“Go ahead.”
She practically dances over to the kitchen. Constantine removes his headphones and I struggle to pull my gaze away and call the next customer.
“Can I have all of those macarons? I haven’t had them since I went to Paris on my honeymoon, and I just bet these are even better.”
“Of course. Can I get you a drink to go too?”
“No. Thank you, my dear.”
It’s the same all afternoon. I hop between serving customers staying and those wanting an order to go.
This certainly beats having the kitchen on fire, broken cups, cakes dropped on the floor, or any of the catastrophes my previous helpers caused.
When there’s a short break in the line, I try to check in on Constantine, but the door to my coffee shop opens again, the wind blowing in teenage trouble.
“Hey, Julius. Did you know your muffins are my favorite muffins of all time? Dad says your coffee is the best too.”
I laugh and lean against the counter. “Kayleigh Nielssen. What do you want from me? Let me check the calendar.” I pullmy phone from the drawer under the register and pretend to look. “Yup. I believe someone is still grounded for starting a bonfire in their backyard, and I have specific instructions from someone’s dad to not supply any sort of treats.”
“It’s a good thing I’m not asking for a treat then.”
Kay is far too world-smart for a fifteen-year-old, thanks to spending most of her life with her dad, the lead singer of Hall of Fame, and the rest of the band, her honorary uncles. Now that they’ve settled in Stillwater with her dad’s boyfriend, she’s become one of my regulars.
“What are you asking for?”
“I need you to supply coffee for a fundraiser.”
“You got it. What are you fundraising for?”
She stares like she’d been hoping to work harder for it, but part of my business plan is to be part of the community and help whenever possible.
I have portable equipment to supply coffee at any location, and the soup kitchen, which also serves as a community center, has my old coffee maker for events stored there.
She hands me a small leaflet. “It’s for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. We learned about Ryan at school when Mr. Bradford did a talk about HIV/AIDS education. My group project is to raise awareness in the local community, and I thought it would be a good idea to raise some money to help out too.”
“It’s a great idea, Kay. Have you spoken to Liv? I’m sure she’d be willing to offer her cookies.”
The smile on her face falls. “She can’t. Levi and Arlo are going on a honeymoon, so she’s closing Lovely Buns to take Ava to visit their aunt in Chicago.”
“I’ll help.”
We both turn to Constantine, who’s standing by the kitchen door with his apron in his hand.
“Who are you?” Kay asks. “I know your face.”
I bite my lip to stop from laughing. Kay is a force of nature, and the world is not ready for her.
“I’m Connie Galanis,” Constantine says, raising his hand. “I’ve baked everything on that display. Tell me what you need, and I’ll do it.”
Kay crosses her arms and purses her lips before saying. “I need a sample.”
Constantine goes to the kitchen and returns with the end piece of a lemon cake. Kay takes it and tries it immediately. It’s like I’m watching a baking competition judge assessing texture and flavor.
Kay hums as she tastes the cake and Constantine brings his finger to his mouth, biting his nail.
“You two are something else,” I say. “Kay, stop playing boss dragon when you need shit for free. Constantine, you don’t need to be worried. The gig is yours.”
“Says who?” Kay straightens her shoulders but hasn’t stopped eating the cake.
