“Yes, but is the kitchen licensed for that?”
“It is,” Irene cut in. “Really, Lila, you worry too much.”
And for good reason,she thought. These people were going to drive her nuts.
She shot TJ a helpless look, and he smiled. “It’ll be fine, Lila. You’ll see.” He nodded toward the cat tree. “They seem settled in. Anything else I can do?”
“No,” she breathed. “Everyone’s done quite enough.”
“You seem upset,” he said gently.
“I’m just used to things going as planned… and none of this was planned.” She waved a hand.
“Your elderly help is harmless,” he said. “Let them have their fun. Besides, the customers love it.”
“How would you know? You just got here.”
“Well, I’m a customer, aren’t I? I think they’re adorable.”
She sighed, shoulders drooping. How could she argue with that? “Very well. They can play dress-up, but I don’t want things getting out of hand.”
“You worry too much, Lila Comfort.”
“Maybe I don’t worry enough,” she shot back.
TJ only smiled and crossed the dining room to pet Muffin, who purred like an idling engine.
“The cats approve of him,” Grandma said as she joined her. “That’s a good sign. Animals are sensitive to people.”
“Yes, I know.” Lila slipped behind the counter as more customers came in. They all commented on the cats being back and went to pet them after ordering their drinks.
She decided she’d text Tilly later to explain everything. Hopefully Tilly and Jack wouldn’t be upset with the old folks for taking such liberties. Wasn’tshesupposed to be the one in charge? So much for that.
And what had TJ said? Did she want any help? Surely, he wasn’t planning to hang around the shop all day.
She handed off a latte, then turned to him. “Um… when are you leaving?”
“I’m not,” he said. “I’m here to help. Grandma and Irene recruited me yesterday.”
Lila let out a nervous laugh. “Of course they did. What else did they rope you into?”
“They asked me to help with movie night. The screen and projector have to be set up, and those things are heavy. Where do you want it?”
She surveyed the room. “In the corner. That’s where Tilly set it up last year.”
“Good. I’ll fetch the screen later. I can borrow my brother’s truck. This morning I was on cat-delivery duty. Now that that’s done, we can figure out chair placement. Oh, and do you need something to make popcorn?”
“Popcorn?” she repeated blankly.
“Yeah. My mom has a big air popper. All you have to do is melt the butter and pour it over the top when it’s done.”
Lila sighed.When did all this get planned, and why did no one tell me?She hated feeling out of control, and worse, left out of the loop. “Fine. Bring the air popper.”
“Hey,” he said gently. “They mean well. They’re trying.”
She knew he meant Grandma and the others. “I just don’t want them to break anything or hurt themselves.” She made a face. “They’re like misbehaving children.”
“Don’t say that.” TJ’s smile was soft. “I find them delightful.”
