2. A Smile is Your Best Accessory
2
A SMILE IS YOUR BEST ACCESSORY
“A cabaret?” Noah said the word like a question and accusation rolled into one, jumping right into the conversation without so much as a hello.
Twirling a pen in her fingers, Hanna forced herself to smile.
After all, you can apparently hear a smile through the phone.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Eversham.” It put a small smile on her face to hear Noah’s muted sigh at her splenda-sweet response.
“What can I help you with?”
Perhaps give him directions to the nearest cliff to walk off?
“You could start by explaining what a cabaret is doing on the itinerary.”
“Yes, it was on your grandmother’s list of ‘must do’s’ in Paris.”
Since their meeting a week ago, Noah called every day.
Sometimes multiple times a day, all so that he could “check in” on the planning process.
He wanted to be involved in every step, no matter how many times she informed him that people hired her specifically so that they did not have to deal with the small details.
Despite that, Noah wanted confirmation of every booking and each day’s itinerary for the fourteen day trip, which she uploaded to the online client portal.
Giving Noah access to this portal, in addition to Hazel, was clearly a mistake.
There was a sound of shuffling papers in the background.
“And you thought that was an appropriate activity for women their age? One of them might have a heart attack.”
“Last I checked, they were grown adults who could make their own decisions. If a cabaret is what Hazel wants, it is my job to book her the best possible, not critique her choices.”
Silence filled her ear for a blessed moment.
“Where is it?”
“Paris.”
An exasperated sigh came through the line.
“Where specifically?”
This time her smile was genuine.
She should not take so much joy from pushing Noah’s buttons, but he made it so easy.
“Montmartre.”
She heard him typing.
“The name?”
Hanna told him.
More typing.
Registering what all the typing was for, Hanna gasped.
“Are you looking it up? It is a real place, I assure you.”
If you could hear a smile through the phone, then Hanna knew she could hear Noah smirking.
“Just making sure it is the best, since that’s what my grandmother is paying you for. Although I do not see why she needs you when you can book directly on their website.”
The nerve of this man.
Contrary to what one overinvolved, overprotective, and arrogant grandson thought, this was not Hanna’s first time planning a vacation.
Trips Ahoy catered to groups looking for a cookie cutter experience, which meant that Hanna was giving the same set of tours each season.
Japan and Korea in the spring, Europe in the summer, and South America in the winter, the history and stories of each landmark memorized to the point where she could recite them in her sleep.
When guiding groups became a routine as stale as an open bag of crackers, Hanna looked for ways to keep them fresh and exciting.
That was when she asked Stephanie if she could design a new tour.
Her first attempt never made it past the planning stages, receiving critique that it included too many activities in too short of a timeframe.
Guests did not want to get carted from place to place like mail delivery, viewing sights like they were on a conveyor belt.
After a period of self-doubt, where Hanna spiraled into thinking that she would never accomplish anything, Stephanie sat her down so they could work on revising the tour together.
It took several drafts, but eventually she had a tour worth booking.
Most of the tours Hanna created while at Trips Ahoy were wildly popular.
So, there was no reason for Noah to hover like a parent waiting for their teen to come home after their first date.
Case in point, Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” usually brought her nothing but joy, but when the cheery ringtone rang minutes ago, all it did was grate on her last nerve.
Now, her heart rate increased each time she saw his name on the screen of her phone and she took every opportunity to kill him with kindness in hopes that he gave up whatever quest he was on.
And the flush of her face was caused by the fury that grew each time he doubted her, not the way his voice reminded her of sitting on the beach on a warm summer day.
It was the fifth time Noah called.
Today.
Hanna responded as if he never made the pointed jab at the necessity of her services.
“Was there anything else you wanted to discuss, Mr. Eversham? Or can I get back to the job your grandmother hired me to do?”
A throat-clearing reminded Hanna that she should tone down the sass and pay attention to the guest on the other end of the phone.
“I wanted to discuss the recent additions you added to our itinerary, unless you had something better to do?”
“I have as much time as you need,” she said, standing and starting to pace across her room.
All ten feet of it. She was spending too much time surrounded by four walls and needed to get outside.
Launching a luxury travel company involved more time indoors than she was accustomed to.
“I was just about to head out for coffee, would you like to meet up and we can go over your questions in person?”
Noah agreed to meet her at a location of her choosing, and it gave Hanna an idea.
