Page 21 of Talk About… History

He grinned. “I’m a patient man, Avery.”

“Do you have time to drink coffee and chat, or do you need to run?”

It was his turn to look sorry. His smile dropped and a frown took over.

“Maybe another time? I open in five minutes,” he admitted. “You’re welcome to come with me if you want to chat, though?”

“No, I don’t want to intrude. Here.” I finally sent the poor beta a text. He’d waited on me long enough. “There, finally texted.”

The barista called my name and slid our drinks over. I passed Cohen his and grabbed mine and Mama’s.

“I’m going to run this home to my mama before it’s cold, but send me a text when you’re done with opening duties,” I said, giving him one last smile and hurrying out before I could embarrass myself further.

Surprisingly, I didn’t feel the sting of rejection. I knew he had obligations and he offered for me to join him. Everything Cohen did seemed to put me at ease and let me keep control. Maybe he sensed I needed it, or maybe I just wasn’t used to green flags.

I was halfway home when my phone dinged with a new notification. A smile spread across my face but these winding roads required my full attention. The moment I parked, I picked it up and read the new message.

Cohen: Texting back so our first messages are out of the way. Hope you’re having a good morning, Avery.

Avery: It’s a great morning now that I’m not overthinking things.

I tucked my phone away and rushed inside. Mama was dancing around the kitchen, spatula in hand. My grin grew as I watched her shake and shimmy her way around.

“I feel you watching me,” she shot over her shoulder before rushing forward and taking the to-go cup I was holding out. “Thanks, my girl.”

“You’re welcome, Mama,” I said as I took a seat at the counter and pulled my phone back out, new messages already lighting up the screen.

Cohen: Is it silly that I have that giddy feeling like a teenager having his first crush?

Cohen: Not that I’m mad about it. It’s a welcome change.

Cohen: Did you just move into town?

Avery: Sorry, had to hand off my mom’s tea. I’m back in town, not new. I grew up here in Rockwood Valley. You know the Whitaker brothers that run Whitaker Brews?

Cohen: Of course.

Avery: They’re my brothers, it’s our family business.

Cohen: Oh wow, that’s unexpected.

Avery: I tried to outrun small town life and it backfired. Should have never left.

Cohen: I’m sensing a story there. Don’t feel like you have to share that yet, though.

Avery: There is, but that will be a long, awful conversation for later. Right now I want to focus on the positives.

Cohen: Fair enough. What are your plans now that you’re back home?

Avery: Well, I’m taking over the social media and marketing for the family business.

Avery: I also pitched the same thing to Mayor Adams to shine a spotlight on local businesses. I just have to find someone willing to let me hang out with them, interview them, and post videos with them in it.

Cohen: Being in the spotlight isn’t my favorite, but I wouldn’t say no if you chose Cohen’s Creations. It would give me a chance to get to know you and the extra marketing couldn’t hurt.

Cohen: I’ll pay whatever the fee is, of course.

Cohen: No pressure. I’m not trying to be pushy, just helpful.

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