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“Brrt?”
“You know what he wants me to do?” Thelma placed a hand on her hip. “He said I can help Donald set up the chairs in the town hall tomorrow. I told him, that’s not my job, but apparently everyone is freaking out that the hall won’t be ready in time. Donald is too slow!”
“But he told me he was going to get the job done,” Lauren remembered.
“And he probably will.” Thelma nodded. “But that’s not good enough for my boss – oh, no. And here I thought it would be much more interesting and exciting working as a reporter full time than a receptionist and house cleaner! Hmmph!”
Lauren thought Thelma sounded just like Donald in that instance.
“We can help,” Zoe offered. “What about tomorrow after the café is closed?”
“That would be great.” Thelma looked grateful. “I have to do it after I finish work and Phil is not paying me overtime. He says he can’t afford it.”
“Is Phil going to help?” Lauren asked.
“No.” Thelma snorted. “You see why I feel like killing him?”
After taking the photos, Thelma left, saying she had other stories to write up that afternoon.
“Don’t forget we have craft club tomorrow night,” Lauren reminded her cousin.
“We can skedaddle over to the town hall, do one hour of setting up chairs, grab a quick bite, and still make it to Mrs. Finch’s in time,” Zoe decided.
“Brrt!”
“That should work,” she agreed. “If it’s slow tomorrow afternoon, we could close a little earlier as well.” She usually didn’t like doing that, but this was for a special cause.
“You’re the best.” Zoe beamed.
***
THE NEXT MORNING, LAUREN hummed as she finished frosting the batch of super vanilla cupcakes. They contained vanilla buttercream filling inside, and then a swirly dollop of frosting on the top, delicately dusted with vanilla bean powder. They were her husband’s favorite. She’d decided to make the super vanillas that morning, with the intention of taking some home to surprise him.
Mitch had told her last night that Detective Castern had started clearing out his desk – apparently he had a lot of stuff in there.
“It looks more and more likely the guy’s going to retire,” he’d said at dinner. “And I can’t wait.”
The older detective had been a thorn in Mitch’s side ever since he’d joined the small department in Gold Leaf Valley, and from the way Mitch spoke about the office politics, a thorn in his boss’s side as well. Detective Castern often used slip-shod methods to catch suspects, and had made errors several times.
“Ooh, super vanillas.” Zoe poked her head into the commercial kitchen, her eyes lighting up at the sight of them. “Can you put two away for me and Chris?”
“Of course.” She smiled. “Ed, would you like one?”
She’d worked in companiable silence with her pastry chef, a big, burly guy with monster rolling pins for arms.
“Thanks.” He lifted his shaggy auburn head from his pastry shaping, and gave her a brief smile. “That would be good.”
“You’re coming to my – the – premiere, aren’t you, Ed?” Zoe quizzed.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He chuckled. “I’d never hear the end of it from AJ if we weren’t going. And Rebecca is looking forward to it.” Rebecca was his lady friend and volunteered at the local animal shelter with him.
“Awesome!” Zoe ducked back into the café.
When Lauren finished decorating the cupcakes, she brought them out to the counter.
“Brrt?” Annie lifted her head from her comfortable position in her pink cat basket.
“The cupcakes look awesome, Annie,” Zoe told her, watching Lauren slide them into the glass case.
“Ed is making cherry pinwheels and apricot Danish today,” Lauren said.
“Even better!” Zoe grinned.
A banging on the oak and glass entrance door made them both start.
“It’s only nine-twenty.” Lauren glanced at her watch.
Hurrying over to the entrance, she unbolted the door.
“I need coffee,” the girl panted. Short, slim, and with a flushed face, she had long blonde bangs that swung into her eyes. She flicked back her hair impatiently. “And then I need Zoe Crenshaw.”
“That’s me.” Zoe zoomed over.
“Oh, good.” The girl smiled. “I’m Jill Jodson, and I need to interview you about your princess movie and the premiere tomorrow.”
“Really?” Zoe’s face lit up.
“Come in,” Lauren said.
“Brrt?” Annie trotted over to her.
“What a beautiful cat.”
