CINNAMON:
Excitement didn't let me finish my coffee and waffles at Maple & Main, the breakfast spot that had been feeding Meadowbrook residents since before I was born.
I was jumpy. Jittery. Barely sat still long enough to take three bites before someone walked through the door, spotted me, and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.
"Cinnamon Wealth! When did you get back?"
"Last night, Mrs. Patterson. You look amazing!"
"Oh, stop. You're the one who looks like a city girl now. So fancy!"
Word traveled fast in Meadowbrook; the moment I walked in, the morning rush folded around me like I’d never left.
Dante sat in his booth across from me, methodically finishing his breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast, acting like he had all the time in the world. He didn't look up and never acknowledge
