Jay raised his middle finger at Ryder’s remark as he entered the cafe and forced his lips up into a smile.
“Way worse. Now you look constipated. What’s up, J-Zilla?”
“I thought that nickname died when I hit my twenties?” Jay said, checking out who was in here.
Two people were working on laptops, and a group of moms and their offspring were in the children’s area. Phoebe had provided some toys and made the space kid-friendly, and it was a hit with locals.
“Nah, we still pull it out occasionally,” Ryder said from behind the coffee machine.
“What are the scones today?”
“Lemon meringue.”
“You’re shitting me. Why would you ruin a perfectly good pie by making it into a scone?” Jay moved to the display case and stared at the plate loaded with—granted—delicious-looking baked goods.
“Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Meadow came up with the idea, and so far, it’s a winner.”
“I like the cheese-and-bacon ones.”
“Can’t make them every day, bud.”
“Hello, Jay.”
He turned his head to see Meadow McAllister wander in from the kitchen, carrying a tray of muffins. She was her usual colorful self in a loose dress that fell to the floor. On her feet were socks and brown leather sandals.
“You look nice, Meadow.”
“What a sweet boy you are,” she said with a smile.
“Are you enjoying having two of your kids home, or are you and Hamish counting down the days until they leave?” Jay couldn’t just outright ask about Blue, so he’d work up to it.
“It’s wonderful, even if Finch can be a little opinionated and likes to boss his sisters around.”
“How’s Blue doing? She looked a little tired when I saw her the other day.” It was a simple question from someone who grew up with the McAllister kids, and there was nothing more to it than that.
The smile slipped from Meadow’s face. “Something is off with her, but she won’t tell me what.”
Had Blue not told her parents about what happened at her job in New York yet?
“I’m sure she’ll tell you when she’s ready,” Ryder said. “Not everyone is as open about what’s going on inside them as you and Hamish, Meadow.”
“Well, the world would be a better place if people were,” she said, moving to the display case after Jay had stepped back.
“What’s in those?” he asked as she lowered the tray inside.
“Chocolate and caramel,” Meadow said.
“I’ll take a scone and one of those,” he said to Ryder. “Coffee too.”
“Please,” Ryder added.
Jay raised his middle finger again.
“Better,” Ryder said.
“You should come and see my Blue, Jay. You’d be good for her because you have a calming presence.”
No one knew what had gone on between Jay and Blue, so why was this the second time someone had tried to set them up?