“She’ll choose a table for you,” Lauren added.
“She will?” Jill sounded skeptical.
“Brrt.” This way. Annie led the reporter to a four-seater near the back.
“How cute!” Jill pulled out a notebook from her purse and flicked to a blank page, the initials JJ visible at the bottom. “I’ll include this in my story.”
“Who do you work for?” Lauren asked.
“A newspaper called The Sacramento Community Star,” Jill replied. “We’re going to do a big feature story about the premiere, and how Zoe got her script picked up.”
“The premiere is tomorrow night,” Zoe said.
“I’ll be there.”
“Does Father Mike know you’re attending?” Lauren asked. “The event is free but the town was asked to RSVP so he knows how many chairs to set up.”
“No.” Tiny frown lines appeared on Jill’s forehead.
“I’m certain it will be okay.” Zoe waved a hand in the air. “One more person is sure to fit.”
“Would you like a latte?” Lauren asked, remembering Jill had requested coffee as soon as she’d opened the door.
“That would be great. A large one with a double shot – no, better make it a triple. I had to wake up early to get here in time, and when I get back to Sacramento, I’ve got more stories to write up.”
“You sound like Thelma,” Zoe observed. “Except she’s local.”
“Thelma?”
“She’s a reporter for the Gold Leaf Valley Gazette,” Lauren told her before dashing around the counter to make the latte.
“How about a cupcake?” Zoe got up and zipped over to the glass case. “We’ve got super vanilla, lavender, and salted caramel cupcakes today. And Ed’s yummy Danishes.” She gestured enticingly to the goodies.
“I’ll have a salted caramel. And can you give me a Danish to go? Maybe I can include them in my article as well.”
“That would be great.” Lauren steamed the milk. After making the triple shot latte, she brought it over to Jill.
“Wow – it’s some kind of bird.”
“It’s a peacock,” she told Jill, as Zoe brought over the cupcake.
“Of course, I can see that now.” Jill nodded. “I’ll take a photo of it in case it will fit in the article.”
Annie hopped up on the chair next to Jill and peered at her phone screen.
“I think Annie would like her photo taken as well.” Zoe giggled.
“Good idea.” Jill smiled and held the device up. Annie looked directly at it. A clicking noise sounded. “Oh, she looks just as cute on here.” She showed them the photo of Annie looking demure and sweet, with her silver-gray long fur and plumy tail.
“She does.” Lauren’s heart filled with love for her fur baby.
After Jill took a big sip of coffee and quickly ate half her cupcake, making complimentary noises, she said, “We’d better get started. Now, Zoe—”
The entrance door opened with a loud creak.
“I can’t believe you’re here already.” A guy in his twenties, with slicked back dark hair, and wearing aviator sunglasses, scowled. He pushed up the glasses to his tanned forehead.
“Ha! Beat you!” Jill crowed, her triumph marred by a couple of crumbs around her mouth. “I got here first and I’m already interviewing Zoe.”
“Not for long.” He unzipped his black leather jacket, revealing a crisp white shirt tucked into gray trousers.
“I’m Nathan Nettlefold, reporter. You might have seen me on TV.”
“No.” Lauren racked her brains, but couldn’t conjure up a memory of him.
“I don’t watch much news,” Zoe told him. “Too depressing. But we love watching the princess movies.”
“Brrt!”
“That’s why I’m here.” He nodded. “To interview Zoe Crenshaw, scriptwriter for the latest princess movie.”
“That’s me.” Zoe’s eyes sparkled.
“Great.” He sat down at Jill’s table, opposite Annie. “Is this your cat, Jill? I didn’t expect you to have such good taste.”
“No, Annie is mine,” Lauren spoke.
“Or we’re Annie’s.” Zoe giggled.
“Beat it, Nathan.” Jill leaned across the table toward him. “I got here first. You’ll have to wait your turn.”
“I’m sure I won’t have to wait for long.” He shrugged. “Your puff pieces don’t require much time to write. I could dash one off in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.”
“And how long does it take you to write one?” Jill asked acidly. “Oh, that’s right, you don’t bother writing anything, do you? You just read the auto cue.”
