Chapter 18: Cardigan

"You look like you just ran a marathon," Evelyn said with a knowing smile, placing the glass in front of Noelle who was wiping down the last table. "Go on, drink up. You earned it."

Noelle didn't need to be told twice. She took the glass with both hands and drank deeply, relishing the coolness as it soothed her parched throat.

Evelyn leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Not what you expected, huh?"

Noelle let out a tired laugh. "Not at all. ...