Page 73 of Talk Wicked to Me

“We’ll check it out one night. Mads plays here sometimes, and they don’t serve alcohol, so the crowd isn’t too rowdy. See the sign above the door?” He pointed to a sign that read LEAVE YOUR BIASES AT THE DOOR. “Elliott has Down syndrome, and Gabe employs several other people with disabilities. She works hard to foster an environment where everyone is welcome. That’s one of the reasons we chose to hold our annual rally here.”

“That’s wonderful. As long as everyone doesn’t include a creepy barista.”

“There are no creepy baristas here. My buddy Cuffs is a Dark Knight and a cop. He checks out everyone Gabe hires to keep her and the staff safe.”

“You guys really do watch out for everyone, don’t you?”

“Gotta keep our community safe.” He climbed out of the truck. “Sit tight and I’ll help you out.”

She and Ollie watched him strut around the truck in all his beautiful, laid-back glory. He helped her out and drew her into a kiss. “We’ll only be here for a few minutes. Do you want to carry Brennan or hold Ollie’s leash?”

“I’ll hold Brennan. They allow dogs inside?”

“Yeah. A lot of places around here are dog friendly.” He lifted Brennan out of his car seat and cradled him in one arm, giving her little boy all of his attention. “This is a big day for you, Little B. You get to meet some new friends, but don’t worry. We won’t let anyone get too close.”

He nuzzled Brennan’s cheek, earning excited kicks. He handed him to Emerson as she tried not to melt into a puddle of goo right there on the pavement. Now it was her turn to nuzzle her baby’s cheek, inhaling the dreamy mix of her baby’s sweet scent and her man. My man. That brought an unexpected thrill.

Baz leashed Ollie and draped an arm over Emerson’s shoulder as they crossed the parking lot. “I like this, Lockhart.”

“The coffee shop?”

“Us. Being out as a couple with Brennan and Ollie.”

“Me too. Being part of a couple like this is new for me. I haven’t really been like this with anyone else.”

“It’s new for me, too, but it doesn’t feel that way. It feels natural, like we were meant to find each other.”

Butterflies swarmed in her belly as he pulled open the door. The coffee shop was warm and inviting, with pool tables off to the side, dining tables scattered around the floor, and a small stage and a coffee bar at the head of the room. They were greeted by a sandy-haired man with Down syndrome, whom she assumed was Elliott.

“Baz, my man,” he said with an engaging smile.

“How’s it going, Elliott?” Ollie’s tail wagged happily, but when Baz told him to sit, all their training paid off, and he obeyed.

“Not as good as it is for you,” Elliott said. “Who’s your pretty lady friend with the cute baby? And can I pet your dog?”

Emerson smiled, instantly liking him.

“You sure can. His name is Ollie, and he belongs to this pretty lady, my girlfriend, Emerson.” As Elliott petted Ollie, Baz said, “And the baby is her son, Brennan.”

The word girlfriend twinkled around Emerson like a star only she could see.

“Emerson? That’s a pretty name.” Elliott pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose. “I’m Elliott, your host extraordinaire.”

“I see that. It’s nice to meet you, Elliott.”

“Elliott has a memory like a vault. He knows everyone by name, and not only is he an extraordinary host, but he’s also an incredible baker,” Baz bragged.

“I am,” Elliott said proudly. “I love baking. I can make anything. I took classes, and I watch videos all the time.”

“Really? I bake, too, but usually just cookies and dog biscuits.” She noticed a tall, voluptuous redhead beaming at Baz as she headed their way in a cute floral sundress.

Elliott leaned closer, like he was sharing a secret, and said, “Play your cards right, and I’ll show you a thing or two one day.”

“I’d like that. I could use some pointers,” she said as the redhead sidled up to them.

Ollie’s tail wagged, and the redhead loved him up as she said, “A flock of birdies have been chirping about you having a new friend, and I wondered if I’d get a chance to meet her.”

Baz put a hand on Emerson’s back again. “Gabe, this is Emerson and her son, Brennan, and your new best friend, Ollie.”