continue down the path they were on when she knew how this story, her story, would end. Jack had told her he loved her today. And she was falling in love with him too. She couldn’t leave Jack the way her mom had left them. The way her grandmother had left her mom’s family.
Emma wiped at another tear, struggling to breathe, and not because of the high elevation. She had to give Jack up. There was no other choice. His childhood had been less than perfect. He’d been through so much, and loving her and losing her could send him spiraling down a path he’d worked so hard to avoid.
He was resisting his genetics in the same way she’d always resisted hers. Except she didn’t really get a choice. Jack did. She knew to her core that the right thing to do was to end things between them, sooner rather than later, so that he could get on with his life. And so she could figure out what to do in order to keep living hers.
Her phone dinged. Emma glanced at the screen, surprised that she even had reception here. It was a text from Nina.
Where are you?
Emma blew out a breath and started typing. Blue Sky Point.
What for?
She and Nina were close, but she didn’t think her friend would understand. It doesn’t matter. Is everything okay?
The dots on the screen started bouncing as Nina typed her reply. Not really.
Emma stood and started heading down the trail. What’s going on?
Our weekend employee called in sick. Big surprise, Nina typed. It’s busy here and I can’t make the coffees fast enough.
Great. Just great. That old saying “When it rains, it pours” was definitely true. As if to prove that point, the sky rumbled, promising afternoon showers ahead.
I’ll be there asap, Emma texted as she headed away from Blue Sky Point with more thunder on her heels.
* * *
Twenty minutes later, Emma walked into the Sweetwater Café and headed straight behind the counter where Nina seemed to be extra busy this afternoon.
“I got here as fast as I could,” Emma said, pulling on an apron.
“I had no idea it’d be this busy today. It’s never this busy, even on the weekends. It must have something to do with your event,” Nina said.
Emma nodded. “Looks like it’s time to hire someone new for the weekend schedule.”
“And fire the current employee. What’s her name again?” Nina tapped a finger to her chin as she pretended to think. “She’s only shown up once or twice in the last several months. I’m not even sure I’d recognize her.”
“Yeah, she’s overdue to be let go.” They’d only managed to do without her because Sam had been here to help this summer.
Emma headed to the counter, took the next customer’s order, and started preparing the drink. When she turned to carry it to the register, she anxiously looked out on the growing line and saw a familiar face. “Diana!” she said as her next customer approached.
Diana stepped up to the counter. “It’s a busy day, huh?”
“I have more work than I can handle,” Emma said. She couldn’t even offer her usual customer service smile. “What can I get you?”
“Maybe I should be asking you that question. Want a hand?” Diana asked.
Emma straightened. “Really?”
“I’ve worked at a coffee shop before,” Diana said. “I can help out, and I don’t mind.”
Diana had been a great server at Tammy’s Log Cabin. And desperate times demanded forgoing the résumé right now.
A smile swept over Emma’s face. “Absolutely.”
“Great.” Diana headed behind the counter.
A few minutes later, Sam arrived and started cleaning the tables as customers came and went.
They worked steadily until the crowd died down and everyone had their caffeinated drink of choice. Diana learned quickly and had amazing people skills. She was exactly the kind of employee that Emma needed at the café.
“Want me to stay a little longer just in case?” Diana asked, turning to Emma after serving the last customer.
Emma knew Diana meant for the rest of the afternoon, but Emma wanted more. “Yes, actually. You’re hired.”
Diana blinked and then shook her head. “I’m sorry?”
“I mean, if you want another job. If you don’t, I’ll be disappointed but I’ll survive.” Emma grimaced. “I might not survive many more days like this though.”
Diana nodded excitedly. “Of course I want the job.”
“Great. Can you work tonight?”
“I’ll stay until close,” Diana said. “Thank you so much, Emma.”
“I should be the one thanking you. You were a big help to us this afternoon. The