Page 72 of Burn Point

Leah: Wanna meet for coffee this morning? I have a few minutes between classes if you are free.

Leah and Kylie had texted me every day. I was enjoying having girlfriends, that my roots were growing here, and Nate wasn’t all that existed for me.

I hadn’t had a friend group, or much of a life really, when I’d lived with Gerry. We’d moved together to D.C., and then we’d both been so wrapped up in growing our careers, somewhere along the way, we forgot about life outside of work. We’d lost each other, and I’d lost myself.

Determined not to fall back into those old habits, I made time for my new friends when they texted me, fostering those relationships. My friendship with Leah and Kylie was as important to me as my new relationship with Nate.

Were we starting a relationship? We hadn’t had The Talk yet, and I didn’t want to bring it up, but I could possibly see a future with him, aside from the whole danger thing. Maybe some girl-time would help me sort that question.

Me: Sure, I’ll see you in 10

Leah: *smiling emoji*

I shoved my phone in my back pocket and pushed out the back door, meeting Nate in the yard.

“Hey, handsome, I’m going to go meet up with Leah. You want anything while I’m out?”

“I’ll take a shot of leggy blonde when you get back,” he said with a lascivious grin.

I pecked him on the nose, then the lips. “Deal.”

The coffee shop that Leah loved was right off the court square, with a view of the historic courthouse. The majestic old brick building, with its copper dome, was a centerpiece of the town. It was a marvel that the tornado stayed two blocks to the south, leaving the landmark untouched.

Being on part of the block that the bar sat on, the coffee shop shared the same rustic interior brick walls. Exposed pipes, local art, and old wood floors gave the shop a cozy, welcoming feel.

Leah sat at a small table at the front window, waving to me through the glass as I passed by.

I pushed open the front door and heard a familiar voice call, “Welcome to Daily Brew!”

Behind the counter, a woman with familiar short curls stood with her back to me as she prepared an order.

From behind she reminded me of…“Jules?”

She turned, her face lighting with a smile.

“Jordan, hi! How are you?”

“I’m doing well, thank you. How are things with you? How is Nelson?” I hadn’t seen her or her puppy since the night of the tornado. Running into her now tugged at my heartstrings.

“He’s doing great! The repairs at the house are moving along, finally. I’m tired of seeing that tarp on my roof, but otherwise, we are back to normal. Your old house is still a mess though—that property owner hasn’t done a thing. Where are you staying?”

“I’m staying with a friend. After I got my insurance settlement, I bought a camper van and I’ve been traveling.”

“That’s wonderful.” She held my smile for a moment then her expression dropped and she looked down at the counter. When she looked back, her eyes held remorse. “I’m sorry I didn’t reach out. Things got a little crazy for a bit.”

“I understand. It’s not like I called you, either. I was crazy focused on just getting by.”

“Well, now that you’re back, don’t be a stranger.” She said with a small smile.

I grabbed a coffee and bagel, and took the seat across from Leah, pausing to receive her hug.

“I’m so glad you made it,” she said with a smile, reaching over to clasp my hand.

Leah was one of those women who could wear anything. Mostly she rocked a boho yoga style. I checked my ripped shorts and t-shirt, lamenting not taking a moment to change into something more presentable.

“Thanks for the invite,” I replied, taking a sip of my latte.

“So, I had an ulterior motive. I hope you don’t mind.” Her eyes searched mine. She seemed…nervous almost.

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