I weave my way past the tables, murmuring quiet “good mornings” to a few customers.Lou looks up as I approach, setting his paper down and removing his glasses.
“Morning, Amy,” he greets.His customary warm smile falters.“Everything alright, my dear?You look troubled.”
His concern warms my tired heart.“It’s been a morning, Lou,” I admit, keeping my voice low as I slide into the chair across from him.“Actually, I was hoping I could borrow you for a few minutes?In my office?”I lean forward slightly.“It’s regarding the future of this café, and honestly… I could really use your help.”
Lou reaches out and pats my hand.“You know you only have to ask.”
“Thank you.”I feel a fraction stronger just knowing he’s in my corner.“Give me five minutes?I just need to grab Helen.”
“I’ll be there in five.”
I give his hand a quick squeeze before heading toward the front counter.Helen is there, taking an order while directing Grace, our part-time barista.
“Oh good, Grace is here,” I say with relief.
“Of course Grace is here.It’s Thursday,” she reminds me, finishing with her customer.
“Right.Thursday.”The days seem to blur together lately.
“Everything okay?”She turns to me.
“Can you finish up here and meet me in my office?Let Grace take over.”
Helen’s brow furrows.
I offer a single grim nod.
Her expression hardens, and she nods back, a flicker of understanding passing between us.“I’ll be right there.”
I head down the short hallway to my office.Unlocking the door, I step inside.The familiar scent of old files and coffee grounds does little to soothe the knot tightening in my stomach.I flick on the desk lamp, its warm glow preferable to the harsh overheads, and leave the door slightly ajar.I pace the small space once before perching on the edge of my desk.
A minute later, a soft knock sounds.Lou stands in the doorway, his expression full of gentle concern.“Ready for me, my dear?”
“Yes, thank you so much, Lou.”I gesture toward the worn sofa against the wall.
He steps inside, closing the door quietly.“Now then,” he begins, his eyes scanning my face.“What has you looking so nervous?”
Before he can even sit down, another knock, sharper, more impatient, rattles the door.Helen strides in, pulling up short as she spots Lou hovering near the couch.Her eyes widen dramatically, and a teasing grin spreads across her face.
“Oh no,” she declares, placing a hand over her heart in mock horror.“After all these years of loyalty, we’re firing Lou?”
“Well, now we know who to blame if Lou takes his business elsewhere,” I warn playfully.
“Me?Never.”Lou chuckles softly, shaking his head.He pats the empty spot beside him.“Come sit, Helen,” he invites, his eyes twinkling behind his spectacles.“Let’s find out what’s gotten our Amy all worked up this morning.”
Helen’s grin softens, her gaze flicking between Lou and me.“Okay, okay,” she says, sitting down.“Enough with the suspense already.Spill it.”
I take a deep breath, grateful for their presence, but knowing it’s time to get down to business.They watch me expectantly as I struggle with where to begin.
“I’ve been advised to start a petition,” I finally share.
“Advised?”Helen repeats.“Advised by who?”
“That young lawyer from yesterday?”Lou’s question is more to the point.
“Bancroft’s lawyer?He’s helping you himself?”Helen’s eyebrows almost reach her hairline.“I thought he was just referring you to someone.Is he allowed to do that?Legally?”
“I know.”I drop my head back.
