I love the vibe it gives off. Also draws people in, so I won’t ever complain. Let me go get your stuff.”

“Thanks, Lina.”

I looked around the crowded café, happy to see it so packed.

A man walked on the stage, a guitar in hand, and he strummed it before fixing a few things, and I couldn’t help but grin because Lina was right, he did look good.

Now I wasn’t into bearded men myself, but on him, I could picture a lot of things that I probably shouldn’t.

With a grin, I ducked my head, knowing that no one was paying attention to me, but I didn’t need my thoughts to be clearly on display for everyone to see either.

“You’re out on a school night?”