“Hi.” Darla’s voice drew him from his thoughts. The server approached the table. “What can I get you?”

“Um…” He suddenly didn’t feel hungry. “How about some coffee? Black.”

“Sure. Coming up.” Darla turned to Hannah. “Ready for a refill?” Hannah shook her head and thanked her. Darla moved behind the counter where the coffee pots rested on a warmer.

“I hope I didn’t interrupt anything,” he said.

“What?” She momentarily looked confused. “Oh, you mean with Josie and Lily?” When he nodded, she continued. “They had to get back to work.”

“I don’t mean to keep you.”

“I have a couple of minutes.”

Darla returned with a steaming pot. “It’s a beautiful day. I can’t wait until my shift is over to get outside and soak up some sun.” They both agreed about the weather as she turned over the cup on the saucer in front of him before filling it with coffee. “Can I get you anything else?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.”

He knew by sitting there amongst all of the delicious aromas, he would undoubtedly change his mind. And it would give him an excuse to sit there longer and enjoy Hannah’s company. He contemplated asking her if she’d had a chance to check on his references, but he knew she had because one of his friends had already texted him, letting him know some woman with a pretty voice was checking up on him. Now it was up to Hannah to broach the subject.

Instead he said the next thing that came to mind. “It’s warming up.”

Her perfectly plucked brows drew together. “Excuse me?”

“The weather.” He nodded toward the sunshine streaming in through the window. “It’s going to be a warm spring.”

“Uh…yes, it is.” She sipped at her coffee.

So much for her broaching the subject of them helping each other out. Maybe she’d decided against it. Maybe she found someone else to do the job. The thought deflated his mood.

His gaze strayed to her beautiful face as she returned her cup to the saucer. He noticed her smile as she waved to an older man that had just entered the café. Even though Ethan barely knew her, it was obvious there was something special about her just by watching her interact with others.

And then, realizing that he was staring, he glanced down at his coffee. Ding. He withdrew his phone from his pocket to find a message from his captain. It appeared Cap was getting anxious for a firm date of Ethan’s return. His visit to Bluestar was taking longer—much longer—than he’d ever imagined.

Ethan: I’m not sure. My aunt needs help until she can return home.

Cap: Your vacation runs out at Easter. Be here the following Monday ready for work.

Ethan: I’ll see you then. Thank you, sir.

There was no response. Ethan knew he was pushing things, but he was certain this time away was just what he needed because even though the nightmares still plagued him, they weren’t as prevalent. That had to be a good sign, right?