This story is about, a dad whose ex-girlfriend did him wrong. The two of them, are a train wreck together, however, his daughter is everything to him. Being dad and mom, to his daughter, Minnie is what, Ryder Harrison loves most in life. It's mentally exhausting but he wouldn’t change it for the world. Nevertheless, he hates being questioned by busybodies, about his daughter’s mother. If you are lucky, Minnie will be awake when you ask. In which case, you will get the facsimile of what some may call, a smile. Others for sure will call it a dark and, ominous scowl. If you’re not lucky, and, she’s asleep or not around, ‘May the good lord pity you.’
Valentine Carr is back working at, the Short Stack. Working for, Sharon, the owner. She’s had the job since she was in high school. She had, to come crawling back because of her ex-boyfriend, Conrad Ford. She had gone off, to college with the plan, of never coming back, to town. She had built up college, so much in her head that it is, disappointing when she isn’t confident, and sure of herself. Then, when she didn’t have at least an entry-level job at a marketing firm, the bubble popped. But, when Conrad overreacted, taking, a ‘couple issue’ into the workplace, and then using his insecurities, to get her fired, so she left. It turned out not, to be an issue after all, but by then it was, too late.
The night before was rough a rough one. Like it's been different from any other lately. Ryder and Minnie have both been having trouble sleeping. Ryder being grumpy is an understatement. But, he had a little one who wanted pancakes. So, crossing the street in the little nowhere town, to the diner is his plan so, Minnie can get those pancakes. Staying in a motel is not the ideal place, to live with a toddler. But, he needs, to meet up with his brother, and basically gravel for work. When he left for, the Army years ago it, wasn't on great terms. With all that, Ryder and, Valentine are not expecting chemistry, from each other. Only furthering, to piss him off. As for her, being tongue-tied is highly unusual.
In this story, Minnie will steal your heart as does most people in the town. Ryder has a hard time believing in people but especially the women he gets involved with. He makes an assumption when Valentine’s ex rolls into town. It turns out, to be one of the worst days of his and his daughter’s life. Yet, it has nothing, to do with, Valentine, until he overreacts, to what he thinks he saw. Taking his anger out on her. See how they resolve their issues.