Page 105 of A Cup of Autumn
The tension in Keaton’s gut lessened. “Excellent. I’m heading there now.”
“Wait. There are two jobs in Silver Falls? Which are you applying for?” Flynn asked.
“Both.” Keaton turned onto First Avenue. A sense of homecoming washed over him. That was unexpected but welcomed. “I’m almost here.”
“Bring me a pumpkin spice latte please,” Callie said in a rush.
“What am I missing?” Flynn asked.
Keaton laughed. “Not as much as I’ve been missing.”
“Not funny.” Flynn must be clenching his teeth.
“Get some sleep, big brother.” Callie spoke before Keaton could. “You’re working way too much. Like Keaton said, you need to rest.”
Flynn grumbled. “And as I said, I’m fine.”
“Watch out, sis. His arrogant and grumpy side is coming out.” Keaton parked the rental car in front of Tea Leaves and Coffee Beans. “I’ve got to go. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck, but you don’t need it,” Callie said. “I’ll explain what’s going on to our clueless brother.”
“Not clueless,” Flynn shot back. “You two don’t communicate like educated people.”
Keaton laughed. “You’re the one who can’t keep up. That’s what happens to the brain when you don’t get enough rest. Take care.”
He disconnected from the call, set the parking brake, and pulled the keys from the ignition.
The two keys clinked together. The key ring was the definition of boring—a silver ring. Nothing like Keaton’s that was in his briefcase. Legend claimed thetrollkorkept trolls away. Ever since he’d been carrying his, he’d seen no trolls, but a surprising amount of good luck had come his way. Could there be more to thetrollkorthan what was written about it over the centuries? Something to research in the future.
No matter what he discovered, he would continue to carry his.
And give them out as Christmas gifts this year.
Stop procrastinating.
Keaton needed to. After a day of traveling and a detour for a half day of interviews, he’d reached his destination.
His destiny?
He hoped so.
His fingers itched to reach inside his bag and pull out his key ring.
Instead, he remained in his car.
Not procrastinating.
Planning.
The parking spot allowed him to look through the coffee shop’s front window.
Missed this place.
The placard on the door readopen, but the coffee tables were empty.
A sign?
He’d take it as one.
