Lake Effect (19 page)

“What do you think, Rex?” he asked as he looked over at the rat's cage. “Do you think this could be the beginning to my long overdue happy ending?”

Rex walked up the ramp to his dish and took out a block of food to nibble.

Ryan laughed. “I'll take that as a maybe.”

Laundry was finished. There were no dishes to wash thanks to his frozen dinner. He sat down and stretched out his legs across the couch. He closed his eyes and imagined running his fingers through the silk that was Maisie's hair. This wasn't like him. He'd never fallen for a woman so fast. Maybe he was just homesick.

• • •

Ginger unlocked the diner door for Maisie. The sun hadn't even come up yet, so it was chilly enough to give Maisie goose bumps. As she tied on her apron, Ginger flipped the sign on the door to open.

“Did you hear the newest about Mr. Oliver's toy store?” Ginger asked, turning on the lights.

Maisie shook her head as she opened the register to count the money.

“It's being closed down until his daughter can come from New York to run it.”

Maisie tilted her head. Mr. Oliver's store had been there since she could remember. She had hoped to one day buy her own child a toy there. The store was no bigger than the diner, but it was a magical place for little kids. Her mom had bought Maisie her first doll in his store. It was the love for that doll that had made her want to become a mom more than anything. “I feel so bad that he has to retire. At least the store will stay open. I was afraid that some auto parts store or barber shop would move in.”

Ginger rolled her eyes. “Yeah, like we need any more of those in Pleasant Valley.”

Maisie closed the register and started the coffee brewing. Soon the wonderful aroma would fill the air. “So when is his daughter supposed to show up?”

“I heard a few months, maybe longer. She ran a candy store in New York.” Ginger knew more news about this town than the local newspaper. But she'd keep a secret for anyone if they asked her to.

“A toy store owner is the father of a candy store owner. Sounds like a fun family.” Maisie paused. “It'd be really cool if they combined the toy and candy stores.”

Ginger laughed. “It'd be a kiddo wonderland.”

The elderly regular came through the door. He always ordered water and spent most of the morning in the corner booth reading the paper. He took up space that a paying customer could use, but Maisie didn't mind. The man was a part of the diner as much as the cookie art on the walls.

• • •

At six o'clock, Ryan walked down the sidewalk to Ginger Snaps. He inhaled the smell of damp wood. Fresh, brown mulch had been put out under the trees today. He opened the door and walked inside. Of all the little businesses along Main Street, Ginger Snaps was his favorite place to go for several reasons: the pie, the charming, small-town atmosphere, and the waitress with the silky red hair.

He felt disappointment overcome him when he looked around and didn't see Maisie.

A bubbly young girl strolled over to him. “Are you ready to order?”

Hoping the redhead was somewhere in the back, he replied, “I'm still trying to decide.”

The girl nodded, making her ponytail swish in the process, “Take your time. I'll be back in a few minutes.”

Ryan continued to pretend to study the menu. He felt an anxious spark when Maisie came out of the kitchen holding a tray of food.

He placed the menu down on the counter. After she helped her other customers, Maisie walked over to him.

“Lola's on break. Can I get you something?”

He studied her face for a hint of what she was feeling. Nope. No smile, no sparkle in her eyes. “Apple pie and milk.”

“Are you becoming one of my regulars, because if you're going to order the same thing every night, it'll save time if I don't have to ask what you want.”

He smirked. “You never know, one day I might surprise you.”

Maisie pursed her lips and nodded. “Okay, be right back with your order.”

What was it about her that felt like home? And why did he care so much if she smiled?

• • •

Maisie opened the swinging doors, almost hitting Lola in the face in the process.

Lola's eyes looked as though they might pop out of her head at any moment. “Well?”

Maisie shook her head at her friend. “Well what?” She went back to get the milk. “He is just like any other customer.”

Lola narrowed her eyes. “I'm telling you, he was waiting on
you
to take his order.”

“Lo, you watch too many romance movies.”

Lola took the glass of milk from her. “Okay, then let's see how he reacts when I'm the one bringing him his order.”

Maisie rolled her eyes. She would not play into Lola's games. Her heart wasn't in it. Instead of spying, she counted her tips.

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