“You too,” Sutton says with a friendly smile.
“How are you liking Michigan so far?”
“So far, it’s okay. I’m starting to meet people and it’s easy to remember name since it’s such a small town.”
“Ah, one of the perks of small-town life, huh?” Iris says with a brilliant smile.
“Let us buy you a coffee and a muffin or something. A little welcome to town gift,” Suttons says with a warm smile and I can’t argue with that.
We stand in line and I scan the menu, deciding on a mocha latte and a blueberry streusel muffin. I place my order and Maggie hands over some cash before we turn to find a table to sit down at.
“How are you liking Michigan so far?” Sutton asks.
“I like it. I’m not crazy about how cold it is right now, but that might just be my southern blood. I’ll have to give it a few winters and see if it gets better.”
“Having a car definitely helps with that,” Sutton jokes, taking a sip of her coffee.
“I know. I’m headed to the mechanics right now to hopefully pick mine up, actually.”
“Yeah, I heard that Elijah had to give you a ride home,” Iris says and I notice both of them watching me closely. “I didn’t realize that he meant you as Hartley.”
They’re watching me expectantly, like they’re waiting for something but I don’t know what that could be.
“Yeah, I’m lucky that he was getting groceries too,” I say carefully.
I knew that gossip in small towns was supposed to be bad, but giving someone a ride home when their car doesn’t start seems like some pretty weak gossip.
“Elijah doesn’t really talk to many people,” Iris says.
“Yeah, well, besides Patrick and Brennan,” Sutton interjects.
“Right, so it’s weird that he even approached you. Not that he isn’t a nice guy!” Iris hurries to say.
“He’s so nice! But quiet and he’s usually alone. So it’s always a little strange when we see him talking to someone. Especially someone brand new to town.”
“Oh, I had met him when I went to his store to buy these boots and coat. That’s probably why he came up to make sure that I was alright.”
“Hmm,” both Iris and Sutton say at the same time and I wonder what that’s about.
Before I can ask, Iris’s phone goes off and she excuses herself.
“What do you do?” I ask Sutton as I finish off my muffin and draining the last of my latte.
“I help my great uncle run the Mystery Spot down in Destiny Falls,” she says, pride clear in her voice.
“I saw pictures of that place! Right across from the water, right?” I ask, pointing south.
“Yeah,” Sutton says with a proud smile.
“It looks cool! I wanted to check it out.”
“Let me know when you come by and I’ll give you the grand tour,” she says as Iris joins us back at the table.
“That was Arlo. I’ve got to get back to Destiny Falls, but it was so nice to see you again, Hartley. Give me a call and we can hang out soon,” she says with a bright smile.
“Thanks! It was so nice to meet you Sutton. And thank you for breakfast,” I say as we all stand and clear away our trash.
“Let me give you a ride to the mechanics,” Iris says and Sutton nods.
“I don’t want to put you out,” I protest but Iris shakes her head.
“It’s no bother. I’m actually headed in that direction too so it’s not a problem,” she says as she leads me over to her car.
The ride is short but much appreciated. Iris and Sutton point out a few of the sights and businesses as we drive past them, and I grab Sutton’s number too before I get out of the car.
“See you later, Hartley!” she calls as I close the door and wave.
Honey Peak is starting to look like a pretty cool place to live.