Sam shook his head at her. “They probably don’t bite, Tans. Unless you’ve moved next door to a vampire colony.”
She smiled. “They’ve all been out and about during the day, so I doubt it. Although I didn’t notice a lot of mirrors.”
“Have you bought garlic?”
She laughed. “I have. I think we can safely cross vampires off the list. The streets and sidewalks have been plowed and cleared. The stores I’ve seen are kind of like the lodge. Old but solidly built and well-maintained.”
Sam slowed as they rounded the last corner and pulled into the town. She looked around with more curiosity than she’d felt before.
Now she could admit to herself that she’d been trying to rush in and out so she could hunker down by herself.
Because she’d been hiding out again. Running away and hiding. The only consolation to that embarrassing fact was that she’d accomplished a lot in her isolation.
Her therapist would be shaking her head right now. The Riveras had ensured all of their foster kids had regular access to therapy.
Dr. Yun had agreed with Tansy’s statement that she didn’t need as much social interaction as most people. But the doctor had called her out on using that as an excuse to hide away from conflict and potential embarrassment.
Tansy knew she spent a lot of time in her own head working on her projects, but she also knew she was human. And humans needed companionship.
Sam had only arrived yesterday and already Tansy felt more vibrant and energetic. Ideas were racing through her head with more speed and details.
Sam energized her like no one else.
Sam drove the entire length of the town, then turned around at the end and drove back to a parking lot next to the general store.
On the sidewalk, he nodded up at the sign. “I see the sawmill isn’t the only target.”
Phail General had become Fail General with a bright orange F painted over the black lettering.
Sam pointed across the street to the No Fail Diner, which was spelled the regular way. “Let’s eat first, then we’ll stock up.”
She slipped her arm through his as they crossed. “And you’ll tell me your plans.”
The way his body tightened made her think he was avoiding her question. Which meant he hadn’t made up his mind yet. Sam liked to mull things over, which she understood, but she could help him mull.
And it would keep her mind off The Kiss. And the fact that when they returned to the lodge, they’d be all alone again.
Sam held open the door and guided her inside with a hand on the small of her back. Something she’d only read about in movies before. It sent a thrill up her spine.
The spicy scents of cumin and paprika surprised her, along with the regular smells of coffee and bacon.
The diner had a long counter that ran the length of the room. A dozen booths with blue and green tartan vinyl covers on the seats ran along the front and side edges of the diner. Stools were covered in the same tartan, and a coat of arms featuring a griffin and a buck decorated the wall.
An Asian woman behind the counter waved. “Have a seat anywhere and I’ll be right with you.”
They chose a booth on the side wall that gave them both a good view of the diner and the people. She knew Sam never liked having his back to a room.
When the waitress arrived, she held two coffee mugs and a pot. “Coffee first?”
Sam nodded. “Thanks. Tansy here doesn’t do coffee, though.”
“I’m Sato. Can I get you tea? We have a wide selection.” She pointed to a chalkboard over her shoulder and Tansy smiled at the variety.
“I’ll have lemon-ginger, please.”
“Main menu is on the big chalkboard. I’ll give you a few minutes and grab your tea.”
The menu included breakfast and lunch options, both with vegetarian options, and with a decided Mexican flair to the choices.