Beautifully Broken Pieces (Sutter Lake, #1)(11)

I checked the time on my phone. Two p.m.. Plenty of time to run the ten miles into town and back before dark. Maybe I’d pop by The Tea Kettle to see if my shift schedule was ready. I hopped up and headed off to change into my running gear. The afternoon sun shone brightly, so I opted for a tank top and shorts and then slipped into my favorite sneakers.

Grabbing my phone, a twenty-dollar bill, and my house key, I headed out the front door. I felt rusty for the first mile, and when I paused to stretch, my muscles protested the action. I picked up the jog again, and it wasn’t long before I found my zone and lost myself in the pounding of my feet against the road.

Gravel crunched beneath my shoes with the rhythmic beat of my stride. I had missed these workouts, the quiet times when I could take out my rage on the pavement or in the pool. No machines—the payoff just wasn’t as good.

I relished the burn in my lungs and the fatigue in my muscles as gravel turned to asphalt and, soon, storefronts started to appear. Slowing my run to a jog, I returned the friendly waves or nods from passersby. The town was pleasantly busy but not too crowded. I’d heard that it was a bit of a tourist destination for families from Portland on weekends. I’d just avoid coming into town on those days, but right now, it was perfect.

When I reached The Tea Kettle, I took a moment to stretch and wipe sweat from my brow. Grimacing, I wondered if showing up a sweaty mess was the best way to make a good impression at my new job. I gave a mental shrug. I wasn’t actually on the clock, and this seemed like a pretty active and low-key town. I was sure it would be fine.

I made my way up the walk and pushed open the door. Cool air caressed my skin, and the wonderful, familiar aroma I’d smelled the first time I entered the shop filled my nose.

“Well, hello there.” A voice sounded from behind the counter, and I looked up to see a woman who appeared to be in her sixties. She sent me a warm smile that socked me right in the stomach. The expression was wide and open, just like my mother’s had been. The damnedest things could sneak up and punch you right in the gut.

I pushed the memories of my mom down and cleared my throat. “Hi. I’m Taylor. I’m going to be working here starting next week. I was on a run, and figured I’d stop by to see if my schedule was ready.”

The woman came around the counter now. “Oh, Taylor, it’s so lovely to meet you. I’m Sarah, Jensen’s mom and sometimes helper here at the shop.” Her smile faltered as she took in my appearance. “You ran here?”

“Yup. It’s such a beautiful route. Thank you for renting me the cabin, by the way. It’s just perfect.”

“You’re welcome,” Sarah said distractedly, a look of stunned concern filling her face. “But it’s ten miles into town.”

I had to fight a smile. “I like to run.”

“Well, you’d have to love it to run that far.”

“Not a runner, I take it?” I asked.

“Not a fan of it, no. I like a good walk or going for a horseback ride with Jensen, but running is not at the top of my list of hobbies.”

The bell on the door sounded, and five girls who looked to be in middle school poured in. “I’ll let you help them. I can get my schedule later or just text Jensen.”

Sarah waved a hand in front of her face. “Just go on back. The schedule is hanging on a clipboard next to the fridge.”

“Thank you.” I ducked around the counter and moved into the kitchen. A brunette woman stood with her back to me while she prepared drinks. “Hey,” I greeted.

The woman whirled, upending the tea she was making and sending it everywhere.

“I’m so sorry.” I started to move forward to help, but she skittered back. Stilling my movements, I spoke softly. “I’m Taylor, I’m going to be working here and was just coming back to check out the schedule.”

Her eyes were still wide. Though a bit fearful, they were the most gorgeous eyes I’d ever seen—a shade of blue that almost seemed purple in the afternoon light. “S-sorry,” she stammered. “I was just startled. I’m Tessa.” When she extended her hand to grasp mine, it shook.

I gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have snuck up on you like that.”

Tessa ducked her head. “The schedule’s right over there.”

“Thank you. Can I help you wipe up the mess since I’m the one that caused it?”

She shook her head. “It’s all right. I’ve got it.”

As I snapped a photo of next week’s schedule with my phone, and Tessa cleaned up the spilled tea, I noticed that she never turned her back to me, as if afraid I might startle her again. “Okay. I’m all set. I’m so sorry I caused a mess, but hopefully, I won’t cause any more when we work together.”

Tessa gave me a small smile. “It’s no problem. It was nice to meet you.”

“You, too.” I headed back out to the shop’s main room. As I did, the bell sounded again, and the door opened. Noah rushed in, trailed by a frazzled Jensen. I was struck by how much she looked like her brother.

I wanted to smack myself. Walker Cole had popped into my mind more times than I was comfortable with over the past few days. All charming smiles and too many questions. He was trouble.

Noah skidded to a stop in front of me. “Tay Tay! Is Bulldog with you?”