"I need to take an extended break today," Mia said, trying to keep her voice steady as she stood in front of her new manager at Sunshine Café.

Elaine, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes that missed nothing, frowned slightly. "Everything okay, honey? You look pale."

Mia forced a smile. "Just some personal stuff I need to handle. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"This have anything to do with that handsome man who came looking for you yesterday?"

Mia's heart skipped a beat. "Someone ...