I text Alisa and tell her Ethan’s sister is the woman I met last year. Fate, Alisa texts back.

Sure. Yes. Delayed fate, but still counts.

So, did you find out anything from her?

I don’t know how to ask.

I don’t know Miss ‘I’m on a mission’. Is the sister friendly? Just chat her up.

Me and chatting someone up.

You can do it. Didn’t you say you’re a different person in Carmel? Be that person!

I bought his earlier books. What if I put one on the table? Maybe she’ll say something.

You might as well just call yourself his biggest fan and beg for an autograph.

Very helpful, I say.

Yes, priceless. Now go talk to her.

Talk to her about what? Hey, how’s your brother? Still writing books? You know where I could find him? There’s some stuff we need to talk about.

Nope, not going to happen.

Twenty-Eight

I’m staring into the distance, trying to come up with an idea, and I see a piece of paper taped to the café’s front window. So this is what that man was looking at. Oh, well, my story was better.

The paper is facing outside, and I’m making an effort to read it backward.

Help Wanted: Seasonal employment, June–August

Flexible Schedule and Shifts 8 AM–12 AM

Inquire inside.

OK. OK. I could try. This could be an option. No crazier than my other ideas. After all, I need the money and it would justify why I’m here, plus she’ll surely mention her brother at some point.

Celine is cleaning the table next to mine.

“I saw you’re looking to hire,” I say, pointing at the window.

She nods. “Haven’t had much luck with seasonal staff. Had a girl here for a couple of weeks, but it didn’t work out.”

“I’m actually looking for a job. A temporary job.”

“Really?” she says, sounding as surprised as she looks.

“I’m in town for a little while and I need to make some money, while I take care of some personal stuff,” I say, realizing how shady that sounds. It’s not a complete lie, more like a lie by omission. I do need to take care of personal stuff and I do need a job. “I could help out until you find someone better,” I say, trying to convince her because she seems to hesitate.

“That’s not why I didn’t jump up and down when you told me,” she says, with a wide smile. “It’s just that I usually only get students or drifters showing interest. Obviously, I’d love to get some help, but do you have any experience?”

I smile innocently. “I used to work at Starbucks in college. That’s about it.”

“More than all the other candidates I had this season,” she says, laughing. “I’m in dire need of help, to be honest. My brother has been pestering me to get someone here for ages, but it’s hard to find qualified personnel once the season starts. I’d do it by myself, but between Memorial and Labor Day it’s a bit brutal. It’s good for business but hard to manage alone.”