“Life shouldn’t be all about making money. My stand isn’t a gold mine, but I enjoy creating tacos as much as I enjoy painting. Customers for both can feel the love I put into my work. Like they can feel the love you have for this shop. It seeps into your pores the instant you cross the threshold. A person would have to be über stressed not to find peace and relaxation in this wireless zone.”

The very ambiance he’d hoped to create when he’d opened a year and a half ago.

“You just made my day.”

“That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?” Charley motioned toward the foam art. “Why don’t you show that to your customer? Brighten her day.”

Not a bad idea. Perhaps it would elicit a few words from her—or initiate a conversation.

He set the cup on the counter as she approached and offered her his most engaging grin. The one that usually turned female heads. “Your personalized skinny vanilla latte.”

Lips flat, she gave his handiwork no more than a fleeting perusal, extracted a five dollar bill from her wallet, and set it on the counter. “Keep the change.”

Not only was the lady immune to his charm, she wasn’t planning to linger.

Fighting back an irrational surge of disappointment, Zach put the lid on the drink and picked up the money. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” She hurried toward the door, pulled her umbrella out of the stand, and disappeared into the gray shroud hanging over the town.

“I think my attempt to brighten her day was a bust.” He folded his arms as the rain pummeled the picture window.

“Oh, I don’t know. Sometimes the simplest gestures of kindness can touch a heart in unseen ways.”

He didn’t try to hide his skepticism. “Assuming there’s a heart to touch. The lady didn’t exude much warmth.”

“She may be hiding it behind a protective wall. Could be she’s dealing with a boatload of heavy stuff. That can dampen a person’s sociability.”

Zach’s antennas perked up. “You know anything about her?”

“Nothing much—though she seems familiar.” He squinted after her. Shook his head. “It’ll come to me. Anyway, I spotted her on the wharf Monday, sipping a brew from your fine establishment. She was sitting alone on a bench during one of the few monsoon-free interludes we’ve had this week. I got gloomy vibes. Like she was troubled—and could use a friend.”

Zach wasn’t about to question the veracity of Charley’s intuition. The man was legendary in these parts for his uncanny insights and his ability to discern more than people willingly divulged.

Present company included.

How Charley had realized there was an unresolved issue in his past was beyond him. He’d never talked about it to anyone. But the man’s astute comments, while generic, were too relevant to be random.