Page 22 of Redeeming Melodies

The booth's vinyl squeaked as I sat down. Through the window, I watched Oakwood Grove continue its morning routine, unaware and uninterested in the minor celebrity hiding in its diner.

The diner hit all my senses at once - sizzling bacon, fresh coffee, and the constant clinking of plates that somehow felt more genuine than any five-star restaurant I'd ever eaten in. The breakfast crowd filled most tables, their conversations creating a comfortable buzz of small-town life.

"Coffee, hon?" A waitress - Sarah herself, according to her name tag - appeared with a pot and a no-nonsense smile. "You're Clara's new guest, aren't you?"

Christ, news traveled fast here. "Uh, yeah. Just coffee, thanks."

"Nonsense. You need food. Nobody leaves my diner running on empty." She filled my cup with practiced efficiency. "The special's French toast today. Or eggs if you're one of those protein people."

Before I could protest, a guy in work boots and a flannel shirt dropped into the booth across from mine, turning his chair to face me. "Sarah's French toast is worth whatever diet you're breaking. Trust me on this."

Great. Just what I needed - friendly locals.

"Thanks for the tip," I muttered, hoping he'd take the hint.

He didn't. "Caleb Winchester,” he said, extending a hand rough with calluses. "Run the stables up at Rolling Hill Ranch."

Did everyone in this town introduce themselves to strangers? I shook his hand briefly, remembering too late about my bruised knuckles.

"Rough night?" Caleb asked, nodding at my hand.

"Something like that."

Sarah returned, setting a plate of French toast in front of me that I definitely hadn't ordered. "On the house, sweetheart. You look like you could use it."

"I really don't-"

"Let her feed you," Caleb interrupted, grinning. "She'll take it personally if you don't. Besides, heard you had a run-in with our sheriff last night. You'll need the energy."

My head snapped up. "How did you-"

"Mrs. Henderson saw the whole thing from her window. Called Nina at the bar, who told Sarah this morning." He shrugged like this was perfectly normal. "Don't worry, Jake's a good guy. Strict about his rules, but fair."

The French toast smelled amazing, but this casual invasion of my privacy was making my stomach turn. "Does everyone here know everything about everyone else?"

"Pretty much." Caleb seemed amused by my discomfort. "It's not as bad as it sounds. People here look out for each other."

"I'm not from here."

"No shit." He laughed. "That car of yours kind of gave that away. But you're here now, so you'll get the full Oakwood Grove welcome whether you want it or not."

As if to prove his point, an elderly woman stopped by our table. "Sarah, is this the young man Jake caught speeding last night? My goodness, he looks exhausted. Better make that coffee to go, dear, and add a muffin."

"Mrs. Henderson," Caleb said smoothly, "don't you have gossip to spread at your usual table?"

She patted my shoulder like I was some lost kid. "Welcome to Oakwood Grove, dear. We're glad to have you."

What the actual fuck was happening?

"They mean well," Caleb said once she'd moved on. "Small towns, you know? Not much excitement."

I picked at the French toast, which was annoyingly delicious. "I'm not here to provide excitement."

"No?" His eyes were sharper than his casual tone suggested. "Then why are you here?"

My phone buzzed again. The screen showed another text from Tommy:

Tommy:

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