“So are you.” She handed Andrea two cups. “Mabel’s hot chocolate is on the left.”
Andrea added an extra chocolate fish to the saucer. After all the social media posts Mabel had made over the last few days, it was the least she could do.
“Wow. This is awesome.” Katie stood beside Andrea. “Did you realize there’s a line of people standing outside?”
Her heart dropped. She’d thought Mabel was joking. “I’ve been so busy I haven’t looked outside. Are they okay?”
“They’re fine. Everyone’s happy to enjoy the sunshine and catch up with old friends.” Katie looked at the drinks Andrea was holding. “Would you like some help?”
Normally, Andrea would have said she was okay. But with both of her part-time staff busy, she could do with all the help she could get. “Would you be able to give these drinks to Mabel and Allan? They’re sitting by the front window. The cup of hot chocolate is Mabel’s.”
Katie took the drinks from her. “No problem. What would you like me to do when I’m finished?”
“How do you feel about waitressing?”
“After working in three different restaurants in Los Angeles, I’d say I’m a pro. After I’ve delivered these drinks, I’ll grab an apron from the kitchen and get started.”
“Thank you. You don’t know how much I appreciate your help.”
“That’s what friends are for.” Katie smiled and walked toward Mabel’s table.
Andrea glanced through the large front window at the people standing outside. It was a warm day, too warm to be standing in the hot sunshine. She turned toward the kitchen, searching for Andy and Charlie. She found them with Vanessa, her other part-time staff member.
“I have a job for you and Charlie,” Andrea told Andy. “Can you fill some of our disposable cups with fresh lemonade and take them to the people waiting outside?”
“Sure.” He handed Andrea the plate of cookies he was refilling. “Come on, Charlie. Mom’s got a job for us.”
Charlie looked up from the model he was making. “I’ll find the cups.”
Vanessa placed two toasted paninis on a plate. “These are for table three. The next order will be ready in about three minutes.”
“Thank you.” Without a backward glance, Andrea made her way into the café. Any nerves she might have had this morning had long gone. This was the start of an exciting adventure with her sons, and the beginning of a new life for each of them.
Chapter 11
David stood on the sidewalk behind twenty other people waiting to get into The Starlight Café. He shouldn’t have been surprised by how busy it was. He’d seen the Facebook and Instagram posts that had appeared on his accounts. With pictures of cakes, sandwiches, and different drinks filling the screen, it was no wonder everyone wanted to be here.
And it wasn’t only people from Sapphire Bay who were intrigued by the old-fashioned café. He’d just spoken to the woman in front of him. She’d driven from Bigfork to see what all the fuss was about and, so far, she wasn’t disappointed. Not only was the café drawing everyone’s admiration, the quaint stores in town were making their journey even more worthwhile.
“Hi, Mr. O’Dowd,” Charlie said from beside him. “Would you like a cup of lemonade?”
He turned around. Andy was holding a tray of drinks and Charlie was giving them to everyone in the line.
Charlie held the cup higher. “We made it yesterday. It’s real nice.”
The lady behind David smiled. “I just finished mine. It was delicious.”
“I’d love one.” He pulled out his wallet, but Andy shook his head. “It’s free. Mom was worried about everyone getting thirsty so she asked us to bring out the lemonade.”
Taking the cup Charlie was holding, he smiled. “That was kind of her. How’s your mom doing?”
“She’s okay,” Andy said solemnly. “Katie’s helping in the café.”
That must mean Andrea was busier than she’d expected. He looked at the line of people. If he waited here, he could be standing outside for another twenty minutes.
“I’ll see if your mom needs more help.”
Charlie pointed to a gap between The Starlight Café and the next cottage that was being remodeled. “Go down there. It’s quicker.”
