Chapter 1
ELODIE
Over the past year, I’d gotten farther from my hometown than I ever expected.
I had stayed in a couple of big cities, where I enjoyed the anonymity, but it hadn’t taken long for me to realize they weren’t what I wanted long term.
I felt less lonely surrounded by people who liked to get into each other’s business, so I stuck with smaller towns as I made my way west.
But I’d never seen anything quite as gorgeous as the mountains framed in my windshield as I drove down the highway. I had planned to be on the road for a few more hours, but I found myself taking the next exit instead.
The town’s main drag looked like something out of a romcom with quaint little shops and pretty window displays. Snow still clung to the edges of the road even though spring was technically underway, and it only made the scene more picturesque.
My eyes scanned the awnings for anything that might mean a job opportunity and finally spotted a diner.
It sat on the corner with big front windows and a flickering sign that promised Breakfast All Day.
The parking lot behind the building wasn’t full, but it wasn’t empty either, which I took as a good sign since it was smack-dab between the usual times for the lunch and dinner rush.
The only problem was that I didn’t see a Now Hiring sign in the window.
I hesitated anyway, my foot easing off the gas.
Even if they didn’t have an opening, I could at least go inside and get a cup of coffee. Pretend, for a few minutes, that I was just another person passing through and not someone low on options.
I pulled into the lot and shut off the engine, taking a breath before climbing out of my car.
The bell above the door jingled when I stepped inside, and warmth washed over me instantly. The scent of something savory made my stomach rumble, and I second-guessed my decision. It’d been too long since I’d had a decent meal because I needed to make every dollar stretch as far as it could.
I paused just inside, suddenly aware of how out of place I probably looked. I was an exhausted stranger with a backpack slung over one shoulder, which held my documents and cash. I couldn’t risk anyone breaking into my car, so I took it everywhere with me.
A woman behind the counter glanced up and smiled. “Seat yourself, hon.”
I slid onto a stool a few seats down from her, tucking my hands between my knees while I waited.
“What can I get you?” she asked a moment later, her name tag glinting against her uniform.
“Just…black coffee, please.”
Sharon nodded and poured without comment. When she set the cup in front of me, I wrapped my hands around it and soaked in the heat.
“Cold out there today?”
I nodded. “Yeah, more than I expected.”
That earned a small smile before she moved on to the next customer.
I watched plates slide past, loaded with sandwiches piled high with meat and toppings, hoping my stomach would behave. Breathing out slowly, I took a careful sip of my coffee.
At least I was warm. For the moment, that was enough.
I waited until my coffee was almost gone. Wrapping my hands around the mug, even though it had gone lukewarm, I rehearsed the words in my head. I’d done this enough times over the past year that I should’ve been good at it by now.
I have serving experience and thought I’d ask if you’re hiring?
My heart still beat a little too fast when I finally cleared my throat.
“Excuse me.” I caught Sharon’s attention as she passed by again. “I was wondering if you might need an extra server. Even part-time.”
She paused to study me, and hope flared before I could stop it.
“I’ve worked in diners before,” I rushed to add. “I’m used to long shifts. Doubles if you need them. And I can start right away.”
Her eyes softened with apology as she set the coffee pot down. “I’m really sorry. We just hired someone last week.”
I pushed my disappointment down. “Of course. I understand.”
She disappeared into the kitchen after that, and I told myself not to be discouraged. There were plenty of other towns ahead where I could find work.
I stayed where I was and finished the last sip of my coffee. The sizzle from the grill carried through the diner. My stomach twisted, and I focused on the crack in the counter instead of how hungry I felt. But then a plate landed in front of me.
I startled, my gaze snapping up to a cheeseburger with a heap of golden fries. The bun was toasted, the patty thick, and the cheese melted perfectly over the edges. Lettuce, tomato, and pickles were piled neatly to the side.
My mouth watered as I mumbled, “I didn’t order—”
Sharon waved a hand, already turning back toward the kitchen. “Customer didn’t want cheese. Just a hamburger. Would’ve gone to waste.”
We both knew that wasn’t true.
I stared at the plate, heat rising behind my eyes. “I don’t have—”
She sighed and finally faced me fully. “Can’t help with the job, but at least I can fill your belly with food I would’ve thrown out.”
My chest ached at her kindness. I pressed my lips together and nodded. “Thank you.”
She flashed me a quick smile and disappeared into the kitchen again.
I ate slowly, savoring every bite. Generosity wasn’t something I ran into often. For a few minutes, sitting in a warm diner with real food in front of me, I didn’t feel quite so invisible.
I slid off the stool once my plate was empty, my stomach warm in a way it hadn’t been in a long time.
Sharon caught my eye as I reached for my wallet. “You don’t need to—”
“I know.” I pulled out a five-dollar bill and set it on the counter anyway. “Please.”
She frowned, her gaze flicking to the empty plate. “That was just—”
“Kindness,” I finished quietly. “Which I appreciate more than you can know.”
For a moment, she looked like she might argue. Then she sighed and nodded once, like she understood this wasn’t really about the food.
“All right. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“So do I.” I slung my backpack over my shoulder and offered her a small smile. “Thank you. Really.”
She waved as I headed for the door, and the bell jingled behind me as I stepped back out into the cold.
I was full for the first time in days, but it didn’t make leaving any easier.
My hands rested on the steering wheel while I sat in my car with the engine off. A year ago, I hadn’t even had this.
Every spare dollar I’d earned had gone toward this crappy beater. I had worked awful shifts, picked up doubles, and smiled at people who barely paid attention to me. I’d slept in youth hostels when I could, cheap motels when I couldn’t, and the back seat when I ran out of options.
The car wasn’t much. It rattled if I went over sixty and made a concerning noise every time I turned it off. But it was mine. It gave me more freedom than I’d ever had before.
Exhaustion settled deep in my bones as I leaned my forehead against the steering wheel. Not the kind of tired a good night’s sleep could fix. Always having to be careful was more draining than anyone would ever guess.
I straightened after a moment and started the engine.
I could rest later.
Right now, I needed to find somewhere safe to spend the night.
The gas light blinked on, not even a mile from the diner.
I swore under my breath and eased off the accelerator, watching the needle hover stubbornly a few tick marks above empty like it was daring me to push my luck. I checked my cheap, prepaid phone at the next stoplight and groaned when I saw I had only one bar of service.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, rain began to tap against the windshield. The mountains ahead disappeared behind a curtain of gray, and the temperature dropped enough that I cranked the heat up.
I knew I couldn’t stay in town overnight. There were too many No Overnight Parking signs. I couldn’t afford the ticket or the tow. And sleeping in a car where someone might notice was never a good call.
I needed a spot that was quiet and out of the way.
I drove until the buildings thinned and the road narrowed, following a turnoff that looked barely used. The pavement gave way to packed dirt, and my tires crunched softly as I slowed.
Signs were posted—something about construction access and authorized vehicles. But they were half hidden by brush, and nobody was around.
The rain picked up, drumming harder against the roof as I pulled off to the side where the ground flattened just enough to park.
I shut off the engine and sat there for a moment, listening to it tick as it cooled.
Just one night. That was all I needed. A dry, quiet place to sleep until morning. I’d move on as soon as the sun came up.
I climbed into the back seat, tugged my blanket around my shoulders, and snagged my book from my backpack. I’d read until the light faded, then pile on extra clothes to make sure I stayed warm while I slept.
I didn’t notice how still the forest had gone. Or that I’d chosen a spot that was about to change everything.