“On it,” says Dane.
“Thanks for having us over,” Brenna says to Miguel. “It’s nice to see you all outside of work.”
“You don’t mind coming by? I know you’ve been working a ton lately. Hanging out with your co-workers on your off day probably isn’t much of a break.”
“Miguel, you worry too much—I’m happy to be here. Besides, Natalie needs hours.”
“You sure she’s okay?” he asks.
“She’ll be fine. And if she’s not, she can call Riley,” says Dane, grinning.
Riley pretends to be offended. “I’m off the clock until tomorrow. It’s all you, Dane.”
“I’m not sure if you remember, but I’m Miguel’s sister,” Miriam says to Riley and Brenna. It’s the first time I’ve seen the two of them beside each other since…well, I can’t recallwhen. She extends the hand she just wiped on her apron to Riley first. “Miriam. We met…”
Riley nods, knowing Miriam doesn’t want to say “at the funeral” out loud. “I remember. It’s good to see you again.”
“You, too.”
“Nice to see you,” echoes Brenna, and Miriam smiles at her.
Dane hoists himself onto the counter next to where Miguel’s standing. “Your lady friend here yet?”
“Is your police escort here yet, or should I call them to tell them you’re waiting for your ride?”
Dane holds both hands up. “Just a question, chief! Just a question.”
Where are Fiona and Amelia Mae, anyway? I’ve been excited since I heard Miguel invite them over last night. So excited, in fact, that I found myself roaming around the second floor half-asleep early this morning. Fortunately, I didn’t rouse Miguel or Miriam or even the little yipper and went back to my bed when I realized what was happening.
I head to the living room to wait in front of the window. A big black Labrador pees in our yard, then Raina jogs by. A woman pushes a tiny dog in a stroller, even though I’ve seen that Chihuahua prancing past a million times and know for a fact that he doesn’t need a ride. Finally, there’s Amelia Mae, practically dragging Fiona behind her as they walk up the street. I start barking to herald their arrival, which sets off Walter, who comes scrambling over. I swear if he pees next to me I’m going to carry him back to the dumpster myself.
Fiona comes to the front door, which seems a bit odd, but it does give Miguel a chance to greet her alone. He hugs her, then hands her Walter.
“I’m sorry we’re late—the rental place is even smaller than I thought, and they don’t have our car ready yet. Has this little guy been much trouble?” she asks, holding him up to admire him.
“Not at all, and I’m glad you came. It’s impossible to make a small brunch and have it be any good, so I might have cooked a little too much. I hope you’re both hungry. And the coffee just finished brewing. Of course, I have tea, too…” Miguel’s babbling like he’s just been hit on the head by a bunch of black walnuts. He’s probably nervous to introduce her to Miriam.
“Let’s let them chat, Harry,” Amelia Mae whispers to me. “It’s a miracle we made it over—Mom was scribbling in her notebook all morning, which is why we were late to get the rental car. But between us, that’s a good thing, ’cause she only does that when she actually cares, and she hasn’t cared about anything other than me in way too long. Still, she talked to Uncle Jon last night, and they were arguing again. Something about cutting the tether, whatever that means. That whole mess has really turned her upside down. I don’t want to tell her I’m worried because she’s got enough to think about, but…” She pushes her face into a smile. “At least I’m here now.”
I want to hear more about what made Fiona not care, but Amelia Mae is already directing me to the kitchen.
“Hello, everyone!” she announces, giving a big wave. She turns to Miriam, who’s standing beside Dane at the counter, and says, “I’m Amelia Mae.”
Miriam freezes.
“Take it your brother didn’t tell you that the girl here sharesa name with our Amelia,” Dane says in an uncharacteristically low voice.
She shakes her head. “No, he certainly did not. Seems like a big thing not to mention.”
“He’s got a lot on his mind these days, what with the bookstore’s budget issues and his new love and now being on puppy duty.” He plucks a berry out of a bowl and pops it into his mouth, then holds the bowl out to her. “Want one?”
“I’ll pass, but I’m going to need a second helping of what’s been on my brother’s mind.”
Dane’s eyes land on Fiona, who’s just appeared in the doorway with Miguel. “Unlike some, I’m an open book. Maybe we can grab a drink after my shift.”
Miriam raises an eyebrow at him. “I hope you’re not asking me out.”
“Since you told me no the last four times I asked, I wouldn’t dream of it. But I do know a good place to get a cold beverage this evening if you’re interested.”
