Page 54 of Where I Found You
“That apple cost me a post-graduation job.” Elisa nibbled on her lip, tempted to go back to the memory and wallow a moment. “But you know all that. And I’m happy how things worked out, getting to come back to the Blossom.”
“Getting back to Noah…” Delia waved one hand in the air, as if they’d given Trey all the air he deserved. “I think Noah is a possibility—at least one not to be cast out like yesterday’s waffles.”
“I’m more of a pancake girl.” But Elisa’s smile fell flat. “Besides, I don’t even know how much longer he’s going to stay in Magnolia Bay. Word is he’s just here to get the inn ready and then will be moving on.”
“Never know for sure until youask.” Delia gave her a pointed glance. “And talk about how youfeel.”
Elisa worked the straw wrapper faster, heart pounding. No way could she address the kiss with Noah. Despite what Delia was saying about being real, it was better to pretend like it hadn’t affected her, to keep her emotions in check.
Being real was too dangerous.
“I hear you, Mama D. But talking to Noah or my dad seems like it’ll just cause more issues.”
“It’s always worth having a conversation.” Delia straightened in her chair. “Trust me, dear.”
“Fine.” Elisa dropped the wrapper and let out a defeated sigh. “Whichman in my lifedo you recommend I talk to first?”
“That’s easy.” Delia leaned back, folding her hands across her stomach as she grinned. “The one approaching our table, of course.”
thirteen
Noah wrenched open the door of the Chug a Mug and charged inside, chest tight. His adrenaline flowed, and he flexed his fingers as he gave the room a quick, frantic scan. A woman with two young kids sat near the chalkboard wall, typing on her phone as her children wrote with little white sticks. Two businessmen in suits sat on the couches with laptops, a newspaper spread across the table between them. The latest pop hit played via the speakers overhead, a tune that had Miley nodding her head to the beat as she snapped a lid on a to-go cup of coffee.
All was well.
No fire.
No masked robbers.
No armed criminals.
Delia sat at a window table with Elisa, a calm smile on her face, her arms folded across her middle. He rushed toward them, ignoring the cheerful chatter aimed his way from Miley, and towered over their table.
“What’s wrong?” He scanned Delia, who seemed completely fine minus the fact she was in a wheelchair. Elisa was next—who also seemed fine as she blinked up at him…minus the fact his heartbeat was sliding into a completely different kind of acceleration. “What’s going on?”
“Good to see you, Noah.” Delia gestured toward an empty chair at a nearby table. “Why don’t you join us?”
“I don’t get it.” He grabbed the chair and straddled it backwards, resting his wrists on the top of the curved back. “You said there was trouble.”
“I did?” Delia tilted her head. “I don’t recall.”
Elisa’s eyes widened. “Delia, what did you say in your texts about the coffee?”
“Coffee?” Noah frowned. He pulled out his phone and pulled up the message. His hand still shook from the dozen what-if scenarios that had raced through his mind. “This isn’t about coffee.”
Elisa craned her neck to read over his shoulder. “Trouble at the coffee shop. Come quick.” And then the next text: “BTW this is Delia.” She shot the older woman a look.
“What?” The woman spread her hands wide. “You said to warn everyone.”
“About the coffee!” Elisa waved a hand toward the front counter and leaned in to whisper. “About Miley’s mood.”
“Wait. This is about the barista?” Noah pointed to his phone, his heart rate still several notches from calm. He narrowed his eyes. “I thought there was another fire—or worse.”
Delia hunched her shoulders up by her neck, her smile turning only slightly sheepish. “I guess I’m still learning proper text etiquette.”
“I guess so.” Noah briefly closed his eyes, then looked back at Delia. Her grin was much more cat-ate-the-canary now than regretful. “How’d you even get my number?”
“You doubt my powers?” She side-eyed him.
