“Go ahead and eat those. I had a big breakfast this morning, and I don’t usually indulge in sweets this early in the day—even if I do keep a stash of chocolate-covered almonds in that drawer for a midafternoon snack.” She indicated one farther down the counter.

“If you’re certain you don’t want them . . .”

“They’re yours.” Beth sipped her coffee. “It’s too bad you aren’t from the area. With your background, you’d be an asset to the shop even in a temporary capacity.”

It was too bad. Working in a place like this would beat waitressing while she searched for a permanent position that tapped into some of the expensive education her father had paid for.

“I do like the vibe here.”

“Well, if you want to relocate, I’d love to have an art history major on the staff. Unless you have family commitments, or a significant other, in Texas.”

“No. It’s just me.”

The bell over the door jingled, and Beth gathered up the remnants of their snack. “Duty calls.” She swiveled toward the customers, a couple brandishing a dripping umbrella. “Morning, folks. I’ll be right with you. There’s an umbrella stand by the door.”

“No worries.” The man dispensed with the umbrella. “We’d like to browse for a few minutes anyway.”

Reluctant as she was to end this pleasant interlude, Christi finished the cranberry cake, washed it down with the last of the latte, and stood. “I should let you get to work. Thank you for your kindness this morning. It meant a lot.”

Beth took her hand and cocooned it between her own. “It was my pleasure. I enjoyed meeting you. And I hope you find a job that brings you happiness back in Dallas.”

“Thank you. Good luck with the knee replacement.”

“I’ll manage. You learn to cope when you’re on your own.”

Christi gave the platinum band and diamond ring on the fourth finger of the woman’s left hand a surreptitious peek. Was Beth a widow? If so, was the recent loss of her husband why she’d had too much time on her hands and had sought distraction in this shop?

Beth added nothing more, however, and asking personal questions would be out of line.

“I agree that self-reliance is a handy skill.” Although facing knee surgery without a support system would be a challenge. Far more difficult than searching for a new job.

Too bad she didn’t have a place to stay here—like a friend’s spare room. If she did, she’d hang around and help Beth out at the shop until after the knee surgery.

But her only acquaintance in town didn’t come close to qualifying as a friend. Even if Jack relented and gave her the loan, it wouldn’t be due to any tender feelings on his part. It would be a straightforward business deal.