She needed to gain his trust so that he would stop interrupting her work and actually let her plan this trip.
Four months before the trip would feel like an eternity if she had to defend every choice she was making.
Meeting in person would provide a chance to show him the type of experiences Luxe Travel provided.
It only took a few calls to set something up, and there was a smile on her face as Hanna texted the location information to Noah.
When they met at the coffee shop an hour later, Noah was wearing another crisp button down, this one a deep maroon that brought out his tan, the shine of his shoe and glare of his dark sunglasses practically blinding Hanna in the bright light.
Apparently, when she asked him to dress casually, that meant slacks.
Hanna could not wait to see him messy.
“Thank you for meeting me,” Noah said while pushing his sunglasses on top of his swept back hair.
Her memory did not do justice to his beautiful blue eyes, and just one look into them sent a jolt of energy through her body that caffeine could not accomplish.
The decadent scent of roasting coffee beans poured out from the entrance as a couple excited the shop, the whir and hiss of coffee machines filling the air around them.
Hanna felt Noah’s solid presence behind her as he reached for the door and held it open for her.
“Anything for my most involved client.”
Hanna was disappointed when her joke was met with silence.
This man was harder to crack than a closed pistachio.
Trips were more difficult with people who did not know how to have a good time.
If she could not get Noah to relax, he would bring the vibe of the entire group down.
“Aren’t I your only client?” Was that an attempt at humor?
Hanna smothered a laugh.
“Technically, your grandmother is the client. You are just a bonus.” Hanna looked over her shoulder with a cheeky grin and nearly tripped over the threshold at the sight of the right side of his mouth curving up.
There was hope for him yet.
Hanna’s new mission in life was to get a full smile out of this man.
Clearing his throat, Noah settled a frown back on his face.
“Speaking of my grandmother, I had a few questions about the activities–”
“ Ana !” A short woman with black hair curling wildly around her round face called out in Spanish.
Pilar Espinosa bustled around the counter to approach them with open arms, her simple black apron dusted with coffee grounds.
An immigrant from Peru, Pilar’s accented English never failed to remind Hanna of her own mother, and she felt a pang of homesickness when she realized it had been weeks since she last spoke to her parents.
Pilar fired off rapid questions in the spaces between kissing Hanna’s cheeks.
“ How are you? Are you eating enough? You look too skinny. It’s been too long since you visited. How is your business? And who is this handsome man? A boyfriend?”
“No, Pilar ,” Hanna answered in Spanish, switching back to English at the look of confusion on Noah’s face.
“Do you remember the tour I was planning, with Hazel and her friends? This is Hazel’s grandson, Noah. He is coming on the tour with us.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Ms…?” Noah charmed Pilar instantly with his half-smile and sparkling eyes, a blush dusting her face as she swatted his arm.
As cute as it was to watch Pilar flirt with Noah, Hanna felt something close to jealousy swirling in her chest despite the reality that Pilar was old enough to be Noah’s mother.
“Everyone calls me Pilar. I haven’t been a Ms. in a long time. You are in good hands with my Ana, she is the best there is. Single, too. Sit, sit. Let me get you some coffee and alfajores.”
Now it was Hanna’s turn to blush.
The last thing she needed was Pilar trying to set her up with a client’s grandson.
She had enough difficulty avoiding the topic of her dating life with her own parents.
Watching the smaller woman herd Noah towards a table was amusing, and Hanna laughed at the desperate look he sent her way.
“Pilar,” she chided.
“Noah and I are here to meet with Daniel. I called him an hour ago to let him know we were coming.”
“ Mijo ,” Pilar yelled.
“Your guests are here.”
The door to the kitchen swung open as Daniel came into view, wiping his forearm against his brow and spreading a streak of flour across his brown skin.
“Is it Ana?”
When he saw her, Daniel’s face split into a wide grin.
“It’s been too long.”
Opening her arms for a hug, Hanna kissed Daniel on the cheeks before wiping away the flour on his forehead with a napkin from her purse.
He smelled like delicious coffee and baked goods.
“Your mother said the same thing. Now that I am back in town, I promise to stop in regularly.” Over Daniel’s shoulders, Hanna saw Noah’s jaw clench and eyes narrow as he watched them.
Strange that he did not bat an eye when Pilar kissed her.
As she pulled away from her friend, Hanna turned him toward Noah.
