Page 20 of A Cup of Autumn
“Good luck with it. I hope the drink inspires you to the top of the NYT bestseller list.”
He’d love to hit a list someday. He raised his cup in a toast to her.
“Thanks.” Keaton took a sip. Another latte. “Very inspiring. I’m enjoying these.”
Her smile relaxed, bringing a brightness to her tired eyes and face. Despite her tiredness, Raine was attractive with expressive eyes. Her facial structure would be the envy of social media influencers. But—and it was a big but—her multiple ear piercings and her asymmetrically cut platinum-blond-streaked brunette hair made her one hundred and eighty degrees different from his ideal woman.
He dated girl-next-door or academic types, women who would fit in at university gatherings. Callie claimed he was a snob, only dating women who still wore pearls and sweater sets who would meet a dean’s approval. She might be right. Not that dating that type had helped him keep his job.
“I’d better get back to the counter. Wave if you need another,” she said. “I’ll bring it over if there’s no one at the counter.”
This was his chance. He set the drink on the table. “I’m sorry for being so rude when you mentioned hiring me.”
“Don’t worry about it.” The way her words shot out belied her casual tone.
No matter what she said, it had mattered to her. He’d hurt her with his careless words.
“I was half joking,” she added. “Just getting a little desperate trying to find more help.”
He was fighting a bit of desperation himself. His frustration over losing his job had gotten the best of him. Flynn and their parents must be relieved Keaton had left Southern California. “I hope you find someone soon.”
“Me, too.”
The bell on the door jingled. Brecken, who worked for Taryn, and the barista Keaton remembered serving him this summer walked in.
The only difference from a month ago?
The barista’s hair was green instead of purple.
“Hey, Boss,” Timmy called out.
A genuine grin crossed Raine’s face.
Keaton did a double take. She hadn’t smiled at him or other customers like that.
She hugged Timmy. “How did classes go today?”
“Good.” Timmy glanced at the counter. “Here alone?”
Raine’s nod was imperceptible. Keaton would have missed it if he hadn’t been staring at her.
“You’re exhausted.” Timmy’s gaze narrowed. “When was the last time you ate?”
She rubbed her neck. “Um, yesterday. Lunch, I think.”
Keaton’s mouth dropped open. She thought?
Not good. He felt like an even bigger jerk. She hadn’t been kidding about being desperate.
Brecken bit his lip.
Timmy was the only one who didn’t appear surprised. “That’s what I thought.”
“I’m fine.” Raine’s words sounded practiced, too smooth.
“And I’m the newest member of MENSA.” Timmy handed his backpack to Brecken. “I’m taking over the counter for a few minutes, so Raine can take a break.”
Brecken nodded.
