“I know.” She exhaled, watching Grandma try to balance a broom on her hip while scooping popcorn into a dustpan. “I just told Tilly and Jack I’d take care of everything, and I want to prove I can. Maybe one day I’ll have a shop like this, minus the current chaos, that is.”
TJ chuckled, bumping her shoulder lightly. “Give it time. You might miss these folks when they’re gone.” He slipped an arm around Lila and guided her toward the laptop. “Here, I’ll help you finish setting up. Once they get a batch done properly, they can bag it and butter it.”
“Yes, you’re right,” she said on a sigh.
“That’s my girl.” He gave her shoulder a playful shake.
They finished arranging everything. This time, the air-popper and its operators behaved themselves. Soon the scent of melted butter filled the café as they scooped popcorn into little bags and passed them around. Customers added toppings, retook their seats, and settled in for the movie.
Lila finally relaxed enough to sit for a moment.
TJ appeared with a small bag of popcorn. “For you,” he said.
“Thank you.” She smiled and took it, her shoulders easing for the first time all evening.
The lights dimmed, the movie started, and laughter rippled through the room. Even the elderly crew sat enthralled.
“Wow,” Irene whispered. “That screen is huge!”
“It sure is,” Grandma agreed. “Too bad the others aren’t here to enjoy this.”
“Oh aye, but somebody has to run the inn,” Paddy said.
When the movie ended, applause broke out. They cleaned up cups, plates, and crumbs, and Lila was bone-tired by the time the last customer left.
“Well, that was fun,” Grandma said as they headed for the door. “Let’s do it again! We need one of those contraptions so we can have popcorn when we watch TV at night.”
“Oh sure,” Paddy said. “Hey, Lila!”
Lila turned wearily toward him. “Yes?”
“Where can we get one of those air-poppers?”
“Stone’s Emporium,” TJ answered before she could. “They’ve got everything.”
“Oh, Stone’s, ye say?” Paddy looked at the others. “We haven’t been there yet, not since we arrived.”
“He’s right,” Irene said. “I wouldn’t mind paying a visit.”
“Do they have pictures of the original owners displayed?” Grandma asked.
“They did the last time I was in there,” TJ said.
“You like town history, Grandma?” Lila asked.
“Yes, I love it. We’ve been so busy between here and the inn, we haven’t gotten out much. I want to attend the Harvest Festival this weekend. We should bake pies for it. You can serve slices from the booth.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Lila said. “We’re just serving coffee and maybe a few pastries.”
“Well, isn’t pie a pastry?” Irene quipped.
Lila held up a hand. “We’ll discuss it tomorrow, all right? Thanks, everyone, you did a wonderful job. I appreciate it.”
“Ah, it was nothing,” Wilfred said. “We like working here with you. It’s fun.”
“Sorry about the mess,” Grandma added.
“It’s fine,” Lila said, forcing a smile. “Now let’s go home.” She locked up and watched them shuffle down the sidewalk together.
