“What’s your favorite thing to do in the snow?”
“I like making snowmen, and getting Christmas trees.”
Marissa grinned. “Oh yeah, I heard about that. Faith had so much fun.” Her green eyes met mine, and she smiled. She stood up from the chair and extended her hand to me. “Hi, I’m Marissa.”
I shook her extended hand. Scott took the vacated chair and added a dollar to the cup.
“You guys took the B&B over for Carol, right?” I asked Marissa. I appreciated the safe space she’d always created for kids in this town.
“Yeah, Scott and I did.” She gestured to her husband sitting in Danny’s chair. “Never planned on it.” She shrugged. “But life can be simply amazing when it doesn’t go according to plan.”
I looked at Danny. “I hear you there.”
“Well, it was great to meet you.” She smiled as her husband stood from the chair and his brother took his spot.
Danny looked between them. “Are you brothers or something?”
“Twins,” Scott added.
“I’m Michael. I’m the older and better-looking one.” He sat in the chair and added a dollar to the cup. “Who would look better in space, Scott or me?” He grinned.
Danny’s forehead creased, unsure of how to respond, “I don’t think they care about looks. Did one of you get better grades in school, or have pilot or scuba diving experience?” Danny asked.
Michael’s shoulders dropped a fraction. “With brains, Scotty definitely wins.” He pointed up at his brother.
Rose laughed. “For sure.”
“Do you want to go to space?” Danny asked.
Michael shook his head. “Nah. I actually hate even flying on planes.”
Danny scrunched his nose. “I don’t like the swings. I don’t like how it makes my tummy feel.”
Michael smiled. “I guess I will need to find a dream that includes my feet being on the ground.”
“That’s a good idea,” Danny agreed.
Michael stood. “Thanks.”
The last person in the group took the chair and held out his hand. “Hey, I’m James.” He had dark hair and glasses.
Danny gave him a firm handshake. “I’m Danny.”
James pursed his lips. “Why did you choose this as your business?” He gestured to the ask Danny sign.
Danny shrugged. “Dad wouldn’t let me sell the erasers back to the teachers that I found in the school, so this was the only other thing I could think of that didn’t take a lot of work.”
James chuckled. “I like it. Well, what do you think is better on a date, a chicken costume or a dog one?”
Danny’s eyebrows lowered. “You already asked one question.” He gestured to the jar.
James threw his head back and laughed and then put a twenty in the jar.
Danny’s eyes grew wide. “Wow! Thanks!” He touched his chin in thought. “A dog costume. Girls like dogs.”
“Solid advice.” James stood, offering Danny a fist bump, and the group wandered on.
Chapter Twenty-Six
