‘Who?’
‘Well … your mom actually. Just in the way she is with customers. She’s chatty. She’s interested in their day, you know? People like that.’
‘It’s her first day, of course she’s like that.’
‘Well whatever, I’m buying another for my dad in a minute. I’ll take it over. I think he might like the new taste.’
Lucas studied his friend carefully. ‘How is Al today?’
‘Not too good. I have a nurse coming round later today. I think he may need to go back into hospital for a time. He has another infection.’
‘I’m sorry, buddy,’ Lucas replied. He could see the hurt on his friend’s face.
‘We’ll be fine. I guess I’m getting used to it.’ Greg sighed. ‘Now stop worrying about me. I think you could use some matcha goodness in you.’
Lucas pulled a face at him and sighed. ‘OK. OK. I’ll buy one drink. Just to shut you up if nothing else.’
Outside it was surprisingly warm and clammy, and Lucas was immediately blinded by the high spring sun shining directly at him. He used to love this time of year, the promise of summer and the change of season – it used to feel like such a fresh and exciting time, when absolutely anything could happen. But then something did happen – the worst thing. And now, Lucas headed into these months with a heavy sense of loss and foreboding.
Maybe spring was a time of unsettling change and bad omens.
Nothing felt the same anymore.
There were still some people at Willow’s van/wagon/stall –whatever she wanted to call it. The Henrys – a young couple that had moved to town a few months ago and always seemed to be so enthusiastic about everything – were walking away clutching their drinks. Macguire was there leaning up against the side of the van and chatting to Willow in his easy way. Lucas was surprised to see him as he was always so busy. He must be checking out some of his businesses in the town. Lucas had never much liked the tall, smooth-talking man that swanned around here in his finest suit – but it probably didn’t help that Macguire had also dated his mother for several years. No matter how nice that man was towards him, or how much his mom told him that he ‘should give the guy a break’, Lucas had never been in the mood to take on a new stepdaddy. Especially not one whose hair was so slicked back with hair products, it looked greasier than his frying pan.
‘Hey man,’ Macguire called him over cheerfully, waving. ‘This is a great idea of yours! Getting in there with the latest trends.’
Lucas had only just noticed Willow, who was standing inside the wagon, looking a little disgruntled at Macguire’s comment. She looked different today. Her glossy brown hair was swept back into a high ponytail and her face looked flushed and glowy.
‘This is actually my idea,’ she said politely, pointing to the sign. ‘Willow’s Matcha Wagon, see – all my own business. Nothing to do with anyone else. Well, I had some input from a marketing friend, but apart from that …’
Macguire was still grinning like a tomcat. ‘Yeah, yeah, I see that, but you’re on Lucas’s property, aren’t you? I bet he had a hand in this too. He’s always been a clever one.’
Lucas knew what he was doing. It was what he always did – try to win Lucas’s favor by flattering him and beingover-the-top nice. He had no idea why Macguire was still bothering though; his mom had been dead nearly two years now. He didn’t need to impress Lucas anymore.
Two years … The reminder hit him like a punch in the gut and he had to shake his head to focus back on the present moment.
‘Seriously, Mac, this isn’t anything to do with me,’ he said finally, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. ‘Willow just rocked up here and landed me with her new business idea. I barely had a say.’ He turned to Willow. ‘How’s it going anyway?’
Willow nodded. ‘OK, I think. I’ve sold a few this morning and everyone seems to like the rich unami flavors. I’m making them write reviews on my website. I have an offer—’
‘Two for one,’ Macguire jumped in, holding up a purply green drink. ‘I’m on my second already. I recommend the Blueberry Buzz – it hits the spot nicely. The perfect balance of health, tradition and flavor.’
Lucas raised an eyebrow. ‘Blueberry Buzz?’
Willow shrugged. ‘I’m still playing around with names. I want them to be memorable. I have the Strawberry Slammer, the Raspberry Rant; I’m still struggling with naming the blackberry one.’
‘Blackberry Bummer?’ Lucas offered dryly.
Willow stuck her tongue out at him. ‘You are clearly not getting into the spirit of things.’
He held up his hands in mock apology. ‘Hey! I’m sorry. I actually did come out here to try one. Greg is covering for me in there …’ He gestured back towards The Diner. ‘I might as well take advantage of my break while I can.’
Willow smiled. Lucas had forgotten just how much he loved that smile. She had the cutest little gap between her teeth, which made her look a little kooky. He rememberedhow she had hated her teeth when she was little. How she had cried for hours when she got her braces for the first time, and he had gone to the store and spent his allowance on ice cream for her. They had sat on the steps of The Diner eating it together, two spoons and one huge tub. How old had they been then? Eleven? Twelve? So young, but it didn’t matter. He knew then how fiercely he loved her, and he would do anything to make her happy.
‘Tell you what,’ Willow said, breaking his thoughts. ‘I’ll gift you this one for free, as a thank you for letting me set up here.’
‘You don’t have to do that.’
