Page 64 of Steadfast

Despite the inclement weather, White Bridge was still packed with tourists equipped with bright rain jackets and holding multi-colored umbrellas. When she pulled up in front of the shop, the long line for Ruth’s Coffee had already wrapped around the building.

Even Oakleigh was surprised by what her online followers were willing to endure for their famous cinnamon rolls and a hot beverage. The thought flitted across her mind that perhapsthey were waiting for something more that day. Maybe they just wanted a piece of the drama?

Her phone dinged with an email notification. She tapped the screen and scanned it quickly. The contractors at the church were confirming their scheduled meeting that afternoon.

“Not a good day, guys,” she murmured, adding it to her growing list of responsibilities. She knew the church build was hinging on her ability to confirm the color scheme.

Oakleigh needed a single win and a hot cup of coffee.

She stepped out of the G-Wagon and stuffed her hands in the pockets of her puffy jacket. Being in no mood to be filmed, photographed, or interviewed about the latest gossip, she pulled the fur lined hood over her head in vain hopes that she wouldn’t be recognized.

She found that the shop door had already been unlocked, and the line was moving quickly. The customers were leaving with their drinks, a warm cinnamon roll in hand, and a happy smile.

“Excuse me,” she said, navigating through the crowded doorway. She ignored the furious glances and uneasy shuffling of those who assumed she was cutting the line.

She flipped the hood of her jacket down and whipped the sunglasses off her face as she assessed the situation inhershop.

Audrey stood behind the counter fielding orders while Paisley filled cups of coffee. Mia pulled a hot pan of cinnamonrolls out of the oven, looking oddly domestic in her red apron, which fit her frame perfectly.

Seeing Mia there in person for the first time since learning about her betrayal set Oakleigh’s teeth on edge.

She ran her hands down her jacket, smoothing it out as she struggled to adjust her attitude.

“What’s going on here?” Despite all of her efforts, there was still a sharpness in her tone that made her wince.

“Maeve said you could use the extra help,” Paisley fired back, delicately pressing the lid on a nearly overflowing travel cup. “And we’re making coffee, what does it look like we’re doing?”

Oakleigh raised an eyebrow, trying to push aside her aggravation that Maeve was still calling the shots, despite all the talk about how she trusted her to do the job.

“And how doyouknow how to make coffee?” she asked.

“Oaks—” Paisley replied, whipping past her with a mug in each hand, “Everyone knows how to make coffee.”

Oakleigh felt Mia shoot her a knowing look on the matter, but she was determined to keep the embarrassing truth about her lack of practical skills quietly to herself.

“By the way,” Paisley continued, as she headed back to the espresso machine, “Mom’s been texting me all morning. She found out I’m here, and she’s furious.”

“What else is new,” Oakleigh murmured.

Pulling a red apron off the wall, Oakleigh threw the loop over her head and tied it behind her waist. Her plan for the daywas to avoid Mia at all costs, even if that meant being exploited for views.

When her fans recognized her, their exasperated expressions and impatiently tapping feet transformed into sheepish, apologetic smiles. They pulled out their cameras to snap a quick photo of their favorite influencer. To Oakleigh’s relief, none of them had the audacity to inquire about the latest drama.

When they closed up for the day, Oakleigh flipped off the lights and hung her apron. “Good work today, ladies,” she said, with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm.

“See you at the ranch, Oakleigh,” Audrey’s voice sang with optimism as she hung her own apron on the hook and pushed her way out the front door with a jingle.

“Wait,” Oakleigh said, throwing her arms up to stop Audrey in her tracks. “What do you mean,see you at the ranch?”

“Oh, did Miss Maeve not tell you?” Audrey let a wide, dopey grin spread across her face. “She asked me to help out today with the horses and stuff.”

“No, Audrey,” Oakleigh immediately backpedaled, wracking her brain for any excuse that would convince her to change course that day. “I’m sure you have a lot to do—and all this rain? We’ve got the horsesand stuffunder control. You go home.”

“I got my orders. You’ll have to take it up with Miss Maeve,” Audrey grinned and shrugged.

“Oh, I will,” Oakleigh muttered under her breath as she pulled her phone from her tight pocket. “You bet I will.”

Oakleigh — typing…

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