Her grin probably went from ear to ear. “I did it. I told Morty I’m moving out.”
Ellie lifted her hands, stared up at the ceiling. “Hallelujah.” She looked at Grace again. “It’s about time.”
Grace checked the napkin dispensers, storing the extra packages under the counter. “You know I needed to make sure he was moving around okay before I left.”
She felt Ellie’s gaze. “Or maybe you were afraid to take something you deserve? Afraid that mama of yours was going to try and take it away.”
Grace rearranged the napkins, turning the packets sideways so more could fit. “Still seems weird they’d leave the house to me instead of their own daughter.”
Ellie grabbed another box of napkins, opened it, and started handing packets to Grace.
“Or they knew their daughter was as selfish as the day is long. Makes it all the more amazing you’re such a sweet thing.”
She glanced up at Ellie. “You’re biased.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
Grace stood, about to break down the boxes, but Ellie pulled her into a hug. “Proud of you,” Ellie whispered.
She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Thanks.”
Ellie let her go, looked up at the clock over the chalkboard menus.
“I’m going to work on payroll. Call me if we get slammed before Hugo shows up. That boy better not be late.”
Grace nodded, unable to wipe the smile from her face. Shehummed under her breath as she cut assorted squares, arranged pastries, and checked supplies. She liked the routine, enjoyed the mundane tasks of setting everything up just right.
She did her best not to let thoughts of her mother dampen her spirit. Tammy Travis never let her know grandparents who’d cared enough to leave her a freaking house but she’d waxed poetic about the life she deserved. As Grace got older, she wondered how her mom planned to achieve that life without putting in some damn effort. She’d never understand why her mother had kept family from Grace’s life. Why she’d let them struggle to the point that Grace couldn’t wait to escape her mother’s trailer. Coming to Harlow was the best thing she’d ever done.
Hugo, a twenty-one-year-old college student who made Grace feel ancient despite her being only seven years older than he was, burst through the swinging door from the back.
“Sup Gracie-girl.” His long dark hair was tucked into a ponytail.
“Not much, Hugo. Good thing you showed on time. You want to unlock the door? We’re ready to go.”
“I’m always on time.” He winked at her exaggeratedly, pointing his index finger her way, making Grace laugh. His serious lack of flirting skills made him endearing. The customers loved him.
Grace laughed, lifting her brows in question.
Hugo chuckled. “Yeah. That’s fair. But I’m charming.”
“You are that.” Which was why Ellie let him get away with his perpetual lateness.
Hugo lowered his chin, focused on attaching his name tag to his apron. “Big plans tonight?”
He asked it every shift, teasing her when she told him she was curling up with books or a design program. This time, she waited until he was looking at her. “Moving into my place. Any chance you could help? I don’t have much but my bed and dresser are heavy.”
He clapped his hands together. “Yes! Finally. I will help in exchange for you letting me plan the shindig to end all shindigs.”
Grace laughed. “First, you’re not old enough to use that word. Second, no parties. Too much going on. I just want to get in there and get settled.” She didn’t have the cash to do most of the renovations that needed to be done but being able to call it her home would offset her impatience about that.
“Fine. Small, simple gathering to celebrate then. I’m not budging.” He crossed his arms over his chest, lifting his chin in the air.
Shaking her head, she patted his arm. “Deal. But not until I’m ready.”
Hugo gave an exaggerated fist pump. “I’ll take it.”
Grace shook her head, starting an espresso order for the customer who’d be walking through the door shortly.
