“Hm.” She’d have to pick up one of his books and try it.
“He seems like a nice guy.”
Evelyn nodded. He did seem like a nice guy. And certainly a good brother. “Yes, he’s nice,” she said noncommittally. After all, he was just one of many customers at the cafe.
“And guess who just came in? Ethan Chambers. I told Melody to take his order.” Livy grinned. “I swear, that woman is never going to get the hint.”
“Maybe she’s not ready to date anyone. She’s only been a widow for a year or so. That was a big adjustment for her.”
And maybe she was talking more about herself than Melody. Living alone was a big adjustment after years of being a couple. Of being a wife. But she liked her life now. And Melody, for that matter, seemed happier these days after starting work at Parker’s.
“The kids just came in for ice cream too. Emily, Blake, and Angela. You know Angela, Charlene Healey’s daughter? Emily pulled me aside and said that Blake has a date with Angela for the festival this weekend.”
Her grandson had a date? That was news. “Does Heather know?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m meeting her at Jimmy’s tonight after the cafe closes. I’ll ask her then.”
“I haven’t seen her in days. She must be busy working on those illustrations for that children’s book. I admit, I kind of liked it when she helped us out when we were first opening the cafe. I got to see her every day.”
“You could come to Jimmy’s tonight with us,” Livy offered.
“No, you two go have your cousin time. I’ll catch up with her soon. If nothing else, I’m sure I’ll see her at the festival.”
“You will. She’s got some of her illustrations at the art booth. She’s donating the proceeds to the children’s home program that Ted’s niece runs. Heather and Cassandra chatted about it the last time Cassandra was in town. Heather was really impressed with the work Cassandra is doing. So, she decided to put some of her artwork up and donate the proceeds.”
“That’s nice of her.” But it didn’t surprise her. Her daughter had a very kind heart.
“Heather loves a good cause. And I think after Blake came so close to being put in a foster home that it hits kind of close for her.” Livy walked over and peeked out the kitchen door. “Melody is still standing there chatting with Ethan. That’s a good sign, right?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Ethan is going to have to get a bit more deliberate if he wants Melody to take notice.”
“So, what can I help you with here in the kitchen while I hide out and let Melody chat with Ethan?”
“I could use some help with the oatmeal cookies. Just need to use the scoop and drop them on those two cookie sheets.”
“Perfect. I’ll get started.”
Heather sat at the bar at Jimmy’s nursing a beer, waiting for Livy. She knew Livy would make it whenever things got wrapped up at the cafe. Some nights it was later than others. She didn’t mind waiting though. It was a lovely night. Cool breeze. One of her favorite guitar players, Dave Post, was playing ballads at the far end of the deck overlooking the harbor. The music drifted over to her. Some sad ballad about shipwrecks and storms.
“Sorry I’m late.” Livy hopped on the barstool beside her and motioned to the bartender to get her a beer. “And I have news.”
She looked at her cousin expectantly. The perk of working in the cafe was she often found out town news quickly. “Town gossip?”
“Nope. News about Blake.”
“Tell me.” Heather waited impatiently as Livy reached for the beer the bartender handed her and took a sip.
“He has a date. This weekend. For the festival.”
A smile crept across her face. He’d done it. Asked out Angela. He must have taken her motherly advice. “That’s good news. Angela Healey, right?”
“How did you know?”
“He was talking about her this morning at breakfast. Said he was interested in her. I told him to take a chance and ask her out.”
“He must have taken your advice. And Emily said she’s going shopping with Angela tomorrow after school. Angela wants Emily to help her pick out some new clothes. I think she’s a really cute girl. Smart, too, according to Emily. Emily likes her a lot.”
“If Emily likes her, I do, too. Emily is a great judge of character.”
