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“Can you come in at five tomorrow?”
“I sure can,” Lucy said.
She went back to the Inn and grabbed some dinner. She showered and watched a few episodes of NCIS. She fell asleep pretty quickly. It was pretty tiring being constantly on her feet and moving around like she had been.
Lucy arrived right on time the next morning. Clara laughed when Lucy yawned and stretched.
“The great thing about working at a place like this is that you can have all the coffee you want. Did you eat?”
“The kitchen wasn’t open yet,” Lucy said.
“Perfect. I’ll start the grill. Over easy or over medium?”
“Over medium, please,” Lucy said.
“I’ll get the ovens warmed up and you can start all the machines up front. People are going to start pouring in here in about an hour.”
Clara made the best eggs that Lucy had ever had. Sure enough, as soon as they were done eating, customers came in by the droves. Lucy was constantly on the move, making coffees, expressos, and other drinks. Clara worked the cash register and took orders while two women in the back made egg sandwiches, omelets, and other breakfast goodies.
By the time ten rolled around, Lucy was exhausted. She sat down heavily on the stool behind the counter and wiped her brow.
“I don’t know how you do that every day,” Lucy said.
“You get used to it.” Clara smiled. “Although there are still days when I’m sure that my feet are going to explode off.”
Just then, a cute little boy came rushing into the café with a small dog hot on his heels.
“Reno and I were helping Dad all morning,” he said.
“I know that he was glad for your help,” Clara said. “Lucy, this is my son, Zeke, and his best friend, Reno. Zeke, this is my friend, Lucy.”
Zeke held out his hand very formally and said, “It is nice to meet you.”
“I’m very glad to meet you, too,” Lucy said.
“Reno and I are hungry,” Zeke declared.
“I’m sure that we can find a way to fix that,” Clara said.
She went into the back and Zeke looked at Lucy.
“I’m seven years old. I’m the best reader in my class,” he said, proudly.
“That is a great accomplishment,” Lucy replied. “I love to read. What do you like to read?”
Zeke whispered conspiratorially, “I like to read ghost stories, but Mom doesn’t like it when I do. She’s afraid they’re going to scare me. I like to read mystery stories, though.”
“Those are my favorite,” Lucy said.
Clara came out with some snacks and Zeke smiled brightly.
“Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.”
Then, he and Reno went to a nook of the café that seemed to be set aside just for them.
“I love Zeke,” Lucy said.
“Most people do. He is smart – too smart for his own good and very mature. I’m afraid that he’s going to end up being an old man before he gets to be a kid.”
