“Leo, hi!” Jules, who I’d met at Lake Ridge last weekend, greeted.
“Great to see you, ladies. I’ve been meaning to come by.” I smiled at them both and grabbed the stool next to Jules. “What do you both recommend?” I asked, my eyes scanning the chalkboards behind the register that detailed in cursive writing the available drinks and pastries.
“You can’t go wrong,” Jules said with a laugh. “I usually get anything and everything with chocolate.”
“I can also surprise you with a drink and pastry,” Lily offered.
“Yeah, let’s do that. A surprise sounds great.” I reached into my pocket to pull out my wallet. When I tapped my card against the reader, nothing happened.
“It’s on the house,” Lily said in a sing-song tone. “Least I can do after dinner last weekend, which wasdelicious.”
When I parted my mouth to protest her offer, Lily raised her brows, suddenly going from sunshine to stern, and I closed my mouth and slipped my card back into my wallet.
“Much better,” she said with a bright smile. “You’re meeting Gabe here, right? He’s running a little behind. He would’ve texted you but doesn’t have your number.”
“It’s not a problem. I’m in no rush.”
“How are you enjoying Golden Falls so far?” Lily asked while working on my drink.
“It’s been great,” I answered honestly. “I like that it feelsfamiliar, with how close it is to where I grew up, but different enough that it’s also new. I’d been to town a couple times growing up but barely remember it. It’s nice to experience it now and prepare for the summer rush.”
“It getssobusy. I’m exhausted just thinking about it,” Lily said with a laugh. “I imagine it’s similar to the fall tourist rush in Maple Bluffs?”
While Golden Falls was the town to visit over the summer, Maple Bluffs was the place to be in the fall, with its pure maple syrup, hiking trails, and historic downtown. A wave of nostalgia hit me as I realized I hadn’t experienced a fall in Maple Bluffs in years.
“Yeah, I’d say it’s similar. From what my mom has said, the infrastructure for tourists is a little less built out. It’s easy for a day trip but lodging is difficult to find for extended stays.”
“We should do a girls trip in the fall. Head over for the day,” Jules beamed.
“I like the way you think.” Lily grinned at her friend. “Maybe even get some recommendations on what to do from our new favorite chef?” She looked at me hopefully.
“Of course,” I said with a chuckle. “Happy to help.”
Lily set the drink in front of me. “I made you an Americano and then dusted some coconut sugar and cinnamon on top, in the shape of paw prints, of course.”
“Looks fantastic,” I said with a smile. “Can’t wait to try it.”
“And then how do you feel about strawberry rhubarb bars?” she asked.
I looked over to the glass cases, and my stomach immediately rumbled at how delicious the bars looked. “No complaints here.”
Lily grinned. She then turned around and brought over two plates, each with a pastry.
As I waited for Gabe, I checked in with Jules aboutrecommendations for contractors in the area and some of the projects my mom was considering. Like Eliza promised, Jules was more than helpful.
About five minutes after I’d arrived, Gabe walked in. He was wearing a light-blue dress shirt, a pair of slacks, and dress shoes.
“Hey, Leo,” he said with a welcoming smile. “Sorry, I’m late. I had a call for work that went over.” He sighed and leaned over the counter to give Lily a kiss.
“No worries, man. Gave me some time to catch up with Lily and Jules.”
Lily already had Gabe’s drink made, so we grabbed our mugs and plates.
“Do you want to stay in here or head to the cat room?” Gabe asked.
“I’m allergic to cats, unfortunately.”
“That’s devastating.” Gabe shook his head, looking pained at the revelation. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”
