Page 6 of Mine Forever
“How did you know that woman’s name was Odette?”
He chuckles. “Everyone knows Odette.”
“Ahhh…yes. Small towns.”
“What about you? What brings you to the island? It’s kinda lousy timing. There’s a storm coming in.”
“I plan to be out of here by tomorrow. Sooner, if I can find a…friend of mine.”
“Oh yeah? Who are you looking for? I may be able to help.”
“Chase Hanover?”
“Seriously?”
“You know him?”
He chuckles. “He’s my neighbor.”
My breath catches. Holy shit. I found him.
Is my luck finally turning?
“Wow, small world.”
He gestures behind me. “Becky’s ready for you.”
“Oh,”—I turn to face the barista—“I’d like a large vanilla latte, extra hot, triple shot.”
“Sure thing.”
“Can you add Eden’s to my order and I’ll take two large coffees, black.”
The young girl nods. “Sure thing.”
Before I can protest for Nate generously paying for my coffee, it’s rung up and paid.
I smile at him as we move to the designated waiting area. “Thanks for that. You didn’t have to buy my coffee.”
He shrugs. “No big deal. It’s just a coffee.”
“So, do you happen to know where Chase is right now?”
“He’s told me he’d be at one of his properties getting it storm ready.” He tilts his head. “How long have you and Hanover been friends?”
“Since college.”
“Ah, college sweethearts?”
Thankfully, before I have to answer or dodge that question, our names are called. Once we get our coffees, he holds the door open for me as we leave.
“I’m headed there now, if you want to follow me.”
When he pulls his truck out and heads onto the main highway, I follow him, trying to figure out what I’ll say when I see Chase.
“Hey, Chase. Remember me? You know, the big mistake you made?”
Yeah, that’s not going to go over well.
