TJ stood beside her. “They don’t have a car?” he asked.
“No, I don’t believe so,” she said. “Maybe none of them have a driver’s license anymore.”
He frowned. “If they ever need a ride, tell them to let me know.”
“That’s very generous, thank you.” She gave him a tiny smile. “One of them, Doc, I think, mentioned they’re still looking for a house. I wonder if they’ve found one yet.”
“I’ve no idea. You should ask,” TJ said. “And take some time for yourself, you’ve been working too hard.”
“I can’t help it. I’m babysitting every day.”
“Lila,” he said gently, drawing her close. “Take it from me, these last eight years, all I’ve done is work. I haven’t had much of a life. You need to cut yourself some slack. And them. They’re trying their best. What harm have they done, other than make a few messes?”
Her heart squeezed.Did he think she was too hard on them?“I suppose you’re right,” she said softly. “I just worry too much. It’s a big responsibility taking care of someone else’s business.”
“I understand,” he said with a smile. “That’s why I offered to help. Well, technically, Grandma and Irene drafted me for half of it, but I don’t mind.”
She laughed quietly. “Because it keeps you away from your mother?”
“Exactly.” His grin turned sly. “If I stay home too long, she’ll have half the single women in town over for dinner. This way, I’m home but nothome,if you know what I mean.”
“So, why is she trying so hard to play matchmaker?” Lila asked.
He gave her a look. “Because she doesn’t want me going back to Cornwall. She thinks if I find someone here, I’ll stay.”
“Well, maybe she’s right,” Lila said lightly, though her heart dipped.He isn’t staying.
“How am I going to find the right girl when I’m only here a couple more weeks? I don’t know what she’s thinking.”
“Maybe you’ll meet a nice girl in Cornwall,” she said then swallowed the lump in her throat.
He pulled a face and shrugged. “Yeah, maybe. Though my mother won’t be happy.”
Neither would I,Lila thought, but she only nodded.
Chapter Ten
The next morning, TJ surprised Lila by showing up early with Pudding, Espresso, and Muffin in tow. He let Tilly’s three cats out of their crates the moment he stepped into the coffee shop. He stacked the carriers against the wall in the storeroom next before returning up front with a smile.
“They wereveryexcited to come today,” he said. “I had no problem getting them into the carriers.”
Lila fiddled with the espresso machine. “Thanks for bringing them and for wrangling them yesterday. Not to mention, taking them home before movie night started.” She spotted a stray popcorn kernel, picked it up, and tossed it in the trash.
TJ laughed. “Have you found many more of those this morning?” He walked around to the other side of the counter.
“Only a few.” She rolled her eyes just as Cyrus came up front, cheerful as ever.
“Good morning, TJ! How are you? What can I get you?”
“Well, now that you mention it,” TJ said, “I wouldn’t mind a tall dark roast. Leave room for cream, please.”
“Certainly.” Cyrus went to fill his order.
Lila took in the peaceful hum of the morning. Polly was charming the customers, and Cyrus was full of bright business ideas. Suggestions she might pass along to Tilly and Jack.
Cyrus returned with the coffee and handed it to her. Lila passed it to TJ. “You know where the cream and sugar are.”
“Indeed I do.”
