Liz looked up from her folding, her brows rising slightly at the look on Jane’s face. “I thought so. Maybe I was wrong?” Liz glanced at Brenda for confirmation.
“I didn’t see either one of them. The bread delivery came, though. Maybe you thought Eddie was Mike. Kind of looks similar.” Brenda gave the stove another swipe.
That was probably it.Though why would Andie be with the bread guy?She had said she would come early to get some of her work done.
“She mentioned something about meeting us at Sandcastles.” Liz glanced at the clock.
Brenda turned from the stove, noting Liz’s gaze. “Speaking of which, aren’t you two supposed to be there now? I’ll watch over the place. Not much happening here.” Brenda made shooing motions with her hands. “Go. I’ll finish up.”
* * *
Claire brought the tray of experimental fall-themed pastries out from the back and hurried to the table where her friends were gathered with their coffees.
“Specially made just for you guys.” She set down the tray and took a seat eagerly watching the expressions on everyone’s faces.
Jane looked a bit skeptical, her blue eyes lingering on each pastry, a line forming between her brows as if she were assessing what was in them.
Maxi was more eager. Her hair, now streaked with white, was in a long ponytail that slid over her shoulder as she reached for a cinnamon cruller.
Andie gnawed on her bottom lip, her hazel eyes glittering, a whisper of long dark hair falling out of the bun atop her head as her hand hovered over the cider donuts.
“Are these all pumpkin and spices?” Liz pointed to the tray.
“Yep. Some are from the recipes you gave me.” Claire pointed to the pumpkin-raisin muffins in the center.
“Looks delicious.” Liz reached for one.
“What’s this?” Jane pointed to a slice of cake with white frosting.
“Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. I grated the carrots fresh myself.” Claire watched with pride as each one of them ate their pastry and made num-num noises.
“So, they’re all good? Should I add them to my offerings for the fall season?” Claire gestured toward the glass cases, where her baked goods, including the sandcastle-shaped cakes that the bakery was known for, were on display.
“The crullers are great. I’d add those.” Maxi nodded, and the others nodded in agreement.
“But maybe not those sweet potato Danishes from the book club meeting.” Jane grimaced, her voice soft.
Claire frowned. “No one liked those? I noticed hardly any were eaten.”
“Sorry.” Maxi reached for a molasses cookie. “But looks like everything here is great.”
“Thanks.” Claire wasn’t upset about the sweet potato Danish. That had been an experiment. After all, that was what it was all about. Some of them didn’t come out very good while others hit it out of the park. Like her dog treats. People really seemed to love them. In fact, a small crowd was gathering around the case that held them right now.
“Aren’t these cute?” a woman in thick glasses said.
“Are they for people or dogs?” Her husband’s face was almost pressed to the glass.
“Beach Bones. That sounds familiar,” the lady next to him mused.
The first woman pushed her glasses up on her nose. “Has a good ring to it.”
Perfect! Her name was familiar, with a good ring to it. That was just what she wanted. Except by “familiar,” she hoped the woman meant it sounded comfortable and not like something from a famous brand. She made a mental note to call Tammi and ask her about researching trademarks. She didn’t think anyone else had used that name for a dog biscuit, but one could never be too careful.
“How is your mysterious guest today?” Maxi’s eyes twinkled. “Do you really think he was creeping around last night?”
“Of course not.” Jane waved her hand dismissively.
“That’s just Bunny. She’s creative even with her imagination,” Liz said. “Brenda said the guy is really nice. He’s probably just shy.”
