A few days later, Becky and Mary had arranged to meet at the Quaint Quill bookshop in the town center. A recent shift towards the service of drinks and food had dramatically changed its atmosphere. The shop was now much better patronized by locals who clutched recently released books and trendy magazines together with their cups of caramel macchiato.

The rich aroma of coffee grounds and cinnamon wafted through the air as the two greeted each other with warm smiles and tight embraces. They settled into a cozy booth that had just freed up as Becky wiped down a ring of spilled coffee on the wooden table using a napkin.

Mary was donning the college sweatshirt that Becky had given her as a gift during the memorable dinner they shared just a few nights ago. The sight of Mary wearing it with evident joy brought a smile to Becky's face. She leaned back and teased, "You know, Mary, you really need to give that sweatshirt a wash. It's starting to smell like you've been living in it!"

Mary let out a playful laugh, "Not on your life! This sweatshirt is my lucky charm now. Besides, I'm convinced it smells like victory!" she retorted.

Their laughter filled the air, drawing the attention of nearby patrons who couldn't help but smile at their infectious laughter.

"I've finished the book you lent me by the way." Becky reached into her bag and pulled out the teenage vampire novel that Mary had given her at the dinner. Mary took back the book, a look of amazement on her face.

"You've finished reading it already? How fast do you read? So, what did you think?"

Becky tilted her head, composing an adhoc book review. "Surprisingly good. The characters all oozed charm and the ending was perfectly executed, subverting all expectations. Though I admit I am surprised that there were six sequels that came after. Everything seemed so nicely wrapped up after the first book."

Mary lit up, a smirk dancing on her face. "Oh Becky, you have no idea how hot it gets in the later books! Do you want to borrow them?"

"Mary, I did enjoy the book but it's not really my thing. I am glad you shared it with me though." Becky said, a concerned expression on her face.

"All good! Now Becky what will it be. Matcha latte, caramel macchiato or their signature pumpkin spice latte, my treat of course." Mary offered without missing a beat.

"Mary please, I insist. I heard from Dan how hard you work at the granary."

A minor tussle ensued until Becky finally let Mary have her way, happy to see the eager and prideful smile on Mary's face at the victory.

"Mary, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'll just have a regular black coffee thanks."

"Gees Becky! It's alright, It's just a coffee, I'm not that impoverished!'

A short moment later, Mary returned with a sweet smelling cinnamon drink for herself and a cup of black gold for Becky.

"How's working at the granary like?" Becky asked delicately, aware of Mary's father's feeling towards the granary.

Mary's positive feeling towards her work could not be dampened. Her face beamed with pride, a sense of accomplishment shining through her eyes. "It's been going really well, I'm learning a bunch of computer skills working there. Actually, I'm a bit of a spreadsheet wizard now! I managed to get the job through Lisa Taylor, you remember her right? She was in the same year as you and Dan."

"Yeah, I remember Lisa. I didn't think she would still be in Sommerfield."

Becky remembered Lisa as a social butterfly, someone that effortlessly floated between different circles, leaving in her wake a trail of entranced and endeared friends.

In spite of that, Becky felt that there had always been an underlying tension between them, a sense that they never quite saw eye to eye.

"Lisa made me the most beautiful farewell card when I left Sommerfield after junior year." Becky said, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Yet, we were never close. Which was odd since she was friends with almost everyone else in my grade."

Mary nodded knowingly, her eyes reflecting a deeper understanding. "You know Becky, Lisa always had a crush on Dan. On occasions she used to invite herself to our house to give Dan some school work or some cupcakes her mom had made. Now that Dan and Lisa had already..." Mary paused abruptly before continuing with another tack, "Maybe she felt that Dan liked you more than her, and it created some jealousy."

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Though it inevitably had crossed her mind, Becky never felt the need to ponder such thoughts in much depth. But the fact that Lisa's feelings for Dan could have influenced their strained relationship made her feel a certain unease.

Taking a sip of her coffee, Becky leaned back and let out a sigh. "It's funny how someone's perceptions and fears can be so different from reality," she mused, her gaze drifting away for a moment. "But Mary, tell me, what are you saving up for with your job at the granary?"

Mary hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching for the right words. "To be honest, I don't really know what I want to study or where I want to go. All I know is that I want to get out of Sommerfield, just like you did. I want to experience living in a place where I don't know everyone and there are real opportunities."

