Piper nodded and gestured toward the kitchen. She really didn’t want anyone to overhear them talking. People here in town spread gossip like wildfire. She wouldn’t be at all surprised if the townsfolk were already buzzing about their fractured friendship. Folks in small towns tended to notice huge shifts in relationships.
He followed behind her as she swung the door open and walked toward the back office. Once they were both inside, she turned toward Braden so they were facing each other.
She folded her arms across her chest. Although she was tempted to tap her foot on the hardwood floor, she resisted the impulse, knowing it would be rude. Instead, she counted to ten in her head before speaking. “What did you want to talk about? I really don’t have much time for chitchat. We’re really busy this morning.”
“I noticed you have a nice crowd out there. That’s good, huh?”
“It’s decent, but it comes in dribs and drabs,” she said with a shrug. “The diner needs consistent revenue.” It was going to take something drastic and life-altering to save the Snowy Owl. She could no longer put her head in the sand and hope for brighter days. She needed to take action.
“I wanted to swing by and make sure things were all right between us,” he said, meeting her gaze head-on. “It’s never a good thing when you’re angry with me.”
“I think we both know things have been strained between us for a while. Last night just proved I wasn’t imagining things,” Piper said in a matter-of-fact tone.
He moved closer toward her, swallowing up the space between them. “I know it might sound like a cliché, but it’s me, not you. I’ve just been so mixed up lately. I didn’t say it well last night, but I’ve been floundering a bit. Being away from Owl Creek for so long left me a bit rudderless.”
After last night Piper hadn’t believed she could feel sorry for Braden, but hearing him talk about being lost made her ache for him. She could tell he was trying to stay strong, but there was a hint of sadness emanating from his eyes. Before things went downhill between them, she would have known exactly what was going on with him. Now, she didn’t really have a clue.
Perhaps it had been selfish of her to ask such a huge favor of Braden without knowing what was going on with him.
“I’m sorry about that,” she said. “Maybe being back home will get you back on track.”
“That’s what my mother said.” He made a face. “She also told me I need to get my life in order rather than trekking around the world seeking out adventures.”
“You had a good run. It had to end sometime.” It was pretty mind-boggling to her that he’d traveled to so many places and done so many incredible things. A part of her admired him while another part couldn’t imagine being away from the quaint Alaskan town she loved so much.
“Well, I’ll probably end up taking a position at the family business. One of the perks is being supplied with all the chocolate I can eat.” Although his tone was light, Piper could detect a note of resignation in his voice. At one point Braden had thought about a career in law, but it hadn’t worked out the way the North family had planned. He’d never made it to law school. Braden had decided he wasn’t cut out to be an esquire.
The North Star Chocolate Company was the North family’s business. There was a chocolate factory and a shop in Owl Creek. It was a big tourist attraction as well as a staple for everyone in town. Run by Braden’s parents, Willa and Nate, and his grandmother, it was a huge financial boon for the town. As chief executive officer, Beulah wanted all of her family members to be a part of the business. Although she knew Braden loved his family, both of them knew he wasn’t cut out for a desk job or working for the chocolate corporation. The great outdoors was the perfect working environment for Braden. He was in his element when he was hiking or mountain climbing or dog mushing.
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” she asked. Even though Braden had refused to help her, she still wanted him to be happy. She honestly couldn’t picture him being his authentic self while working at the family’s business.
He looked away from her. “We don’t always get what we want, but I love my family and I know being away for the last few years has been hard on them. With Sage home, it’s the first time in over two decades that my parents have had all three of their children in one place. That’s pretty special for all of the Norths.”
“I know it is. And I’m happy for all of you.” She frowned at him. “Is that what you wanted to talk about?”
“No, that’s not it,” he answered with a shake of his head. “I came here to tell you that I want to be there for you, Piper. Our friendship means the world to me. I want to help you save the diner.”
Chapter Three
Braden watched as Piper’s eyes widened with surprise. The shock on her face made him want to laugh out loud, but he knew the situation was far from humorous. The Snowy Owl Diner was at stake, and although he’d agreed to provide his assistance, he wasn’t sure if Piper even believed it could be saved. From this point forward, she would have to tell him everything about her situation. He would have to look over the books with a fine-tooth comb. If he was truly going to help her, he needed to understand exactly what she was facing. The good, the bad and the ugly.
“A-are you serious?” she asked, sputtering.
“Completely,” he said, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. “Whatever you need is what I’ll do.”
She pressed a hand to her chest. “You will? Really? You were so decisive last night. What made you change your mind?”
Braden paused before answering. “Because I owe you, Piper.”
“For what?” she asked, confusion radiating from her eyes.
Telling her the truth wasn’t an option. She wouldn’t want to know why he would forever be indebted to her. “For a million different things. You’ve always being in my corner. How could I say no to you when you’ve always said yes to me? No matter what trouble I got into or the problems I laid at your feet, you always jumped in to help me. There’s no way I could do any less for you.”
Tears slid d
own Piper’s face, and she made no attempt to wipe them away. She bowed her head, and he could see her lips moving. When she raised her head back up, Braden saw pure happiness emanating from her eyes.
“Thank you, Braden. I’m so grateful that you changed your mind. I know it’s complicated, but in my heart I truly feel that I was meant to carry on Daddy’s legacy. I just can’t imagine my life without this place in it. I’m willing to do just about anything to save it.”
