 As he worked he let his mind wander back to the night before. Maybe he could get a look at the list of who’d been invited and figure out a way to contact Neal. Steffie turned the radio on, and Hayden started singing under his breath. “You have a nice voice.” Hayden turned around, horrified. He hadn’t heard the bell over the door jingle. “I…um…th-thank…you.” Neal burst out laughing. He leaned against the closest table and folded his hands in front of him. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m sorry.” “N-no, you didn’t—” God, could he simply stop stuttering and maybe make some sense? “You really do have a lovely voice.” Neal paused and tilted his head, giving Hayden another appraising look. Somehow Hayden had the idea Neal approved of what he saw despite the crappy barista outfit. Nodding at Hayden’s polo shirt with the store logo on it, he asked, “Keeping an eye on the business the old-fashioned way? I approve. What do you have that’s good?” Hayden nearly swallowed his tongue. If he opened his mouth too soon, he’d stutter and stammer and nothing he said would make sense. Instead he ran his hands through his hair and pushed his glasses up his nose. For distraction he turned and took a few steps toward the glass case next to the counter. Steffie offered Hayden a silly little smile and went to work cleaning the coffee makers. “Well…um…” Stop with the um. You sound like an idiot! Deep breaths, Hayden reminded himself. This was simply a customer asking for assistance in making a purchase. “I guess it depends on how you feel about stimulating…I mean, caffeine…” “Honestly, I can’t believe my good luck running into you here,” Neal continued. “We really are lucky. I’ll have to give extra thanks to Lakshmi.” “Who?” Hayden had heard the name, but wasn’t sure of its connection to Neal. Neal grinned. “She’s the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.” If he’d noticed Hayden’s panic, he never let on. He glanced around the shop. “These are very nice stores. I love all the merchandise for sale.” Neal meandered to the shelves near the counter. He examined some of the items and picked up a package of coffee beans. As his long fingers grasped the paper bag, he looked sideways right at Hayden. Hayden turned and retreated behind the counter, having to make a conscious effort not to sprint.     
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