“Dammit, April,” Sonny said.
“What? It’s just Rochelle. By the way, Maren, this is Rochelle. She’s my bestie and also in the book club that you’d better be going to at Arden’s.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Rochelle nodded at Maren. “I’m furniture, apparently.”
Maren snickered.
“Veryprettyfurniture that we keep in the window to class the place up and draw people in.” She shrugged. “Hey, it worked with Gabe.”
Rochelle laughed. “That it did.”
“And while we’re doing names, this grump is my dad, Sonny. He pretends to be annoyed by me but secretly thinks I’m hilarious.”
“Very secretly,” Sonny confirmed with absolutely no expression.
“And, let’s see.” April sized Colin up. “Black coffee for you. Large.”
“Exactly.”
“And for you?” April asked Maren.
“Um—” Maren glanced at the menu board behind the counter, suddenly overwhelmed by options. “What’s good?”
“Everything,” April said with zero modesty. “But if you want my actual recommendation—have you had lunch?”
“Donuts,” Maren admitted.
“From Do’s and Donuts, I hope?” April said.
“You know it.”
“If you’ve been throwing axes—and you better have—then you need ballast along with your caffeine. I’m making you a honey lavender latte and a turkey cranberry panini. Trust me.”
“I—okay, that sounds great.” Maren smiled. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Thank me after you’ve tasted it.” April was already moving, pulling shots, steaming milk, her movements efficient and practiced. “So Charlie, are you the one responsible for taking her to Do’s and Donuts?”
“Obviously.”
“And?”
“She threw a bullseye on her first try.”
April looked up, impressed. “No shit?”
“April. Language.”
“Sorry, Papa.” April leaned over the counter and stage-whispered, “Not remotely sorry.” She turned back to Maren. “Okay, I officially like you. Anyone who can nail a bullseye on their first try is welcome here anytime.”
The door behind them chimed. Maren turned to see a young woman walk in—early twenties, blonde, with bright-eyed energy.
“Hannah!” April called. “Perfect timing. Come meet Maren. Maren, this is my lil’ sis.”
Hannah’s face lit up. “Oh! You’re Juni’s aunt. Kevin FaceTimed me from Watchdog earlier. She seems so sweet.”
“She is,” Maren said, feeling herself relax.
“Hannah, you’re late,” Sonny said.
