JC POV
The time had come to meet Haylie again, and I couldn't deny how nervous I was. Melody's plan, which I still wasn't entirely sure about, loomed in the back of my mind, adding to my unease. Parking my car in front of the coffee shop, I took a deep breath and switched off the engine. It's just coffee, I reminded myself. I need to gain her trust.
Stepping out of the car, I closed the door behind me and glanced at the street sign.
Lavender Road—it matched the address Haylie had given me. Just as she'd said, the coffee shop was right on the corner.
Straightening my shirt and taking another calming breath, I walked toward the entrance. A friendly young woman greeted me at the door.
"Good day, sir. How can I help you today?" she asked with a warm smile.
Returning her smile politely, I replied, "A table for two. I'm meeting someone."
She nodded slightly before asking, "What about the window?"