“This is the client I told you about, Noah. Noah, this is Daniel Espinosa, the owner of Terrenos Frescos.”
Hanna watched as Noah unclenched his jaw and extended his hand toward Daniel.
Nearly a foot shorter, Daniel still managed to pull Noah into a hug, greeting him as if they were old friends.
“ Bienvenidos. Welcome. Any friend of Ana’s is a friend of mine. I don’t open my kitchen for just anyone, you know.”
Only a few years younger than Hanna, Daniel prided himself on maintaining a spotless shop.
Terrenos Frescos was decorated in playful colors.
Vibrant artwork from artisans hung on the clay colored walls.
Dark wood booths with mismatched throw pillows woven in geometric patterns lined the walls, and square tables with cushioned seats filled the open space.
A long counter ran almost the entire length of the back wall, the coffee machines, racks of mugs, and a pastry cabinet giving patrons a tantalizing glimpse of what the shop offered.
Warm and inviting, the authenticity that Daniel and Pilar created was what initially drew Hanna to the shop.
She continued coming because they provided something no coffee chain could, they made her feel like family.
More customers made their way into the shop, and Pilar went over to greet them, welcoming them in like old friends.
Realizing that they were starting to get in the way, Hanna stepped to the side, angling her body in a way that encouraged Noah to do the same.
“Thank you again for letting us come on such short notice,” she said to Daniel.
He waved off the thanks, ushering them towards the kitchen.
“For you? Anything.”
At Noah’s quirked brow, Hanna felt the need to explain, “I have frequented this shop for years and always make a point to mention it on social media.” She did not add that after the pandemic, there was a downturn in business that almost had Daniel closing the shop, and Hanna used the power of her follower count to promote the shop and host a GoFundMe.
“Local, family-owned businesses are rich in history and good for the community. These are the places that people should be visiting, and I do what I can to increase their visibility.”
“And that’s what you do on your trips?”
She looked over her shoulder at him with a satisfied smile.
Asking questions like that meant he cared, and caring brought him one step closer to not treating her like a scam artist. “Exactly. Which brings me to the purpose of our visit today.”
Noah looked around the room, sharp eyes taking in the spotless countertops and appliances.
“I thought we were meeting to discuss my concerns for the trip. And get coffee.”
“Yes, but why just get coffee when you can learn how to make it.”
His eyes widened in surprise before he turned back to survey the room in light of the new information.
As if he could sense the tension between the two, Daniel was uncharacteristically quiet, moving about the space to grab what they needed for the lesson.
Usually, her friend would keep up a continuous string of conversation, asking about her recent tours and regaling her with stories about his spouse, Marco, and their toddler, Maya.
The kitchen was small, with counters lining every available wall and wooden shelves with spices, earthen dishware, and utensils mounted above them.
Where the main room was a vibrant riot of colors, the kitchen was stark, clean white lines and stainless steel appliances.
A refrigerator held what ingredients they would need for the small selection of pastries and sandwiches they offered, and planters with fresh herbs were set in each of the three windows.
Pulling on the apron that Daniel handed her, Hanna explained, “I wanted to give you a taste of what kinds of excursions I can book for tour groups. Daniel graciously offered to teach us about the different types of coffee beans grown in Peru, and then we get to make our own coffee to enjoy with alfajores. Daniel?”
One of the key characteristics of a successful vacation concierge is knowing when to yield the floor to someone with more expertise than you.
She was a spotlight, not the main attraction.
Affable as his mother, Daniel launched into the history of his favorite subject, coffee.
He often joked that coffee ran through his veins, but considering that his extended family owned a coffee farm in Cusco, and how much of the beverage he consumed each day, Hanna suspected that it might be true.
When he was a child, Daniel and Pilar visited Peru every summer, where he got into mischief with cousins and learned the family trade.
He shared stories about days spent harvesting the pods, cradling them in his hands.
Glancing at Noah from the corner of her eye, Hanna was pleasantly surprised to see his eyes fixed on Daniel, giving him his full attention and listening earnestly.
When Daniel began explaining how each variety of bean had different flavor notes, and that variation in fermentation changed the complexity of the flavor, Noah leaned forward, asking specific questions that had Daniel beaming with pride.
Practically bursting with glee at having someone to share this passion with, Daniel had Noah sniff each jar of coffee beans, encouraging him to guess what flavors he could smell.
