Adiel slept in until half-past nine on Saturday. He was usually an early riser, but it had been a long week and it felt good to stay in bed a little longer. He had the whole day ahead of him and thought he might go for a hike in the mountains later that afternoon after a leisurely breakfast at Kelsey’s Kafe.

He liked the small breakfast place. He usually sat at the counter when he went in. The service was friendly, and the food was always good. He knew Rachel used to work there, but he didn’t expect to see her now that she was working full time on the set. He figured it would likely be Kelsi or one of the other waitresses.

When he arrived, the dining room was fairly busy, but the counter was empty except for Jaclyn and Simon who were in their usual spots. Simon had an empty plate in front of him and was busy working on a crossword puzzle while Jaclyn was still nibbling on what looked like French toast. Her eyes lit up when she saw him.

“My favorite director! Come sit with me.” She patted the stool next to hers. 

Adiel sat down and smiled. “I’m not actually a director you know. Technically, I’m called the show runner.”

“What’s the difference?” Jaclyn asked.

“Well, I manage a group of writers and the cast and oversee production of the show. Sometimes I do direct.”

Jaclyn nodded. “Got it. I might still just call you the director. That’s easier to remember. You don’t mind do you?”

He laughed. “Not at all. Call me whatever you want.”

He looked up as the doors to the kitchen opened and Rachel came out carrying several platters of pancakes. He was surprised to see her.

“I didn’t realize Rachel was still working here.”

“She needs the money,” Jaclyn said softly.

“Oh?” He wondered about that. The salary from the show paid much better than waitressing.

“Money is tight at home. Every little bit helps. You didn’t hear that from me though. She’s a hard-worker that girl.”

Adiel smiled at the admiration in her voice. Rachel had a fan in Jaclyn.

“Have you seen her perform in anything yet?” He wondered if she’d been to the recent show she was in.

“No, unfortunately we didn’t make it. We were supposed to go and then something came up. I would have liked to have seen her.”

“Well, you’ll be able to watch soon, and from the comfort of your own living room.”

Jaclyn looked thoughtful. “I have a better idea. We should have a viewing party, maybe the restaurant at the ranch might set something up.”

“You know, that’s actually a really great idea. I’ll talk to Wade about it.”

“Good morning, Adiel. Coffee?” Rachel held a full pot over his empty cup, waiting for his go ahead.

“Yes, please. Thanks.” She filled his cup and handed him a menu.

“Bob’s special omelet is a big hit today, if you’re hungry.”

His stomach growled. Usually he would have eaten hours ago by now. “What’s in it?”

“Grilled honey ham, baby spinach, tomato, onion, cheddar and cream cheese. That’s his secret ingredient.”

“That does sound good. Have you tried it?” He was teasing as he couldn’t imagine skinny Rachel tucking into such a big meal. A bowl of fruit maybe or oatmeal. But she surprised him.

“It’s awesome. I had one when I got in this morning.”

“Okay, you sold me then. I’m going on a hike later this afternoon, so I’ll walk most of it off.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. You’re tall and lean. How tall are you?” Jaclyn asked.

“Six feet, if I stand up really tall.” He grinned.

“Where are you going hiking?” Rachel asked.

“I was just going to explore the mountains around the property. Really just walk around, nothing too crazy.”

“I used to hike that area all the time when I was younger. Are you going with someone? You really shouldn’t go by yourself. It’s too easy to get lost. Tourists wandering off keep Dani and her search and rescue team busier than they’d like.”

“I wasn’t planning to go with anyone.” He frowned. “I didn’t think of that to be honest. I figured I’d just set out and walk around. I’ll be careful not to go too far up.”

“What time do you finish your shift, Rachel?” Jaclyn asked.

“I should be done by two or so. I was the first one in today.”

“Maybe you could show Adiel where you used to like to hike?” Jaclyn suggested.

“Oh, I don’t want to be a bother. The last thing Rachel probably wants to do after working all day is go hiking with her boss.” He felt bad that Jaclyn even suggested it.

But Rachel didn’t seem to mind. “I’d love to, actually. It’s been ages since I’ve gone hiking and it’s a beautiful day. I can show you some of my favorite spots. Some of the views in the mountains are spectacular.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind? I don’t want to put you out.” He loved the idea of her showing him around but didn’t want to make her feel like she had to.

She grinned. “No, I’d really like to. I always get a second wind after I work a shift here. It will be good to burn off that energy.” She went to put his order in and Adiel took a sip of his coffee. He drank it black and liked the way they made it at the cafe. It was rich and bold and smelled fantastic.

“They went with Madeline,” Jaclyn said.

“Excuse me?”

“Lily and Cody. That’s the name they chose. We saw Wade yesterday, and he told us.

“Oh, that’s nice.” Adiel didn’t know Lily or Cody very well, but they’d chatted a little at trivia. Slowly he was getting to know just about everyone at the ranch. Which reminded him, maybe Jaclyn could help him with something.

“I don’t suppose you know a good realtor in town?” he asked.

Her eyes grew big. “For you? Are you looking to buy something?”

“No. Just a rental. Short-term but with the possibility to go longer.”

“You should call Bryan Baker. Melanie’s husband. She’s the gal that runs the fitness center. He’s in construction. He’s not a realtor, but he can hook you up with someone good.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “He’s building a new development by the lake. Maybe there will be something there, possibly.”

“Okay, thanks. I’m in a great cabin now, but they have it rented in a few weeks. The housing for the show workers should be done by then, but I think I’d rather have my own place.”

Jaclyn nodded. “I think that’s a good idea. It’s nice to get away from work at the end of the day. Go to your own home. There are lots of lovely areas in Riston. Have you seen the big lake yet?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Maybe Rachel will take you there later today. It’s a few miles from the ranch, but that’s nothing for you young people.”

Adiel smiled. “I’d love to see the lake. I’ll mention it to her.”

“Mention what?” Rachel asked as she returned and set down Adiel’s omelet. The smell of it made his mouth water.

“Adiel wants to see the lake,” Jaclyn explained. “He might be looking to rent a place.”

“Oh! We can walk there later. The lake area is beautiful.”

“See. You’re in good hands now. And it’s time for Simon and I to leave you alone so you can enjoy your breakfast.” She stood while Simon rested his coffee cup on the stack of money on their check and then folded his newspaper and stuck it under his arm.

“Bye Jaclyn and Simon. Nice talking to you.” Adiel watched as they left. Simon held the door open for Jaclyn and he was smiling at something she said as they stepped outside. He didn’t know if they were just friends or something more but they seemed to have a very sweet and special relationship.

“So, what do you think?” Rachel was back with the pot of coffee and topped off his mug.

“It’s incredible. Thanks for suggesting it.”

A bell dinged in the kitchen and Rachel ran off to deliver more food to her tables. The restaurant was filling up again. She put a flurry of orders in and brought drinks and coffees to her tables then came back to check on him. Her timing was perfect as he’d just taken his last bite.

“Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’m stuffed. I may need to take a nap now before we go hiking.”

Rachel laughed as she set down his bill. He fished in his wallet and pulled out enough cash to cover it plus a generous tip.

“That’s all set.”

“Thanks. So what time should I meet you later this afternoon?”

“I’m flexible. Whatever is good for you.”

Rachel thought about it for a minute. “Let’s say around three. I’ll just need to run home and change. Then I’ll head over and we can go.”