Chiara: He’s in our town and you didn’t tell me. What the hell, Auttie? I’m coming to the inn right now.

I quickly tie my hair into a loose bun and leave the room. I need coffee before I can face the freight train that’s my best friend.

I reach the kitchen, and before I push open the swinging door, I can already smell the coffee and sweet breakfast.

“Hey, kiddo,” Suzie says from where she’s chopping something on the cutting board. Dressed as always in her double-breasted sky-blue coat and skipping her toque for a printed bandana that hides her gray hair, she’s one of the nicest and bubbliest people I’ve ever known. Suzie is almost my mom’s age and worked at the inn before I was born. She’s not exactly an employee at this stage but more like my mom’s best friend.

“Here.” She hands me a plate of pancakes and squeezes a good amount of syrup on top before placing a handful of pecans over that. “Nuts are good for young girls like you.”

I hear Chiara’s voice as the door swings open once again. “Of course she needs her energy now.”

“Hi, kiddo. There’s coffee in the pot, and I’ll get you a plate.” Suzie has already turned away, making breakfast for Chiara, who rests her fists on her waist.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were back? Why didn’t you tell me he was here?”

“It was weird and strange, Chi.”

“What are you girls arguing about?” Suzie returns with Chiara’s breakfast.

“Autumn’s husband. Have you seen him?” My best friend grabs a pecan from her plate and pushes it into her mouth.

“No.” Suzie shakes her head. “Is he handsome?” She looks between Chiara and me.

“He’s hot!” Chiara squeals.

I throw my hands up in the air. “You haven’t seen him yet.”

“You wouldn’t be blushing so hard if he looked like an ogre, Auttie.”

Chiara is going to kill me with her comments today.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Suzie has already turned away from us and is now whisking something.

“You aren’t surprised?” I ask her.

“I knew, kiddo.”

Of course she did.

“Where is he now?” Chiara asks. “I didn’t even shower because I wanted to see him. Also, I’m returning back to work at the inn.”

“Why? You were only working here temporarily.”

“I asked your mother, and she thinks it’s a good idea if I help you now that you have a lot on your plate with this upcoming wedding and your husband.”

As if I don’t know why she’s here.

“Where is he?” she asks again, taking a bite of her pancake.

“He texted me that he’s in the gym.”

“Then let’s find him.”