It was like watching a teacher finally get an enthusiastic student, their energy building off one another.
The best part was that Hanna could tell Noah’s curiosity was genuine.
As much of a grump as he was towards her, Noah showed nothing but sincere kindness to Daniel and Pilar.
He followed Daniel’s instructions precisely, carefully pouring out water over pre-ground beans into a coffee press, waiting to pour it into sampling cups.
The smell of freshly roasted coffee barely roused Hanna from the fixation she had on watching Noah’s long, slender fingers wrap around the carafe or handle the delicate cups.
They looked so small in his large hands, and she wondered what else would look–
Nope.
Absolutely not.
Hanna could not lust after a client.
Particularly not one who treated her job like an unwanted charge on a bill.
Stuffing away the wayward thoughts into an imaginary box in her brain, stored in a corner where it should collect enough dust to impress a crumbling European castle, Hanna refocused on the lesson in coffee making.
Daniel gave her the abbreviated version years ago, but he was obviously enjoying the opportunity to take them through what was his version of the extended edition of Lord of the Rings.
When it finally came time to try the coffee, Hanna watched Noah intently, curious to see what his coffee preference was.
At the tea shop, he added a splash of milk and a generous scoop of sugar to his cup, so Hanna had an inkling how he would react to the bold taste of the coffee.
Daniel placed a jar of beans below Noah’s nose.
“Here, smell the beans before you take a sip and try to guess which roast you are drinking.”
Before taking a sip, Noah lifted first the various beans, then the brew to his nose, inhaling deeply in an attempt to smell the scents that Daniel explained earlier.
When the first burst of flavor hit his tongue, Noah winced slightly before masking the reaction.
Running a hand over his stubbled jaw and clearing his throat, Noah returned the cup to its place in the lineup.
“It’s rather bold, but I think I tasted vanilla and…citrus?” His eyes ran along the row of jars before pointing to one.
“This one?”
Having noticed Noah’s initial wince, Daniel’s enthusiasm had deflated, but he perked back up again at the correct guess.
“Yes! That is our house roast, more acidic than most people are used to, but we balance it with the vanilla and citrus. Here, try this one next.” Daniel nudged another cup forward.
After his experience with the last cup, Noah glanced at Hanna without reaching for the cup.
“Why don’t you try this one?”
Based on his hesitation, Hanna guessed that he was concerned the next cup would be too bitter for his liking, and was trying to get her to fall on the proverbial sword for him.
Travel was all about trying new things, and Hanna knew from experience that the next roast was softer.
Shaking her head with an encouraging smile, Hanna replied, “Me? No, this experience is for you. Besides, I have my own cup.”
Noah frowned down at the row of cups, looking at them like they insulted him.
He swallowed before lifting up the next cup, and Hanna had to stifle a laugh.
The man truly did not like bitter drinks.
Beside her, Daniel turned away with a cough that sounded suspiciously like a laugh.
Despite his initial reluctance, Noah’s eyes widened in surprise when he tasted the coffee.
“It’s…sweeter than I expected. And, almost floral?”
This time, Daniel let out a deep laugh.
“Better than you were expecting, no?”
A flush spread over Noah’s cheekbones.
“Yes,” he said sheepishly.
“It might be one of the best cups of coffee I have ever tasted. But I wouldn’t say no to a little creamer.”
“You two go sit down and I’ll bring you a fresh cup along with our homemade creamer.” Daniel clapped Noah on the shoulder before waving them out of the kitchen.
Placing her apron on the peg near the swinging door, Hanna looked over her shoulder at Noah.
“So, what did you think?”
“I was surprised. When you offered to meet for coffee, I was expecting a quick meeting, not a lesson on coffee beans. But I enjoy learning from people who are passionate about their craft. It gave me an appreciation for Daniel’s heritage and the struggles small farmers are experiencing.”
He pulled out her chair before sitting across from her.
Hanna mentally high-fived herself.
Bringing him to Terrenos Frescos was part of her plan to convince him that her company was legitimate and added value to people’s vacations.
Admitting that he enjoyed the experience was a step in the right direction, and Hanna felt tension release from her shoulders at the thought of him not fighting her over every decision.
“But–” Noah’s blue gaze focused on her.
“–that doesn’t mean I trust you yet.”
Annndd, there went all the progress Hanna thought she was making.
She wanted to bang her head against the wall, which would probably yield more than the stubborn man across from her.