Becky looked at Mary, understanding her yearning for something beyond the boundaries of their small town. A mix of emotions washed over her—love for her family and friends in Sommerfield, but also a sense of excitement for her new life in California. She knew firsthand the allure of studying in a vibrant location and the doors it could open.

"Sommerfield is such a beautiful place, with its natural charm, and kind people," Becky said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "But I understand your desire for more. Sometimes, we need to spread our wings and explore the world."

Mary didn't seem convinced, a tinge of restlessness evident in her eyes. "You were right to leave. Sommerfield is beautiful all right, but it's the same thing day in and day out. There's no variety and it's awfully predictable. Plus there is no freedom as long as mom and especially dad is breathing down my neck." she admitted, "And Dan...well, he's a bit silly and unambitious for not wanting something more." For a moment Mary sounded just like her father.

At Mary's assessment, Becky felt a pang of protectiveness for Dan. She knew him to be a person full of wisdom, with a calm steadiness about him.

"Dan may not have the same dreams of venturing far away, but he's found his own path." Becky reasoned, "Sometimes, it takes a different kind of courage to stay, to nurture the roots you've planted."

Mary looked at Becky, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"You know, I could tell from a long time ago. Ever since that first time you came over for dinner years ago. The way you look at Dan with a gentle admiration in your eyes." Mary's eyes sparkled with knowing. "And I saw it again just the other night when you came over for dinner and Dan mentioned he learned how to cook."

Becky felt her cheeks flush with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

"Oh Mary, you're imagining things! I was just happy for Dan, as a good friend."

Mary chuckled, her tone filled with playfulness. "Sure Becky. Whatever you say. But let's not pretend I'm the only one who notices these things." She raised an eyebrow suggestively, causing Becky to blush even deeper.

Changing the subject, Mary's tone turned light, filled with an eagerness to ask questions that could be safely asked with only them present.

"So, tell me, are there a lot of cute guys at the university? I can just imagine you surrounded by all those hot college guys. Maybe even a few surfer scholars with their tan and sun-bleached hair."

Becky's laughter rang out, a genuine expression of joy. "Well, Mary, there are certainly a lot of good looking people at university, but my focus is on my studies. Veterinary science isn't an easy field, you know."

Mary's eyes sparkled with mischief as she prodded further, unable to resist the teasing.

"Come on, Becky. All work and no play? There must have been at least one guy who caught your eye!"

"I did go on one or two dates and made some friends, but I hardly have the time for a serious relationship right now."

Mary nodded, seemingly satisfied with her response. However curiosity tugged at Becky, and she couldn't resist asking.

"By the way Mary, did Dan see anyone while I was away?"

Mary leaned in, her voice lowered as she shared the surprising news.

"Yeah, Dan dated Lisa Taylor on and off for about a year. They stopped seeing each other around six months ago."

Becky's eyes widened in astonishment, her mind racing to make sense of this new information. With the cat out of the bag, Mary went into further details.

"It was such a miserable experience for Dan. My dad does not like Lisa and you know how oppressive he can be when his mind is made up about something."

"You dad not liking Lisa...I can kind of imagine that." Becky murmured, her voice tinged with realization.

Mary nodded, her expression a mix of understanding and empathy. "No, he didn't. Dan and dad had a huge argument about Lisa one day and that's when Dan decided to move out, finding his own place above the deli in the neighboring town. That dinner the other day was a huge thing, it was the first time Dan's been back home since he moved out."

Becky's mind raced as she connected the dots. Dan had moved to Millerton to get away from his father, a fact that she had never received a straight explanation for.

Did Dan live with Lisa in his apartment in Millerton? How did Lisa continue to work at the granary? Her thoughts swirled, imagining the intimacy that Dan may have shared with Lisa whilst she herself was thousands of miles away in California. The realization hit her like a tidal wave, causing her to momentarily lose touch with the present moment.

Mary's voice broke through her reverie, snapping her back to reality. "Becky, are you okay? You've been staring off into space for a while. Do you want that chocolate brownie I've been offering?"

Becky blinked, her mind clearing as she refocused on Mary's concerned face. Realizing her distraction, she smiled apologetically. "I'm so sorry, Mary. I must have drifted off. Yes, please, I'd love a chocolate brownie. And this time, let me treat you."

As she got up to place their order, her mind spun with the unexpected revelations. She couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden beneath the surface, and how they would shape the future of her relationships with Dan and everyone else she had left behind in Sommerfield.