Molly entered Firehouse Coffee, scanning the place for her best friend, Skye. She drew in the wondrous aroma of java and artificial stimulation. What more could a girl ask for?
She was running a little early for a change. She’d been annoyed with Levi and wanted to get out of the house. He could be so bossy—and he was such a bean counter! She understood the need to turn a profit, but things were fine. She wished he’d just relax about the money already.
She stepped up to the counter and ordered an iced latte for herself and a green tea for Skye, making small talk with the baristas. Drinks in hand, she found some comfy chairs on the patio.
The old fire station had been renovated into a coffee shop several years ago. On nice days the old doors were rolled up, creating an open-air environment. It was a popular place for locals and tourists alike.
“You beat me,” Skye said with surprise. She was obviously fresh from her yoga/dance studio, her leggings and snug T-shirt showing off a lithe figure.
“Miracles never cease.” Molly allowed herself a moment’s jealousy of Skye’s toned muscles. Then again, the woman basically worked out all day and subsisted on organic squirrel food. Not worth it. Molly took a sip of her cinnamon roll latte, taking delight in its spicy-sweet flavor.
Skye scooted closer to the table and took a sip of her tea. “Thanks. This hits the spot. What’s it going to cost me?”
Molly gave her a droll look. “A good ten minutes of listening to me whine about Levi.”
“I’m sure you have more than that in you.”
“I have book club in an hour.”
Skye laughed. “So I take it you pitched your idea for the broader menu.”
“If you consider me bringing it up and him shooting it down a ‘pitch.’”
Skye gave her an empathetic look. “He tends to forget the inn belongs to all three of you, doesn’t he?”
“I mean, I know the business stuff is his area of expertise, but he does update us at the monthly snoozefest, and things are going fine.”
Skye’s brows disappeared beneath her mahogany bangs. “And you’re actually awake for these meetings?”
“Maybe my eyes glaze over at the mere mention of a spreadsheet, but I can read the bottom line easily enough. A full-service restaurant was part of our parents’ dream. It would expand the services we offer our guests and maybe even draw in more. I don’t see why he’s being so stubborn about this.”
“What reason does he give for holding off?”
“Just the same old story—the profits, the extra staff, blah, blah, blah. He’s such a penny-pincher. I bought a bunch of new towels so we wouldn’t have to do same-day washings—and I got a good deal on them too. He made me send them back! I wanted to go with a new luxury line of soaps, and he put the nix on that too. It wasn’t even that much more than what we’re using.”
They talked a while longer about the situation. Skye suggested that Molly start with a smaller request, like a made-to-order breakfast, and work up to a dinner menu. Baby steps. Her friend was good with conflict resolution, so Molly took her advice seriously. She wasn’t giving up.
When they’d exhausted the topic, she asked Skye about her love life, which her friend described as deadly dull to nonexistent, so talk turned to the yoga studio. Skye regaled her with stories that had Molly spewing coffee at one point.
Finally, she brought up the real reason she’d asked Skye to meet for coffee today. “So . . . I do have some exciting news to share.”
Skye leaned forward. “Whatever it is has your eyes sparkling like Bluebell Lake on a summer day.”
Molly drained the last of her iced latte, drawing out the moment. Torturing Skye was always fun. “Miss Nonnie had her hair done at the Hair Lair the other day by Patty Burkes.”
Skye gave Molly a searching look. “Aaaand . . .”
“Patty’s daughter, LeeAnne, works at the Crow’s Nest.”
“I know . . . She’s a hostess.”
“Yes, and she takes reservations.” Molly gave her a pointed look. “And someone’s boyfriend made reservations for two, a week from this Friday.”
“Oooh . . . that’ll be nice. You should wear your red sundress. I love that on you.”
Molly quirked a brow. “He asked for the best seat in the house—the corner booth for two right by the window. And he said”—Molly emphasized the words—“that it’s a special occasion.”
Understanding registered in Skye’s expression. Her lips curled coyly. “I take it this is not a birthday celebration.”
“His birthday is in February. But it is the anniversary of a certain first kiss.”
Skye pressed her palm to her heart. “The one in the boat in the pouring rain? Be still my heart. That one still gets me, and I wasn’t even the recipient.”
Molly leaned forward. “I think this is it, Skye. He’s going to propose.”
Skye squealed and grabbed Molly’s hand. “I think you’re right. I’m so excited for you.”
“I know. I can hardly believe it. We haven’t been dating that long, but I’ve never been so sure of anything. And he’s so romantic—of course he’d pick the anniversary of a special moment. It’s just like him.”
“You’re so lucky. He’s wonderful. And he’s good for you too—so level-headed and thoughtful.”
“He is all that and more. He still writes me love notes. I’ve saved every one.”
“You lucky dog. Meanwhile I’m subsisting on a steady diet of ‘Hey’ guys on Instagram.”
Molly laughed. “You should totally go out with Levi. I keep telling you.”
“You also keep telling me what a pain in the rump he is!”
“Oh, you know I love him. He has a lot of good qualities too. I may take those for granted. But he’s solid, dependable, and he has an actual plan for his life.”
“Yes, a plan that puts him squarely back in Denver as soon as possible. No thanks. Besides, I’ve never viewed him as anything but a friend, and I’m pretty sure he feels the same.”
Molly considered that. As much as she’d like her best friend and brother to hook up, it seemed someone else had caught his eye. “I think he’s got the hots for our new guest anyway. It seems like he’s with her all the time.”
“The honeymoon woman?”
“That’s the one.” It was killing her to keep quiet about Mia’s identity, but she’d promised.
“Isn’t she fresh off a heartbreak?”
Molly shrugged. “I think the wedding was canceled a while back.”
Skye’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Before long you’ll be planning your wedding.”
Molly squealed. “I know! I can hardly believe it. Do you think he’s gotten the ring yet?”
“I’m sure he has. It’s probably a zillion carats!”
“I don’t care about that. I just want to be his.”
“Spoken like a true romantic. You guys are perfect for each other.”
Molly squeezed her hand. “I’m hoping both you and Grace will agree to be my maids of honor . . . ?”
Skye’s eyes went glossy. “I’d be honored. You’re the best friend ever, Molly. This is going to be so amazing. I can give the two of you dance classes so your first dance is like a dream.”
“I’d love that!” Molly would have to do some real talking to get Adam to agree, but she thought she could pull it off. “I don’t how I’m going to wait more than a week. This is going to be torture.”
“One day at a time.”
Molly checked her watch. “I’ve got to run. Hey, didn’t you read Where the Crawdads Sing? I don’t suppose I can talk you into book club?”
Skye laughed. “You’re still calling it that? You’re the only one who reads the books.”
“The others read the books. Sometimes.” Molly made a face. Mostly the hour consisted of the ladies gossiping while Molly tried to drag them back on subject.
Skye pushed back from the table. “Yeah, I think I’ll pass this time. But good luck with that.”