I snorted. If I had been about to lock lips with Garrett, I’d have told the interloper, probably Lorraine, to take a hike. Speaking of Lorraine, if this were a movie, she’d show concern I had locked myself in my room all day and knock on my door with a pot of Earl Grey tea and a plate of gingerbread cookies. But as I’d established, this wasn’t a movie, and the only edible matter in my room was the coffee dregs in my to-go cup and a red-and-white-striped peppermint hard candy I’d plucked from the nail salon after my interview. I was starving. I considered my choices. Pinkie’s or the Oven. The Oven or Pinkie’s. While I decided, I texted Kate back.

Plot twist. To be continued.

A full explanation would require me to admit out loud how worried I was. I was still hanging by a thread of hope that a solution would magically appear, but if it didn’t, I knew Kate would be there to brainstorm or give me a virtual hug. Either way, I would call her soon. She had a life too, and I wanted to hear what was new in it.

After a quick freshen-up—specifically, two swipes of deodorant and a teeth brushing—I slipped into my jacket and grabbed my phone from where I’d tossed it on the bed. On the screen was a notification of a new email I’d received from the coffee shop. The preview was enough to get the gist of the entire message. They wanted to know if I was picking up shifts for the following week. Was I? Would I need more time to finish the story? Could I afford to give up another paycheck? Should I call it quits and check out tomorrow?

I didn’t know the answer to any of those questions. All I knew was I was no longer hungry…for food anyway. I needed a drink.

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Where are you off to?”

I stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to face Finn, who was leaning against his open hotel room door, filling the frame completely with his broad torso and holding a glass of water.

“Brothers.”

“Don’t waste your time. They’re not open tonight.”

“What? Why?” I frowned. “Is it a holiday?”

“It’s Dungeons and Dragons night.” His eyes twinkled. “Which, to the cousins, is a holiday. A weekly one.”

“I won’t even bother to ask for more details. Anywhere else serve alcohol in this town?”

Finn pointed his elbow behind him. “Finn’s Tavern is open for business if you want to join me.”