The quiet between lunch and the early evening rush was usually Sabrina’s favorite part of the day. The ovens rested, and the display cases were half-full. She finally got a moment to breathe, clean the mixing bowls, and reset.
But not today. Not after Catherine Miller’s visit.
She hadn’t spoken much since the woman left. Just cleaned faster, focused harder, like motion might erase the encounter. Gina and Macy exchanged glances every now and then, silently agreeing to leave her be. The bell jingled again.
This time, the door swung open to Brace—his hoodie slightly rumpled, hair tousled from the wind, and a familiar crease between his brows. His eyes scanned the room and locked on her. She felt a pinch in her stomach.
He smiled gently and made his way to the counter. “Hey. Thought I’d st
