“Fine. But if my mother embarrasses me in public, I’m blaming all of you.”
Liz slipped her arm through Eleanor’s.
“Oh sweetheart,” she said cheerfully, “that ship sailed the day you were born.”
City Limits Café buzzed with the easy rhythm of lunchtime when they stepped inside. The smell of burgers, coffee, and grilled onions filled the air.
Willow looked up from behind the counter and grinned.
“Well, look who finally decided to show up.”
Eleanor laughed.
“Hey, Willow.”
Willow’s gaze traveled across the group behind her.
“And she brought half the county with her.”
April waved.
“Lunch break.”
Willow grabbed menus.
“Come on then,” she said. “I’ll put you, folks, in the corner before you scare my regulars.”
They slid into a large table by the windows. Lawrence settled beside Liz, taking in the room, while Reid slid in next to Eleanor, and Deck and April claimed the opposite side.
As they crossed the café, several people waved.
“Hey, Counselor.”
“Afternoon, Reid.”
“April!”
Liz looked around with open delight.
“This place is wonderful,” she said as they settled in.
Willow dropped the menus.
“Coffee all around?” she asked.
Orders flew around the table.
Willow paused beside Reid.
“You want the usual?”
Reid grinned.
“You know it.”
Willow nodded knowingly and headed toward the kitchen.
Liz raised an eyebrow.
