“This is going to be so rad. I just hope the librarian and the high school go for it.” Sasha did a happy dance behind the counter. “I love working here. Just saying.”
“We love having you.” I sipped my coffee and glanced around the shop. Typical Friday night customers, a few kids with their tablets and earphones at a table and a couple of women who appeared to be here as a first stop on a Mommies Night Out. The rest of the evening would consist of random walkins and a few who’d had dinner at Lille’s but wanted coffee and a dessert before they called it a night. I figured I’d have a lot of reading time. “You never said what happened to Toby working with you today.”
“Oh, he was here.” Sasha started restocking cups near the coffee machine. “He needed to leave early. Elisa and him had a date night planned.”
She didn’t meet my eyes when she told me the answer, but something in her tone made me look up from my coffee. “Are you all right?”
This time I saw her shoulders rise and her eyes widen, putting on a good show for me, I assumed. “Of course, I’m perfect. Just thinking about the things I need to get done tonight with Olivia. Dinner, bed, bath, and story. It’s a ritual.”
“Sounds like a busy Friday night.” I had a lot of respect for Sasha and her ability to juggle being a good parent along with going to school and working.
“Add in studying for an accounting test next week, and you’ve got my entire weekend.” She looked at the clock. “Better get moving. I’ve got a lot to get done before I’m back here tomorrow.”
I stepped around the counter and blocked her way. “You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”
She froze and I could see the debate going on in her head. Now I was really worried. “Sasha?”
The bell over the door rang, and a tourist couple walked into the shop. The woman paused at the local history and travel display table I had set up near the front. The man power-walked to the counter. He waved his hand to get my attention. “We need two large coffees to go, please.”
Sasha nodded to the counter. “Go. I’m fine.”
When I didn’t move, she let her lips curve into a warm smile. “Look, it’s man trouble. Nothing that I can’t handle. I’m just being a little sensitive right now.”
“Hello?” The man tapped his wallet on the counter. “Can I get some help here?”
“Two coffees. I heard you.” I turned back toward Sasha. “You’re not in danger, right?”
The girl laughed. Not just a chuckle. She let out a belly laugh and went to pour the two coffees. When she put lids on the cups, she set them in front of the customer. “Four-fifty.” She nodded to the woman still looking through the books. “Unless the lady is buying something?”
“She can shop tomorrow. We’re on our way to The Castle for the night tour and we’re late.” The man threw a five and two ones on the counter in front of Sasha and tucked his wallet back in the front pocket of his pants. “Keep the change.”
I watched him hand over the coffee and take his wife by the elbow, leading her out. A man with a plan. I saw movement from the corner of my eye. Sasha was trying to sneak by me and out the back door. I put my hand on her arm, slowing her movements. “Hold on, I’m worried now.”
Sasha sighed and stopped. “Look, I’m okay. I just got my emotions in a nicker about someone I have no reason to be thinking about. I appreciate the concern, but can we just drop it?”
“If you’re sure you’re safe.” I didn’t want her to go flying off into some relationship that would be bad for her. So kill me if I’m a big mother hen.
Sasha held her hand up in a mini Scout salute. “I swear, I’m all right.”
“Then what are you still doing here.” I let her arm go and made swooshing movements with my arms. “Fly, little bird, go explore the world.”
“You’re a nut.” Sasha rushed toward me and gave me a tight hug. “Thanks for caring.”
By eight, the shop was dead. I stood by the window, gazing out on empty Main Street. Even though it was a warm Friday evening, it was late February, and the tourist season hadn’t really taken off yet. The streetlights were slowly brightening as the dusk fell on the town. I saw a couple walking down the sidewalk arm in arm, and as they approached, I realized it was Amy and Justin. They waved at me through the glass, then entered the shop. “Hey, guys, what’s got you still in town on a Friday night? I figured you’d be chasing a wave somewhere?”
“We decided to stay tonight since the memorial’s tomorrow.” Amy explained as she gave me a quick hug.
“Here for coffee or something decadent from Sadie’s stash?” I scurried toward the counter.
Justin followed me. “Neither.”
“Speak for yourself.” Amy slapped his shoulder. “I’ll have a frozen latte. I’ll probably be up for hours, but I don’t care.”
“You want me to make it decaf?” I paused over the espresso machine, waiting for her answer.
Amy’s brow wrinkled. “Heck, no. What’s the fun in that? Give me the real stuff.”