Page 3 of Fifty-Fifty

Shocker.

Groaning, I rub my hand against my face from sheer exhaustion before deciding I need a cup of coffee if I’m going to continue this mission. Maybe I’ll even run into Luke. Ha!

I turn back toward my truck and jump inside before driving a half-mile to the town square. I think I saw a diner when I first pulled in. My stomach grumbles at the prospect of warm food.

The air is brisk as I take in the town square, and there are a couple of children bundled in jackets, playing on the small playground with smiling parents keeping a watchful eye on the area. Jealousy gnaws my lower stomach when I notice them sipping coffee from thermoses and paper cups.

Shit, I need coffee.

The entire scene is a little too cutesy for me, but maybe that’s because I’m pissed in general.

I shouldn’t be here. I need to get back to the shop if I have any hope of scraping the partnership off the table and claiming it for myself.

I shake my head before turning toward a little coffee shop titled Lover’s Landing.

Of course that’s what it’s called.

The bell dings when the door swings open. The place is filled with warm mahogany tables and glowing light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. I notice a few people scattered throughout the room, sitting on the leather couches and mingling amongst themselves as I walk toward the counter to place my order.

An old lady turns toward me with a coffee pot in hand before reaching for a mug and filling it. I find it funny that she doesn’t even wait to see what I’d like to drink. It’s like she can read me like a book, knowing I need the caffeine in my system faster than I can even order it. The steam wafts in the air, the aromatic smell hitting my nostrils. I nearly moan at the scent.

“You’re not from ‘round here, are ya?” she states, making conversation.

I shake my head before lifting the steaming cup of coffee toward my mouth and taking a tentative sip. The familiar burn brings a smile to my lips as the hot beverage slides down my throat.

“No. I’m in town for business.”

The old lady narrows her eyes before folding her arms across her chest. “And what kinda business is that?”

“I’m looking for someone.”

“Well,” she huffs, “I know everyone here in this town, so why don’t you tell me exactly who you’re lookin’ for and I’ll see if I can point ya in the right direction.”

I can’t decide if I should be annoyed with her nosiness or grateful for her help. Clearing my throat, I say, “I’m looking for Beau. Beau Williams.”

Her suspicion instantly kicks up a notch. Her eyes shift to my left for a split second before returning back to me. “And what do ya want with our Beau.”

I follow her gaze, noticing a gorgeous girl who’s sitting a few feet away from me. She’s got long, dark hair hanging around her shoulders, a pair of skinny jeans, and a beanie on her head. The stranger stares back at me with a pair of crystal blue eyes that are damn near unforgettable, but she doesn’t say a thing.

If I were here for any other reason, I might pursue her, but I have business to attend to, so I turn my focus back on the old lady.

“I need to speak with him about an agreement.”

Her eyes narrow. “What kinda agreement?”

My jaw tightens. “It’s personal.” Any lesser man would quiver under this lady’s scrutiny, but I hold strong.

Her lips tilt into a sneer. “Then I’m afraid you’re not welcome here.”

“It’s all right, Betty. I can take it from here,” the girl interrupts, catching my attention.

Betty breathes a sigh of indignation before calling over an old guy with a white towel thrown over his left shoulder. “Harold! You get on over here and make sure this gentleman doesn’t bother anyone, ya hear?”

He chuckles goodnaturedly, distracting me from the gorgeous girl who might be able to help me. The old guy moseys over and starts wiping down the counter without a care in the world. “Is there a problem here?”

I furrow my brows. “No problem.” Yet. “Just looking for Beau.”

His eyes shift to the same girl to my left as his shoulders tense. “What do ya need with our Beau?”

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