But strong outbursts of emotions never got women anywhere in the world.
Instead, Hanna folded her hands neatly on the table, assuming a posture of confidence before responding calmly.
“Trust takes time. I understand your hesitancy when it comes to this trip.” A lie.
“I can also understand why you might be considering other travel agencies for your grandmother to use.” Another lie.
“But, part of what Luxe Travels offers, what I offer, are unique experiences that you cannot get elsewhere. Visiting a country is one thing, but immersing yourself in the culture and lifestyle gives you rich and rewarding experiences. Experiences like this.”
She gestured to the cafe around them, Pilar chatting with customers at another table while Daniel brought out their fresh drinks.
“You can get coffee anywhere, but getting to meet the owners, families who have worked the land for generations, and use your own hands to make something is priceless.”
A crease formed between his eyebrows and Noah regarded her skeptically.
“Sure, but my grandmother doesn’t need you for that. Why not just cut out the middle-woman, you, and arrange everything on her own?”
Wow.
It was like Noah did not even care that he was insulting her career choice to her face.
Sure, her family constantly treated her job like it was a side project on her way to a “real” career, but having a relative stranger say she was expendable hurt more than Hanna wanted to admit.
Moving one hand under the table, Hanna began spinning the plain gold band on her middle finger with her thumb, letting the smooth touch of the warm metal steady her heartbeat.
She understood his concern, paying someone for a task she could do herself was a luxury Hanna could not afford, but Noah and his grandmother could.
“Because I save people the hassle and headache of having to arrange it on their own. Plus, do you see anyone else going into the kitchen?” She gave a pointed look around them.
Silence sat between them for a beat.
“No.” The answer was pulled out of him like a stubborn dog refusing to let go of a tennis ball even though it wanted to continue playing fetch.
“Exactly, because it isn’t offered to just anyone. When people take a tour with me, they don’t just get my planning and translation skills, they also get my connections. You work in business, right?”
He nodded, shoulders tightening as he realized she was going to put him in his place.
Clients usually held the upper hand, controlling her means of receiving steady income, but she relished the instances where she got to lay out a tactful “I told you so.” And something about this particular man, the way they rubbed each other wrong, made this moment even more enjoyable.
She felt a little shiver of delight through her body.
“Then you understand how valuable relationships and networking are. Have you been to Paris before? Do you have hours to book reservations to the Louvre, Eiffel Tour, and countless other places Hazel and her friends want to go? Would you like to research dozens of private car services to find one that is reliable and can accommodate a wheelchair? I have been at this job for a long time, and work hard to seek out places and people that offer something outside the typical tourist trap box. Businesses trust me to bring groups who genuinely care about exploring and trying new things, and groups trust me to take them to hidden gems in some of the most well-known places of the world. What I provide is more than just ‘trip planning.’ I create unforgettable memories for people, crafting experiences catering to their unique interests.”
Hanna could feel the heat rising in her face from the impassioned speech, her heart pounding somewhere in her throat.
At certain points, Hanna had allowed her frustration to slip into her tone, something that she worked diligently to keep at bay around guests.
As Stephanie had to often remind her when she was a fresh-faced teenager co-guiding groups, “People don’t pay us to lecture them like naughty school children. They want a guide who is polite, polished, and pretty.”
But, when she lifted her eyes to look at Noah again, having briefly lowered them to her cup when taking a calming breath, Hanna saw a muscle in his jaw twitch.
Definitely not a good sign.
Saying goodbye to any dreams of launching her business with a splash, Hanna prepared for him to call Hazel and fire her on the spot.
His blue eyes blazed like the hottest fire and Hanna felt warmth pool in her core as he continued to stare at her.
Noah’s jaw flexed like he was puzzling out what words to skewer her with.
But when his lips parted, it was not with the verbal set down Hanna expected.
“You are right, I do not have time for that. Nor do I think my grandmother would want to go on a trip that I planned for her.” The mention of his grandmother softened the hard set of his face.
“If she heard how I was talking to you.” He shuddered.
“Well, let’s just leave it that I’m grateful she isn’t here.”
Hanna knew she should laugh politely when he gave a self-deprecating laugh, but she merely regarded him warily.
None of what he was saying sounded like he was firing her, but neither was he apologizing for his behavior.
