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CHAPTER ONE

HALEY

Tell me you have one” My purse hits the counter with a loud, uncerehnut Bonus points if it’s cream-filled Double bonus points if there are pecans on top”

My friend Claire looks at ood of a , huh?”

“So like that” The stool squeaks as I sit The sound rips atto the frustration of the start to est cup of coffee you can find too”

“The coffee I can do The doughnut, though That’s going to be a problem”

“Co the air “You have one I smell it”

“You can’t smell it”

“You underestimate me and my senses”

She glances under the counter Her attention settles on a spot near the end of the bar, where the doughnuts are kept beneath a heavy glass dowood Café—handmade pieces of pure joy created by the owner’s wife

I live for these things So does Claire, and the look in her eye tells me one of my favorites is left The problem is, they’re her favorite too

“I’ll juet it myself,” I warn

Her laugh is loud, filling theroom “There’s one left, but—”

“No buts None,” I say, talking fast so she can’t interrupt otten off totally on the wrong foot, and I need so to smile about, okay?”

“You have me We’re friends Smile away”

“Doughnuts make me smile People don’t”

I hold my hand out, palm up, and look her in the eye She waits forseconds pass and I haven’t even blinked, she sighs

“Soht it,” she says “For real”

Brushing a strand offor battle, I narrow aze “No”

“No, what?”

“You aren’t allowed to keep the doughnuts for yourself if a paying customer wants them”

“Haley—”