Chapter 8
Sadie
Less than twenty-four hours later…
Mindy and I settled into Bailey’s with ease last night.
It’s a charming cabin made from western red cedar.
The quaint and cozy space has a gorgeous fireplace, ceilings that stretch forever, and beautiful original beams across the entire space.
The reddish tones of the wood make it feel ambient and warm.
Bailey affectionately calls her little place ‘Cedar Hollow’, and it’s quite fitting.
We ordered some Chinese takeout for dinner, and I unpacked some of my clothes into the closet in Bailey’s spare room. Mindy roamed around happily after I set up her cat bed, some of her toys, and then found a cozy spot in front of the fireplace.
It was nice just relaxing for the evening and chatting about old times, recapping the recent events at work.
Needless to say, I slept well and woke up fresh on Wyoming time.
Feeling better than I have in a long time, I even went for a run this morning before I had my first cup of coffee.
Bailey was going to join me, but she had to head out early to get some supplies for the horses.
She’s planning on showing me the stables later and how the bunkhouse is coming along.
So, I decide to wander into town while she’s out. We had a crash course on the ATV, and apparently it’s acceptable to ride these into town. After a bit of a wobbly start, I get there in one piece.
My first stop is The Dusty Spur Diner for coffee, and some sweet treats for later.
I loved coming here the last time I visited; it has that old world charm that seems so lacking in many other cookie cutter restaurants these days.
The sign itself always gives me a chuckle; a jean-clad cowboy in a red checked shirt holding onto his hat sitting in the saddle of his large brown horse.
The spurs are a focal point on his black cowboy boots; the shiny embellishments point out from the heels.
It’s the place to be, according to everyone in Alpine Falls.
That and the Butterfingers bakery. I swear I put on five pounds just looking in the window.
The Spur serves amazing pastries and delightful home-cooked meals, from fluffy pancakes, chicken-fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, to steak burgers, buffalo wings, chilli and cornbread.
They also have vegetarian options because I gave up meat five years ago.
The homemade pies and bread pudding are well-renowned.
Their bottomless coffee is famously thick and strong, and will most definitely keep you perky all day.
I order my go-to latte, as well as Bailey’s coffee, and a few pastries to go.
I’m fumbling with my cash, trying to hold onto my mittens after I place my order with the cheerful server, Sally-Ann.
Walking over to the waiting area, I glance up while I’m shoving my wallet back in my tote, and I’m met with a pair of oceanic blue eyes I wasn’t expecting.
Eyes I seem to recognize even when I shouldn’t.
I don’t know why, but they remind me of a stormy sea — deep, maybe a little restless — and impossible to ignore.
Why does he feel so familiar?
I clutch onto my mittens for dear life while I wait for my order. I feel my bottom lip curl under my teeth, a bad habit I’ve never been able to break, and it’s like I’m no longer in charge of my actions. Then there’s the instant rustle of unexpected embarrassment flushing my cheeks.
Sometimes if the guy is really cute, I get a little fidgety. And he is dreamy. A rugged mountain man.
I flick my eyes toward him again, and some familiarity flashes before me.
A recognition I can’t place. I know I haven’t met this tall, solidly built man with a dark, neatly trimmed beard and an intense stare.
Nope. I would have remembered him anywhere…
My sharp intake of breath is the only break I get from his intense stare.
His lips part, like he’s about to say something, but then he hesitates, and Sally-Ann breaks our connection.
“Here you go, honey,” she calls from behind the counter.
The spell is suddenly broken as Mister Blue Eyes turns his head, looking toward Sally-Ann, who is holding out his coffee cup and a bag of mixed sugar cookies.
“Thanks,” he grunts in a deep voice as pushes off the counter and takes his goods.
He doesn’t glance at me again, in fact, he keeps his steely gaze right ahead of him as he makes for the exit.
“Have a good day, Zane!” Sally-Ann yodels after him.
He turns as he pushes the door open, raising his cup to, I assume, reciprocate her well wishes.
Zane? My head quickly whips over to his retreating back. Of course, he’s the sexy mountain man from… oh, shit, from Lawless Christmas Tree Farm where I’m going to be working for the holidays! The family photo...
I knew I’d seen that face somewhere — it seems really obvious now.
He’s gone in an instant, a flurry of cold wind blasting the diner where he just was.
“Cute, isn’t he?” I hear a female sigh next to me. When I glance over to the voice, I’m met with a gorgeous redhead in ‘The Dusty Spur Diner’ apron wearing a name badge that reads: Jo-Beth. She’s also holding a coffee pot and wearing a huge smile.
I blow out a breath and can’t help the smile that sneaks through. “Is that the guy from Lawless Farms?” I ask, not even knowing why I do that. I mean, it’s obvious who he is, but she looks like she’d give away some insider information.
“That’s the one,” she says. “But I wouldn’t waste your time, hon. He’s not available in any way, shape or form. He’s a little… um, shy.”
“Oh, I wasn’t thinking anything like that…”
She giggles a little under her breath. “No, I mean, he’s available,” she whispers behind the back of her hand. “The women around here steer clear because he’s a little surly. Zane is one of those emotionally unavailable bachelors of Alpine Falls, seemingly happy being miserable and alone.”
“Sounds complicated.” The words sneak out before I can even stop them. Then Sally-Ann calls out my order, and I thank her.
“So, you’re the new girl? I’m Jo-Beth.” She sticks the hand that isn’t holding the coffee pot — out to me.
We shake. “Yeah, good news travels fast. I’m Sadie, Bailey’s friend.”
“So pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
“How are you finding things?”
“Well,” I start. “I just got here, but so far, everything is great. I love this little town. I’ve been here before, but never on a permanent basis.” Not that I am now, but there’s no need to tell her that.
“Bailey hasn’t stopped talking about you,” she goes on. “She’s so excited to spend the holidays with her bestie. We hang out all the time, Margarita Monday is a favorite.”
I think I’m going to get along just fine with Jo-Beth, and with any of Bailey’s friends.
“That sounds promising.”
“So have you worked on a farm before?”
I shake my head. “Nope. Never thought I’d ever leave my job in advertising, but life has a funny way of throwing things at you when you least expect it.”
She nods sympathetically. “I know what you mean. But look at it as a new adventure. One with frosting and a whole lotta sparkle.”
I smile. I like her. “I think I’ll be able to do that without a problem.”
She glances down at my booties. “I’d love to visit New York one day. You don’t find shoes like that around here.”
I follow her gaze. “Yes, they’re not practical, but I figured if I’m gonna freeze my ass off, I may as well do it in style.”
She giggles. “I like that attitude. We could do with some more of that around here.”
“Well, I’m sure if I’m here long enough, some of the sass might rub off onto that ‘grumpy-so-and so-we-won’t-mention’ before I head back to the city.” I tap my nose for effect.
She snorts this time. “I think Zane could take the sass down a notch, not amp it up.”
“You know, I’ve not technically met him yet.” I press my lips firmly together. “I have that pleasant job interview to look forward to today.”
She tuts. “Well, he’s had his coffee, so he should be half-thawed out by the time you get there.”
Oh, great. That sounds just peachy. “One can only hope.” I smile.
“Exactly!”
“Well, I better get back to it.” I thumb behind me to the exit. “I have to attempt to tame the wild beast at my interview.” Informal chat my ass.
“Well, good luck, Sadie, it was real nice bumping into you.”
“You too.”
She points at me. “Margarita Monday.”
“I’ll lock it in.”