“Look,” he continued, “I am well aware that you don’t like me, and I do not trust that you aren’t looking to use my grandmother for her money. But, that is no excuse for me to talk to you the way I did. I am sorry.”
Noah ran a hand through his thick hair, the once styled look now artfully waved.
“Thank you.” Hanna watched his shoulders relax.
“Whether you like it or not, Hazel hired me, not you, and I am going to continue planning an amazing vacation for her and her friends.”
Before he could interject, Hanna plowed on.
“But, that does not mean that I want you to fight me every step of the way. Each delay costs time and effort, which could limit the options I am able to book. Hazel already provided her credit card information and paid the deposit, and I know you’ve double checked that there were no recent fraudulent charges.”
Honestly, it spoke highly of him that he was protective of his grandmother.
There were too many convincing scammers and hackers out there.
So, although a large part of her was frustrated that Noah’s protectiveness was impacting her job, Hanna was also envious that Hazel had someone in her life that cared enough to intervene.
In a family dedicated to non-profit work, with both parents medical professionals, Hanna grew up on a steady diet of self-sufficiency and over-achieving.
Her parents and siblings gave so much to the world around them, that Hanna often felt left behind.
Running out of both time and options, Hanna asked, “What else can I do to convince you that I’m not out to steal your grandmother’s money?”
Noah regarded her for a moment.
“How about we make a deal? I’ll stop questioning every decision you make, if–” He paused to look at her, the effect of his full attention like a cyclone pulling Hanna into his blue eyes.
“You stop acting like Tour Guide Barbie.”
She stumbled over her words as her brain fought to catch up with what he said.
“Excuse me? Tour Guide Barbie? You think I’m acting fake?”
If only she did live in Barbie World where everything was fantastic and went her way.
Then she could escape this carousel of a conversation.
Nodding, Noah took a sip of his coffee, wrapping his hands around the cup when he was done.
”That’s part of the reason I am having trouble trusting you.
” His eyes scrutinized her, as if looking close enough would reveal cracks in her armor.
Could he see how she used flawless makeup–not too heavy–a chic wardrobe, thrifted, and practiced politeness to shore up any crumbling facades?
“How can I trust you when I do not know how much of this is your real personality, or just a persona for clients. There are glimpses of the real you, flashes that make me feel like I can trust you, but then you close up and I am left wondering what to believe. To me, honesty is more important than being likable.”
Noah wanted the real version of her?
Impossible. No one wanted that.
Hanna was not even sure she knew who that person fully was.
So much of her job was dedicated to being whoever the group wanted her to be.
Everyone wanted the fun, upbeat, always happy and positive woman who had enough energy to power a small town.
Not the version that called people out for their bad behavior.
“So you like it when I call you out for being an asshole?”
Noah’s mouth lifted in that half-smile Hanna was beginning to crave.
Almost as if it was a reward for the thoughts that popped out of her mouth, unfiltered.
“Oddly enough, I do. I can admit when I’m being an asshole, and should be called out for it.” He placed his hands palm down in the middle of the table.
“At least your reactions are honest when you are calling me out, and I promise that this will not negatively impact your job.”
“Really?” She regarded him skeptically.
“Even if I tell you that you need to let me do my job and stop acting like an overbearing parent, you will not ask Hazel to fire me?”
“No, because at least I know you are being honest. Do we have a deal, no more fake personality around me?”
“In return, do you think you can withhold pestering me long enough for me to get my job done?”
“I’ll try,” he replied with a smirk.
“Think you can convince me this is all worth the price?”
The spark of competition made Hanna’s heart skip a beat.
“Definitely.” Their hands met briefly in the space between them, what should have been a professional gesture instead sent a zap of pleasure up her arm before spreading through the network of nerves, lighting up every receptor in her body.
Maybe the challenge would not be convincing him that her tour was worth it, but convincing herself that the chemistry between them was not worth exploring.
While they finished their coffee, Hanna and Noah chatted about random topics.
Straying from her process when vetting activities to what movies they watched recently.
As they stood to leave, Hanna watched Noah subtly slide several bills underneath the empty cups.
Even though she told him that the experience was her treat, Noah insisted that quality service should be rewarded, and it was sweet that he did not appear to want recognition for his generosity.
At the door, they parted with a wave.
“Talk to you soon,” Noah called out.
“Not too soon,” Hanna replied.
His laughter echoed in Hanna’s head the entire ride back to her apartment.