“See ya, Walt,” Noah said. Lani waved.
“So last night?”
“I took Buddy for a walk.”
“Did you know that your shoulders hunch when you’re lying? Plus, you took the Bronco.”
“They do not.”
“Where did you go, Lani?”
She should look ridiculous in that hat; instead she looked cute and sweet, and several other words that escaped him at that precise moment.
“I sent that stuff Mikey smoked to my friend, okay? Not that it was any of your business.”
“Why didn’t you just say that?”
“Walt said your cupcakes look good, so I’m getting some for Annabelle.” Tex slapped the hand Noah held out to him by way of a greeting. “Four thanks, Lani.”
Lani boxed the cupcakes.
“Why are you standing here not working?” Tex took a cupcake out of the box.
“I’m talking to Lani, but she’s not answering.”
“Yeah, why’s that?”
“I’m working!” Lani snapped. “He should be doing the same.”
“He has staff.” Tex bit into a cupcake. “Can you box me up four more?” He handed over the money.
“Well, I’m staff, so go away and let me do staff things,” she snapped.
“He bugging you, Lani?” Cubby wandered up in full sheriff mode.
“Yes, arrest him,” she muttered.
“For what?”
“Loitering.”
“Actually, that could work.” Cubby looked at Noah, but as he wore his aviators, he couldn’t read his expression. “I’ll take five of those cupcakes, thanks, Lani.”
She boxed the cupcakes.
“I think his punishment should be that he has to enter the potato and spoon race,” Tex said, licking frosting off his fingers.
“That could work. But he needs a partner. You have to be tied at the ankle, and one of them has to carry the potato on the spoon. The run is down Main Street,” Cubby added. “I think most of the people are paired now, so we may struggle to find him anyone. Him being so ugly and all.”
“Excuse me, I want to see what is for sale!”
“Sorry, Ms. Lawrence.” Noah and the other two men moved to one side so the woman could stand in front of the table. She then proceeded to ask Lani the ingredients of every single item while they stood silently and watched.
“So ask her.”
“What?” Noah looked at Cubby.
“Ask Lani to go in the potato race with you.”
