“Good morning, Luke.” The barista behind the counter waved a cheery greeting. “The usual?” “Yes, thanks, Britti.” “You got it.” The friendly young woman turned back to her work. “You’re running pretty late today. I’d just about given up on you.” He glanced at the big wall clock and noted the time. Nearly ten. Hours later than his usual coffee run. But he’d needed solitude to think over Claire’s incredible offer of help the night before. The urge to tell her how he felt was almost overpowering. But he’d limited his feelings to those of gratitude with no mention of the love he so wanted to share with her. Luke paid the cashier and dropped the remaining bill and change into the tip jar. “See you tomorrow?” Britti called. “You betcha.” He settled sunglasses on his nose, adjusted his baseball cap and lifted the steaming cup to his lips. He sipped cautiously and turned toward the spot where his truck was parked. As the tasty latte slid down his throat he spotted the pink Mustang and sucked in a breath of recognition, sputtering in surprise.
