Chapter 6 â Coffee in the Rain

Thomas shifted carefully. âNone of them weighed what I do.â
âConsider it a test of character.â
âMine or the chairâs?â
âI havenât decided.â
He almost smiled. It was different from the almost-smiles she had seen before. This one arrived faster and stayed.
They talked about Annieâs books, which ones Thomas still had on the shelf, and which he had given the schoolteacher because Annie would have wanted them read. They talked about the ranch in winter, and about Claraâs father, who had opened the shop and left it to her three years ago when he died.
âDid you always want to do this?â Thomas asked. âThe shop?â
She looked at the dried lavender hanging from the ceiling. âMy father did. I wanted it too, but differently. He sold what Millfield needed. I want to sell what Millfield doesnât know it needs yet.â She paused. âThereâs a supplier in Denver. Iâve been writing to them for three years.â
âHave they written back?â
May you like
âI havenât sent the letter.â
He looked at her. âWhy not?â