Page 53 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

After hitting the button to start the coffee brewing, I walked back behind the counter. “I make a batch of those every day.” I pulled out a praline doughnut and slid it over to him. “Coffee will be ready in about five minutes.” I set a to-go cup in front of him.

He needed to be able to take it with him when he left, which would hopefully be soon.

Nico took a bite and smiled. “Garrett was right. These are the best.” He dusted crumbs off the front of his shirt, then looked at me. “I’m sorry about implying...” He waved a hand as if that completed the sentence.

“Apology accepted.”

Garrett was on the phone, focused on papers laid out on his table. I wanted him to look up and notice who was here.

But while he finished up his call, I could gather a bit of information. “Have there been any more developments... in the case?”

Nico nodded. “Big developments. I drove out this way to talk to Garrett, but the woman I spoke to out there said he wasn’t working on the ranch today. Know where I can find him?”

“Hang on.” I ran over to Garrett’s table and patted his arm once.

“Gotta go.” His eyes wide, he smiled up at me. “What’s up?”

I leaned close, then pointed behind me. “Nico showed up.” I didn’t even get a chance to tell Garrett about the big development before he was striding across the room.

“Nico, what a surprise.” Garrett acted like they were old friends.

Nico motioned toward his doughnut. “Decided to have one of these when I didn’t find you at the ranch, but it should’ve occurred to me to look for you here... since y’all arefriends.”

What was his deal? Garrett and I were the only ones who were allowed to emphasize that word when talking about our relationship.

“I’m here often.” Garrett pointed toward his table. “We can sit over there and talk.”

Nico pulled out his wallet. “How much do I owe you?”

I rang up his purchase, then swiped his card. “Y’all let me know if you need anything. And the coffee is probably ready.”

They settled at the table, and I served other customers who walked in. Curiosity about what was being said at that corner table gnawed at me, but I couldn’t ignore customers to go listen. I’d just have to wait until Garrett filled me in.

Fifteen grueling minutes later, Nico tipped his hat before walking out the door.

Garrett gathered his papers and strolled up to the counter. “You busy tonight?”

“Not if you are going to tell me what he said.” How would I make it until dinner without knowing? “I can make something.”

“Sounds good. Let me know what time.” He glanced at his phone. “I need to run. Christmas presents don’t wrap themselves.”

“See you later.” I’d have to figure out what to make for dinner, something impressive.

Rather than tryingto reinvent the wheel, I’d texted Ava to get her enchilada casserole recipe. And it smelled delicious bubbling in my oven.

Garrett knocked right on time, and I hurried to the door.

“Come in. Dinner is almost ready.”

He sniffed the air as he walked inside. “That smells amazing. Almost like—” A smile spread across his face. “You made enchilada casserole.”

“I did. Ava gave me the recipe.” I hurried into the kitchen when the timer beeped. “I’ve been waiting all day to know what Nico told you.”

Garrett leaned against the counter. “Good news. Well, to me it’s good news. To the—what was it you took to calling her?”

“The she-devil.”

“Yeah. To her, it’s not good news.”

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