A/N: I won't pretend that this fits seamlessly into canon, but it is based on a place called Lisa's Pie Shop, on IN 31 between Indianapolis and Kokomo. That's where I got the inspiration.

Lisa's Pie Shop

The day was just like most of late—sunny, the warmth of an early spring in the air. The location, on the side of the highway between Indianapolis and Kokomo, was at once peaceful and a little lonely. But the remoteness helped the feeling of starting fresh.

She started by putting out the new creations from last night. Any pies that were down to a couple pieces got moved to clear to-go boxes. She swept stray crumbs out of the display. Two pies needed boxing for customer orders. And she realized the sink behind the counter was leaking again; hopefully Ben could take care of that when the carpool dropped him off after school.

Next came readying the coffee. She set the brewers running into self-serve urns, refilled the creamer and sweetener containers. Made a mental note that hot cups needed to be on the next supply list.

The soft bell on the door heralded the first customer of the day. Lisa hurriedly wiped her hands and greeted her guest with a smile. "Good morning. What can I do for you?"

"Um…hi. I'm still thinking," the young man stammered…dare she think it, surprised.

"Everything okay?" Lisa asked.

"Yeah. You just remind me of someone I once…knew…" He looked careworn for his age. Longish brown hair swept his face after the wind outside. Dark eyes were both tired and hyper-alert. His demeanor remained oddly shy. As Lisa watched him, she had a strange sense of déjà vu…

"Why don't I start you off with a coffee?" she offered.

"Two, actually. One for my friend in the car. Black is fine. And I think he'd want a slice of the coconut mocha espresso. That sounds like it goes well with coffee."

"Anything else for you?"

"I don't know. I'm not much of a dessert person, no offense." He put liberal amounts of creamer and sugar into one of the coffees while Lisa got the pie. He was still fidgety, though not rude or inappropriate toward her. Maybe he was just eager to reach his destination.

"Well, if you're looking for something more substantial, I've got a fresh 'Fruit Smoothie' pie. Finished it just fifteen minutes ago, still warm and everything. It's got fresh sliced strawberries, peaches, and bananas. No sugar added." She didn't know why, but something deep inside wanted to ease the young man's weariness. Somewhere under there, he must have a nice smile.

If anything, he looked even more flustered. "I, well…I'm not sure…um…"

Lisa pulled the pie in question out for him to see. Not to push him, just wanting somehow to lighten his dark mood. Indeed, his tough exterior seemed to finally be caving.

"Ah, what the hell. I'll try it. At least Dean'll have the pleasure of teasing me for picking the healthiest option possible," he quipped.

Dean. Why did that name strike such a flutter in Lisa's chest? She didn't recall being familiar, much less in love, with anyone by that name. Strange. She pushed the thought away, and packed up the young man's pie. He handed her the cash with a shy, "keep the change."

"Thank you, have a good day," she said cheerily.

There. The expression of happiness made an appearance at last. She was right; he did have a great smile. He returned her farewell, exiting to a sleek black classic car where his friend must be getting impatient.

Moments like that were what she lived for—putting a little extra brightness in someone's day. Even if she didn't know them at all.