Chapter Two
The heat was relentless. Aftyn could feel the sweat rolling down her back as she walked, and she had no idea what she was going to do. She’d have to call her aunt. There was no way around it.
“Avery Newton, if I ever get my hands on you...”
She stopped. Sniffed the air. Her stomach answered immediately. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten, and as much as she hated to admit it, Cole was right.
The town was busy for its size. She found herself smiling thinking about him. He hadn’t owed her a thing and yet he hadn’t left her side. Good-looking didn’t begin to cover it, but it was the kindness that stuck with her.
She was still thinking about it when the diner door swung open ahead of her and the smell hit her like a wall. She stopped dead. Then she noticed the small sign in the window.
Help Wanted.
She stared at it for a moment. Well. It looked like Clifton was going to be home for a while.
A couple coming out held the door for her. “Thank you,” she said.
“Enjoy your lunch,” the man said, taking the woman’s hand as they walked away.
Aftyn stepped inside and sighed at the cool air. She settled onto a stool at the counter, pulled a menu from behind the napkin holder, and studied it carefully. The prices were reasonable, but every dollar counted right now. She might just have to use Cole’s name after all.
“Hi, hon. What can I get you?”
The woman behind the counter had an easy smile and kind eyes. Aftyn liked her immediately.
“I’m still deciding. Could I start with a coffee?”
“Of course.” She had a cup in front of her in seconds. “I’m Connie. My husband Owen and I own the place.”
“Aftyn Hutchins. It’s a beautiful diner.”
“Thank you, hon. Just passing through?”
Aftyn smiled. “How do you know I don’t live here?”
Connie laughed. “Honey, I know everyone in this town.”
“I bet you do. And I bet they all come through that door.”
“Every last one of them.” She topped off the coffee without being asked. “Now, what can I get you?”
Aftyn leaned in slightly. “That’s the thing. I don’t have much on me right now. Cole Harrison said I could put it on his tab.”
Connie smiled. “That’s fine. What’ll you have?”
Aftyn ordered and watched Connie scribble it down, pin the ticket to the wheel at the passthrough, then come back and lean against the counter.
“It’ll be a few minutes, hon.”
“Connie.” Aftyn set down her coffee cup. “I’d like to apply for the job.”
Connie tilted her head. “You don’t even know what the position is.”
“I don’t care what it is. I need work. I should tell you upfront though, I won’t be staying permanently. My car broke down and the mechanic may have to replace the motor. Once I can pay him I’ll be moving on.”
“Hon, I’d love to help you, but I don’t want to hire someone just to go through it all again. I’m sorry.”
“I understand. I will be here a while though. Between the parts and the labor, we’re talking over a thousand dollars, and I don’t have it. I have a hundred dollars to my name.”
Connie’s voice dropped. “No money at all?”
“I lost my job.” Aftyn shook her head. “I’m a surgical nurse, but I didn’t want to take a position at a hospital and leave the minute my car was fixed. That’s not fair to them. I thought something temporary made more sense.” She looked down. “I know that’s not ideal for you either.”
“Have you ever waited tables?”
“It was my first job.”
Connie straightened and smiled. “Alright. You’re hired.” Then the smile faded slightly. “Where are you staying?”
Aftyn’s throat tightened. “I don’t know yet.”
“Come with me.”
“Where?”
“I want you to meet my husband.”
Aftyn slid off the stool and followed Connie around the end of the counter and through saloon style doors. A broad-shouldered man stood at the deep fryer but turned when they walked in.
“Owen, this is Aftyn. Aftyn, my husband Owen. Best cook in Montana.”
Owen wiped his hands on his apron and reached out to shake hers. “Nice to meet you, Aftyn.”
“You too, Owen.”
“She’s going to be our new server,” Connie said.
Owen smiled warmly. “Welcome to the diner, honey.”
Aftyn looked at Connie. “When can I start?”
“Do you have clothes in your car?”
“Yes, but I don’t have anywhere to stay yet.”
“Yes, you do.” Connie lifted a key ring from a hook by the door. “Come on.”
Aftyn frowned but followed her out the back. Connie pulled the door almost shut and called back to Owen to let them in when they knocked, then turned to Aftyn.
“This is just a service entrance for deliveries. You can get out but not back in without someone opening it for you.”
“Okay. Where are we going exactly?”
Connie winked and nodded toward the metal staircase.
Aftyn looked up the stairs, then back at her. “Up there?”
“Come on.”
She followed Connie up to a small landing. Connie unlocked the door and pushed it open.
The apartment was small but charming, full of natural light. “Two bedrooms, one bath with a clawfoot tub,” Connie said, folding her hands. “It’s been used a lot over the years. Good bones.”
Aftyn looked around and loved it immediately, which meant she probably couldn’t afford it.
“It’s wonderful, but—”
“But?” Connie tilted her head.
“I don’t have any money yet. And even once I start working, I’m not sure I can afford it.”
“You can’t afford free?”
Aftyn stared at her. “Free?”
“I never charge rent on this place. It gives Owen and me peace of mind knowing someone is here looking after it. I’m not asking you to watch over the diner, but if something happened you’d be right here to call us.”
“But... free?”
“Yes.” Connie smiled. “I can take you to get your things after the lunch crowd clears out.”
Aftyn looked around the apartment again. “Does the furniture stay?”
“Unless you’d rather we remove it.”
“No, please leave it. I couldn’t buy any even if I wanted to.” She sighed.
“Hon, we all go through hard times one way or another. No shame in it.”
As if on cue, Aftyn’s stomach growled. Connie’s expression shifted.
“When did you last eat?”
Aftyn shrugged. “Yesterday, maybe.”
“Right. Come on, let’s get you fed.” Connie headed for the door. “I’ll put it on Cole’s tab. How do you know him?”
“My car broke down close to his property. He helped me.”