How (Not) to Fall in Love(19)

“Charlie.” Her voice was musical. “This must be Darcy.” She turned her big doe eyes on me. Everything about her warmed me like some kind of cosmic hug.

“Darcy, this is Liz, owner of this marvelous caffeine emporium.” Charlie and Liz shared a look so sizzling I realized they were more than just friendly business owners. Not a thought I wanted to dwell on.

“What can I make you?” Liz asked. She gave me a warning frown, though her eyes danced with laughter. “No foo-foo drinks, though.”

So no strawberry frap. Got it.

“I’m not really thirsty right now. But thanks.”

She gestured to the pastry case. “Hungry? It’s on the house.”

The croissants looked tempting, but then I thought of how sporadically I’d been running with Toby lately and shook my head.

Glancing around the store, I noticed a faded help wanted sign in the window. “Part-time barista needed: nights and weekends. Free drinks and food!”

Liz needed a barista. I needed a job. Should I apply?

“Um, the barista job?” I said to Liz, trying to force the tremble out of my voice. “Is it still available?”

She and Charlie exchanged surprised looks.

She nodded. “Are you interested?”

I’d suck at customer service. I didn’t know how to talk to strangers. I’d break the fancy espresso machine. Lucas would see what an idiot I was, when he came in for his high-maintenance coffee drink.

“Maybe,” I said, answering her question. Probably.

Liz smiled. “You could apply right now.” She gestured toward the gleaming copper espresso machine that looked like something from a steampunk movie. “Show me what you can do.”

I swallowed. I made Mom a pot of coffee every morning, to chase away her hangovers, but that was the extent of my barista skills. “I should probably check with my mom first,” I said. Wimp.

“I could use someone reliable,” Liz said. “I’ve had to fire the past couple of people I’ve hired because they were so flaky.”

Yikes. I’d never had a job before, because I hadn’t needed the money. Listening to Liz, I realized this was a big deal. I thought of one of Dad’s favorite lines: never commit unless you mean it.

“You can come by anytime to apply.” She grinned. “I practically live here. Just ask Charlie.”

“I’ll let you know,” I said, and then turned to Charlie to say good-bye.

He pulled me into a hug. “Don’t be a stranger, favorite niece.” The hug intensified, reminding me of Dad. “I mean it,” he whispered in my ear.

“Okay,” I whispered back.

I left Liz and Charlie together in the coffee shop, since I was ready to get Toby and head home. What was it about this neighborhood? It was so unlike my part of town, but I wasn’t scared. I felt…comfortable. Was it because it was so different? Because it was easier to hide here? It was highly unlikely I’d run into anyone from Woodbridge.

Maybe hiding out was a good idea. Dad obviously thought so. But I wouldn’t hide 24/7 like him. If I got a job with Liz I’d just hide out here a few nights a week and some weekends. Plus I’d make money.

“So what do you think of Tin Lizzy’s?” Lucas’s low voice stopped me in my tracks. I was so lost in thought I hadn’t noticed him standing on the sidewalk, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. Toby lunged for me, and I took the leash from Lucas, careful to avoid skin contact.

“It’s great,” I sighed. I thought again about working there, and pictured myself standing behind the counter, waiting on customers.

Lucas nodded. “Yeah, it’s a cool place. And Liz is awesome.” He exhaled smoke from his perfectly straight nose.

I crinkled my own nose as the cigarette smoke reached me.

He stubbed out his cigarette quickly and tossed it into a trash can. “I need to get back to work,” he said. “Broken toasters are calling.”

I stole one more glance at him, hoping not to forget any details. “Maybe I’ll see you around,” I said.

He nodded. “I hope so.” He pushed through the door of the Second Hand Story, pausing briefly to glance over his shoulder. His lips quirked in a mysterious smile that made me half want to run away, and half want to chase him like a pathetic fan girl.

Instead I walked as quickly as I could to my truck, still trying to preserve a little dignity by not breaking into a full-on sprint.

Spending time on Broadway made me feel like the universe had cracked open a new door for me. I could see a tiny bit of light on the other side.

Did I dare open the door all the way?





Chapter Nine


October 2


As I sat in study hall, my last period of the day, Mom’s text intruded on my black thoughts. “I have a great idea. R u there?”

“No,” I typed. “I’ve been abducted by aliens. They have Dad, too.”

She ignored my black humor. “Meet me after school. Bring your camera.”

Mom hadn’t exactly been full of great ideas lately. I dreaded hearing the next one.

“???” I texted back.

She sent me an address. Sigh. Was she still thinking about me taking pictures of houses for a real estate website?

“C u later,” I replied.