Page 5 of By Your Side

Glancing up, I smile as I see Raelynn approaching me. “Hi.”

“Hey! Did you get settled at the inn okay?”

“I did. It’s perfect and Ari seems so sweet.”

She nods in agreement, stepping in next to me as we hurry toward the door. The rain prevents me from taking a closer look at the exquisite landscaping done outside the old farmhouse. The wraparound porch also has seating spread out over the front, rustic wooden tables painted a soft sage green and distressed expertly. Several are occupied since they’re safe from the rain, the pretty fairy lights glowing softly above them. Hanging baskets of flowers adorn both sides of each thick wooden pillar holding up the overhang.

Following Raelynn inside, I peer around. Larger versions of the wooden tables outside are placed carefully inside. There is a long, tall bar made of repurposed wood looking out the windows to the side of the house where I can see the beautifully landscaped area.

The room is lit with lantern-style pendant lighting. It’s bright in a soft, romantic way. On the walls are paintings that, upon closer examination, I see are from a local artist.

It’s a beautiful little coffee shop. Once my brain is done processing how gorgeous Perk Up is, I finally catch the scent of the delicious coffee and baked goods displayed. Turning to catch up to Raelynn where she’s talking animatedly to a pretty brunette behind the counter, I try to decide what to order.

“Adeline, this is Elise Cooper. She’s the owner of Perk Up.” Raelynn moves along the counter, having ordered already.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Elise smiles, her green eyes taking me in with friendly curiosity.

“You too.”

Elise talks to Raelynn, the two of them catching up over some dating catastrophe while I look at the menu board. Elise has framed chalkboards in what looks like old barn wood, distressed and painted to match the tables.

I wait until Elise turns to me and smiles. “Do you have questions about the menu, or do you know what you would like?”

“May I please have a chai latte and a chicken salad sandwich on sunflower bread?”

“Of course!” She makes Raelynn’s drink quickly before moving to mine, sliding it to me in a hand-painted mug. The sandwich, carefully placed on a beautiful ceramic plate, follows. “First order is on the house.”

“Thank you so much!” Shock fills my voice as I reach for my food. Seriously, how is everyone in this town so kind? Well, everyone except that jerk from earlier.

Raelynn is sitting in a quiet corner near a large picture window. She waves me over. Weaving through the tables, I join her.

We chat about trivial things while I devour my sandwich and the best chai latte I’ve ever had. Groaning in appreciation, I lift my eyes to the ceiling. “This is delicious.”

“Once you’ve come to Perk Up, no other coffee shop or bakery will ever live up.” Raelynn finishes her coffee before reaching into her bag to pull out a list. “I’ve compiled a list of the best services in the area, everyone you could need to connect with. I highly recommend Owen Callahan for any carpentry or interior work. He’s the contractor I mentioned earlier. He’s incredibly talented.”

Gaping at her as she finally takes a breath, my hand is shaking as I take the paper from her. My throat feels tight, and I feel the familiar burn behind my eyes. “This—this is amazing,” I manage to choke out.

Raelynn gives me a gentle smile. “You’re not alone in this. You found the best place to come if you want to create a community for yourself. Now—”

“Did you hear about the woman who bought Frank’s old place?” Voices carry in as the door chimes. “She almost ran right into Wally and Ow—”

Raelynn clears her throat, giving them a glare.

Their eyes widen as they take in my flushed face, and I stare down at the table. How humiliating. I’ve been here for less than a day, and I’m already the woman who can’t drive.

They lower their voices to a whisper, but I still catch bits. “I heard he gave her a piece of his mind and told her to turn around and go home.”

They start gossiping about someone else as they place their order.

Raelynn sighs. “The downside to a small town. News carries fast.”

Shaking my head, I groan. “Of course this is my intro. I was lost and should’ve pulled over.”

She chuckles as I finally feel the heat from my face fade.

So Wally is his name. Doesn’t really seem to fit, but at least I know who to avoid.

three

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