Page 23 of Steadfast

“Do you love it? My stylist chose it from the fall collection.” Mia didn’t even bother denying the price as she struck a pose. “Now, where do I start?”

Mia couldn’t make coffee, run the espresso machine, or bake cinnamon rolls, for that matter. However, Mia was exceptional with people. Everyone who walked through the door received a charming smile and enthusiastic conversation.

While Oakleigh was rushing to steam milk for lattes and pull hot pans out of the oven, Mia was learning names, discussing the weather, and listening intently to stories that would have made Oakleigh glaze over with boredom.

She spread frosting over another warm batch of cinnamon rolls, pausing with her spatula in the air as Mia popped her head around the corner.

“There’s a woman named June out here,” Mia began, “She says she really likes me and all, but she gets the impression that I’ve never made a latte in my life.”

Oakleigh quirked an eyebrow as she set down her spatula and wiped the sugary, sticky frosting from her fingers onto the front of her red apron.

“Anything for June.”

The plump little woman was wearing a floral caftan and her raucous, contagious laughter could be heard throughout the shop. June’s kind smile always seemed brightest when she ordered her daily vanilla latte and chit chatted with Oakleigh.

“It’s good to see you today,” said Oakleigh while she went straight to work at the espresso machine.

June leaned in and whispered as though Mia wasn’t standing right beside her. “I hope you don’t mind stepping in.”

“I don’t mind at all,” Oakleigh smiled as she steamed the milk.

She really didn’t mind. June was among the first to accept her in the closely knit town.

Oakleigh set the latte on the counter just as the blue ranch truck rattled up and parked in the reserved spot. Maeve hopped out of the driver’s side, her aviator glasses shielding her eyes under her tan cowboy hat.

Much to Oakleigh’s surprise, Crew was in the passenger seat. He opened the heavy door with ease and stepped out onto the pavement.

Oakleigh pushed the door open, causing the bell to jangle loudly. She ran straight into Crew’s arms, wrapping hers tightly around his middle.

“Oof,” Crew said with a smile. He pulled her close as she buried her head in his muscular chest. “You all right?”

“No,” Oakleigh’s voice muffled into his flannel shirt.

Maeve quietly stepped past them and pushed the door open with another loud jingle. “I think it’s a good time for coffee.” As soon as Maeve walked into the shop, June’s joyful voice poured out onto the street as the old friends greeted one another.

“Did she hear from Amos?” Oakleigh asked, despite already knowing the answer.

“Oh yeah, she heard,” Crew replied gently.

“Is she mad?”

He chuckled humorlessly. “She ain’t happy.”

The line of tourists began trickling down Main Street, and Oakleigh knew it was time for the morning rush. Giving her cowboy one last squeeze, she reluctantly stepped out of his embrace. She pushed the door hard as she made her way back into the shop, praying under her breath for the afternoon to take a positive turn. Although, Oakleigh couldn’t possibly imagine how it could all get any worse.

Chapter 8

Red Eye

Oakleigh wasn’t sure if it was because of the rush of customers that began to line up outside or if Maeve was preserving her dignity in front of the others, but she was relieved that she hadn’t yet brought up her outburst that morning.

Maeve sat at her usual table in the corner, chatting and laughing with June, sipping coffee, and quietly observing the operations of the shop.

Crew pulled on an apron and joined Oakleigh’s side, helping her field the flood of orders from the impatient guests. When the tourists began to recognize the blonde cowboy behind the counter with Oakleigh, their agitation turned into excitement. Oakleigh struck a pose by his side as fans began pulling out their phones and snapping photos, ready to post.

“Make sure you tag me in that one,” Oakleigh said in that warm, familiar way that made her fans feel like she knew them each personally.

When Crew had a chance to step away, he whisked past her with a pan of hot cinnamon rolls.

---