Page 81 of Every Thought Taken

Lake Lavender doesn’t have an apothecary or skincare shop. The pharmacy or beauty aisle in Lakeside Grocer doesn’t count. And because we lack both, I’ve mulled over adding something to Always Classic. Lavender products made locally for women by women. Scented bags for dresser drawers and closets. Teas and soaps and lotions. Candles and dried flower bundles. The possibilities are endless.

Discussing the idea with Mags and Lessa is on my to-do list. I doubt they’d shut down the idea, but as my business partners, I want their ideas and insight.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out as I reach Java and Teas Me.

Anderson

Club Lesdon ??

I snort-laugh as I walk through the restored front door of the coffee shop.

Helena

Lesdon? I dare you to say that next time we’re all together.

Anderson

Dare accepted.

“What’s so funny?”

I startle and shove my phone in my pocket. “Nothing.” I tuck a wayward lock of hair behind my ear as I scan the dining room. “The café looks great. Like nothing happened.”

Weeks ago, two guys broke into Java and Teas Me long after closing. They vandalized the walls and broke furniture and appliances. Then, they started a fire in the kitchen. Little did they know, Lessa was in the office off the kitchen. Had she not been in there and heard them break in, the building might have gone up in flames.

It took threats of serious jail time to get the guys to speak up and reveal the person behind all the damages. Someone with a massive ego and a severe sense of entitlement. Needless to say, much of the town was shocked. But they banded together and pitched in to help one of their own.

Small towns… may have their frustrating moments, but at the end of the day, there is more good than bad. And Lake Lavender proved as much when Java and Teas Me had to close its doors for repairs. Not only did they lend time and tools, but they also gave warm hugs and brought food and drinks.

“I’ll let that change of subject slide, but I expect answers. Soon.”

I roll my eyes. “Okay,Mom.”

Lessa wraps me in a tight hug and, surprisingly, releases me before I tap out. “Here for drinks?”

“Yes, please.” I follow her to the service counter. “My usual matcha and a lemon-iced lavender scone. A Light Weight latte, iced with oat milk, and Walk of Shame sandwich for Becca.”

She keys in our drinks and food then cashes it out without making me pay. One of the perks of a business partnership… unlimited caffeine and provisions. I pull a twenty out of my pocket and shove it in the tip jar. Though I don’t need to pay, I drop money in the tip jar every trip. It’s only right. Not only does it support my friend and our business, but it also keeps her staff happy.

“Food will be out in a few.” She spins around and gets to work on the drinks. In no time, she pops two cups in a cardboard carrier and sets my bagged scone in a free slot. Leaning a hip on the counter, she narrows her eyes as she studies my face. “You’re different.”

I tilt my head and purse my lips. “Thanks?”

She pushes off the counter and tips her head toward the end of the service counter. I grab the cup holder and meet her at the end. Her thin fingers fiddle with the strings of her apron but stop when I drop my gaze to the action.

“Weeks ago, you were mopey and weird.”

“What the hell, Lessa?”

She huffs. “That came out wrong.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “It’s just… you seemed down. Quieter than normal.” Unlocking her arms, she shrugs. “And now, you’re more yourself.”

Alessandra Everett, always a keen observer. Neither she nor Anderson misses much. The one thing she always missed, though, is the relationship between me and her brother.

And now that he is back and we are rebuilding us, I am happier.

“Again, thanks?”

With a roll of her eyes, she leans across the counter and lowers her voice. “Whatever it is, I’m always here to listen.”

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