She blinked, his words striking a chord. “I guess so,” she replied, uncertainty laced with hope.

Daniel gave her a reassuring nod before moving toward the store’s small office at the back. He found the door slightly ajar, the supervisor inside ranting on the phone about an order mix-up. When the call ended, Daniel knocked lightly before stepping in.

“Who are you?” the supervisor barked, clearly irritated.

Daniel removed his cap, revealing his identity. The supervisor’s eyes widened in shock, his bravado melting into apprehension. “Mr. Grayson? I—I didn’t know you were coming.”