are getting very chummy.”
That made me grin. “I see wedding bells in the future for those two. It’s time for Sadie to have someone in her life again. Nick’s all grown and almost out of college. He’s going into finance and will be amazing. Was Pastor Bill ever married?”
“Yes, to his high school sweetheart. She died young. In childbirth, I believe. Her and the baby. It was all so sad. He was new to town. South Cove was his first assignment after seminary. Then tragedy struck. It’s nice to see him happy again.” Darla finished her coffee and slipped off her stool. “I guess I’d better go run down these leads. Thanks for chatting with me. What do I owe you for the coffee?”
“It’s free. We’re friends.” I shooed her out the door and watched her leave to go talk to Meredith and Neal. I wondered if they had their happy masks back on or if I should have sent her somewhere else. Somewhere safe.
Chapter 6
Toby arrived just before his shift was set to start. His eyes were already drooping. He grabbed a cup and put ice in it, then filled it with coffee. After he drank the contents he slipped on an apron and leaned against the counter. “Hey, boss.”
“Are you sure you can handle this?” I took in his rumpled shirt and less-than-perfect hair. “I can stay and work until Aunt Jackie’s shift starts. I’ll have Evie to help.”
“And so will I. Honestly, I need the money. I’m really close to having twenty percent to put down, but every time I get close, prices rise and I need more. But I’m determined. And I have my eye on a little cottage outside Bakerstown that my Realtor says is coming on the market soon.” He sighed. “I could just get a bigger loan, but I hate to pay that loan insurance, PMI, if I don’t have to.”
“You’re a hard worker. You’ll figure it out.” I hesitated.
Toby must have read my mind. “And before you offer, I don’t need a bridge loan from the Miss Emily fund. At least not yet. If this house comes on the market before I’m ready, I’ll come with my hat in hand.”
“It’s not like that.” I smiled as he filled another cup with hot coffee this time. “It’s just the money’s just sitting there.”
“It’s your money. But I appreciate the offer. And like I said, this house is the one I want. It’s in a good school district, just in case. It has a fenced yard, so Emma can visit. And from what I’ve seen on the outside, it feels right. Now it just has to come in at the right price.” He waved to a customer who came in and zoomed over to the mystery section. “Anyway, I’m here. You can go home.”
I took off my apron and paused. “Have you heard anything about Nan’s death?”
“Yes, I have.” He turned to empty the dishwasher.
“You’re a brat.” I picked up my tote and headed out the door. “I’ll be at Lille’s, then running, then home if anyone’s looking for me.”
“I think we can get by one shift without asking you any questions.” He waved at her. “Go on. Have a great lunch.”
“Greg’s probably not coming home for dinner, so eating a big lunch is easier, then I can just heat up soup for dinner.” I held the door handle as I explained my choices.
“Whatever makes you feel better about it.” He grinned.
Toby was a good guy. He deserved to find the one and settle down not only with a house but with a wife and a family. I hoped the house was just the first step in his future. I stepped away and realized I hadn’t told Toby about Olivia’s birthday party yet. It really wasn’t my place to tell him that Sasha was in a new relationship, but if I told him about the party, I’d have to tell him that too. I wouldn’t want him to go to the party blind.
I hurried past Antiques by Thomas and hoped Josh wouldn’t see me walk by. I must have been under a lucky star for at least today because I got by and all the way to Diamond Lille’s before I saw anyone I knew.
When I walked in Amy was sitting in one of the booths. She waved me over. “Hey, I should have called you. Justin was supposed to meet me for lunch, but I just got a text he’s tied up.”
“Well,