Page 47 of Steadfast

“Hey Shayn–gang!”

Oakleigh felt her eyes involuntarily roll. She had to wonder how many of her fans participated in Shayna’s disgusting attacks, bolstering her withengagements.The tally below the video already revealed an astronomical number of views.

They just couldn’t help themselves.

Shayna’s obnoxious tone rang in her ear.

“Our two favorite toxic besties couldn’t stay apart for long, right? Oakleigh must have heard my pleas for new content. Not only is Mia joining in on her mediocre new life serving coffee to farmers, but our desperate duo was in the new church building yesterday—remember, the one she crowdfunded for so desperately?” Shayna paused, lifting her eyebrow. “I just think it’s funny how she pulled on your heartstrings to rebuild one church while singlehandedly setting fire to the one that made her who she is today.”

Her judgemental expression made Oakleigh want to drop her phone in the dirt and smash it with the heel of her boot.

“While Oakleigh and Mia prance around White Bridge, her poor mother is all alone picking up the pieces. Just yesterday, I asked her all about Mia’s little visit.”

A video appeared on the screen, revealing Harper in her large sunglasses, bright purple top, and pearl necklace.

“It’s just really, really sad,” Harper began. “We’re just out here trying to do the Lord’s work—”

Her stiff eyebrows shot up as much as they could when the realization hit.

“Wait, what do you mean Mia’s in Montana?”

The video abruptly cut short.

Shayna shook her head in disgust, yet her expression was marked with a sly smile. “Keep going live, Oakleigh. Let us know exactly what you’re up to. I know I’m waiting with bated breath for your life to explode into a dumpster fire as usual, like when you almost killed your boyfriend—Think of the views!”

Oakleigh shook her head in astonishment at the poison pouring out of her former friend.

“What did I ever do to you, Shayna?” she exclaimed. She wasn’t sure how Mia’s visit had not yet landed on Harper’s radar, but it was certainly there now.

Shayna knew precisely what she had stirred up.

Later that afternoon, the bustling shop had slowed into a lazy, relaxing lull. Oakleigh leaned her palms on the counter, her red apron was tied around her waist as she blew a carefree wisp of blonde hair out of her eyes. Glancing out the window, she watched Sawyer park his clean, new pickup truck into a reserved spot.

The passenger door swung open.

Oakleigh’s eyes widened as she immediately identified Mia’s designer heels hitting the pavement. When they stepped on the curb, Mia didn’t hesitate to throw her arms around Sawyer’s neck in a flirtatious hug.

He yanked the shop door open with enthusiasm that Oakleigh had never seen before in the grumpy cowboy.

“After you,” Sawyer said as he ushered her into the shop.

Oakleigh’s lip curled in disgust. “Ugh, yuck.”

Mia pulled a red apron off the hook, now proficient in finding the correct loop for her head and the ties around her waist.

“What was up with that hug?” Oakleigh asked.

“I was just saying thank you for the ride.” Mia smiled back with a coy look in her eye.

Audrey came around the corner with a tray of cinnamon rolls to refill the pastry case that had been purged during their whirlwind morning rush.

“Isn’t Sawyer just the cutest thing?” Audrey’s voice bounced.

Though it took every ounce of her energy, Oakleigh successfully held back all the sarcasm she felt threatening to overflow. She felt proud of herself as she pivoted towards being positive and productive.

“Let’s work on our fall menu.”

Oakleigh had to admit that there were times like those when she felt a twinge of thankfulness that Audrey could handle the register. Oakleigh and Mia spent the better part of the afternoon trying seasonal flavor combinations. There was a pumpkin latte, maple flavored cold foam, and a sweet caramel apple drink that brought to mind crisp October hay rides.

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