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Betty and I look at each other.

"How much is too much?" she asks.

"I don't know."

"Then we lack sufficient data."

Noah grins.

"Whipped cream."

"Excellent choice."

Betty starts making his drink.

"And for you?"

"Latte."

"Already started it."

I stare at her.

"You remembered?"

"Maddy, you ordered the same thing every Saturday from the time you were sixteen until you left for New York."

"I could have changed."

"Did you?"

"No."

"Then my work here is done."

She sets Noah's hot chocolate on the counter and points toward a nearby table where several children are sitting.

"Careful. It's hot."

Noah takes it and joins them. Betty turns back to me. Her eyes drop to my canvas bag.

"That looks heavy."

"It is."

"Successful shopping trip?"

"That depends on your definition of successful."

She pours steamed milk into my cup. I set the bag on the counter.

"Do you know the most irritating man in Oakridge?"

Betty doesn't even look up.

"You'll have to narrow that down."

"Martinez."