Kiss Me Hello by L. K. Rigel

The Coffee Spot. Sara crossed Bird Row and took a deep breath, drawing the ocean air deep into her lungs. The fog had almost burned off, and it was going to be a gorgeous day. She’d slept like a log with no more crazy dreams, and now she felt great.
    Right then she made up her mind. Even if Aunt Amelia was better tomorrow, she was taking at least the week off. She hadn’t used a sick day in two years, and she had never used family leave. All the Jane Eyre essays were graded. The only test left was the multiple choice English final, and a sub could easily deal with that.
    She justified taking the time off work so she could care for Aunt Amelia, but the truth was she loved it here, and she couldn’t count on ever being invited again. She and Bram needed the space—yes, she’d use that word. He could get a good start on Hot Heat’s sequel.
    The Coffee Spot was packed. Booths lined the walls and two rows of tables ran through the center, all taken, keeping the waitresses busy. The aroma of sizzling bacon, fried onions, and fresh biscuits made Sara’s stomach growl. She hadn’t eaten since going through a drive-through yesterday on the road.
    The cash drawer slammed shut, and the man at the register handed a customer her change. He noticed Sara at the door and motioned her in. “Eh, hermosa! You’ve come to the right spot. There’s a place here at the counter if you don’t want to wait.”
    He looked to be in his early forties and had a big smile and kind dark eyes. His black hair was cropped short, accenting a muscled neck and shoulders. He picked a menu out of a holder on the counter and handed it to her as she climbed up on a stool.
    “It’s all good,” he said, “but you won’t get better huevos rancheros anywhere.”
    “I love huevos rancheros.”
    “Pinto beans or black?”
    “Black, thanks.”
    “Good girl.” He turned around to the kitchen window and yelled, “Eh, viejo ! Order up. Rancheros, black!” then scratched out the order and popped the ticket onto the carousel on the ledge.
    “Got it, mijo ,” the cook yelled back.
    Without missing a beat, the guy was back at the register chatting up a customer and back to Sara with a full coffee pot.
    “Coffee?” He set an empty cream-colored ceramic mug in front of her.
    “Sure.” How bad could it be, really? After two creamers, the color didn’t look promising. Sara took a tentative sip. Ack.
    She only got down a few swallows by the time the guy delivered her breakfast, a corn tortilla, black beans, three fried eggs, salsa, sour cream, and black olives. It looked delicious, but with the fried potatoes, onions, and green peppers there was enough to feed four people.
    “Oh.” With the first bite, she moaned her approval. “This is heaven.”
    “I told you.” He grinned and topped off her coffee. “Are you visiting Pelican Chase? I know all the best tourist attractions.”
    “Attractions?” She couldn’t imagine what there was to do in Pelican Chase. “You mean beyond enjoying the gorgeous scenery?”
    “Sure. Are you staying at the Chase Me Inn? They have a bona fide ghost in the restaurant. I know. I’m the local ghost whisperer.”
    “I’m here to see my aunt, Amelia Lyndon.” Sara smiled. She already liked this guy. “She owns Turtledove Hill. She had an accident.”
    “So you’re Sara,” he said. “Peekie told me Amelia’s niece was in town.”
    “Peekie did.”
    “Peekie and I go way back. She’s my nemesis, but she came up with the name for this place.” He offered his hand. “I’m Spot Aguila, mayor of Pelican Chase, and owner of this fine establishment.”
    “I get it. The Coffee Spot.” Sara shook his hand. “Why a ghost whisperer? Doesn’t that clash with being the mayor?”
    “Nah, Pelican Chase is full of spirits. Ghosts are part of our heritage, and the mayor better know about them. The Chase Me Inn has the kitchen ghost,” he said. “And everybody knows Turtledove Hill is haunted.”
    “That’s what