Page 51 of Fifty-Fifty

My head is still killing me, and I need some coffee. Stat.

When I spot Lover’s Landing, the coffee shop where Beau and I first met, then later connected over pumpkin bread, I pull over immediately.

Hopping out of the truck, I make my way inside.

The warm scent of coffee and cinnamon hits my nose, bringing a smile to my face.

“Hey, Mr. Harold. Can I get a black coffee? Two sugars?”

He’s standing behind the cash register while wiping down the counter with a white towel.

“Surprised to see you’re still in town,” he notes, but he doesn’t go to grab my order.

I shrug.

“Words, son. Use your words.”

Releasing a breath of laughter, I do as I’m told. “I’m on my way out. Just need to stop by the lawyer’s office to sign a few papers, then I’m gone.”

Harold tilts his head to the side. “And why’s that?”

“Because I had plans before I came to Love.”

He smiles knowingly. “Plans change.”

I stare into his eyes, taking in his weathered skin and wrinkled forehead. “Some don’t.”

“And some do,” he argues, “if the person isn’t too stupid to see what’s right in front of him, anyway.”

I shift my weight between my feet, debating if I should take a seat and stay for a while, or run out of here before Harold gets his shotgun.

“You wanna know what Miss Betty and me do when makin’ plans?”

I nod. Yeah, actually. I do.

“We make a list. We write the pros on one side, and the cons on the other.”

A scoff escapes my lips before I can stop it, but his stern expression makes me wish I could take it back.

“I wasn’t finished, Noah.”

“Sorry, sir,” I mumble.

He nods his head and silently acknowledges my apology before continuing.

“I know it’s an old fashioned practice, but I suggest you do it.” He slides over a notepad and a pen. “Right now.”

I lick my lips before taking a seat on the barstool and reaching for the paper and pen.

“I’ll leave ya to it.” Harold goes and starts serving another customer while I make a damn list of the pros and cons.

Pro: Owning my own shop.

Con: Losing Beau.

Pro: Fulfilling a lifelong dream of being my own boss.

Con: Losing Mac.

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