Nathan’s eyes flashed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Lauren cleared her throat.
Both reporters turned to look at her.
“Since Jill got here first, I think it’s only fair that she interviews Zoe right now. That’s if it’s okay with Zoe?” Lauren turned to her cousin.
“That’s what I was going to say.” Zoe nodded. “And then, Nathan, you can interview me.”
“Fine.” He scraped back his chair. “I’ll go for a walk around town.”
After he stalked out of the café, the door rattling in his wake, Jill turned to Zoe, her notebook at the ready.
“Now, tell me everything. How did you come to write the script in the first place? Is it true they filmed the movie right here in Gold Leaf Valley? Did you talk to the star of the series? Who’s your agent?”
Lauren noticed the questions were similar to Thelma’s yesterday.
Zoe answered each question, her face lighting up in excitement. When Hans, one of their friends and regular customers came in, Lauren went over to greet him.
“Hello, Lauren.” The dapper German in his sixties bent down stiffly when Annie scampered over to him. “Hello, Liebchen.” Where shall I sit today, hmm?”
“Brrt.” This way. Annie led him slowly to a four-seater near Zoe and Jill’s table.
“Zoe’s being interviewed by a Sacramento reporter,” Lauren told him.
“Ah, that is a big deal, is it not?” His faded blue eyes twinkled.
“I think so.” Lauren smiled.
After taking his order of a cappuccino and an apricot Danish, Lauren headed to the counter. She noticed Annie sitting with Hans for a minute, and then darting back to Zoe’s table, jumping onto the chair next to her.
When she brought the cappuccino over, Annie just beat her to Hans’s table again.
“You are very busy this morning, Annie.” He smiled at the silver-gray tabby.
“You’re one of her favorite people.” She hoped he knew that by now. “But I think she’s fascinated with Zoe being interviewed.”
“That is understandable.” Hans nodded.
She told him about another reporter arriving just after Jill.
“Where is he now?”
“Looking around town. He should be back later.” She hoped. She didn’t want Zoe’s time in the spotlight to be marred by the reporters’ rivalry.
“Have you seen him on TV? His name is Nathan Nettlefold.”
“Oh ja, that name sounds familiar. I think I have seen him when I visited my daughter in Sacramento and she watched the news.”
Before she could say anything more, the entrance door opened and Nathan walked inside.
“Excuse me,” she said to Hans.
Pinning a pleasant smile to her face, she approached Nathan. “I don’t think Zoe is finished with her interview yet. Can I make you a latte or cappuccino?”
“Sure.” He shrugged. “Why not? Sorry for my behavior earlier. It was just frustrating that I wasn’t the first to arrive. I’ve got to get back to Sacramento tonight to appear on air. Tomorrow, I’ll bring the camera crew down and we’re going to film Zoe at the premiere.”
“You are? Does Zoe know?”
“Not yet.” He winked. “I thought it would be a big surprise for her.”
“Do you write your own stories?” She hoped he didn’t mind her asking.
“Of course. Don’t take any notice of Jill. She’s a hack on a tiny paper. I came down today to get some good background on Zoe, understand how she came to write the script, what inspired her, that sort of thing. It will all come out in my on-air piece tomorrow night.”
“That sounds interesting,” she replied. Would she like to be interviewed on camera? She wasn’t sure, but then, she wasn’t Zoe.
“Do you know how many people are attending tomorrow night?” he asked.
“A lot,” she replied. “Did you RSVP?”
“No.” He frowned.
“I’m sure there’ll be a seat for you.” She hoped. “You are staying to watch the movie?”
“Of course.” He nodded. “I’ll include my impressions of the film in my piece. I heard that some of the locals appear in it.”
“We do.” She smiled. “I play a barista, and Zoe appears as the stunt double for Penny, who plays the princess’s sister. And Ms. Tobin, Ed, and Martha ...” she trailed off, realizing his attention had turned to Jill and Zoe’s table.
“How much longer is she going to be?” He checked his fancy silver wristwatch. Lauren thought she saw the name Rolex on it.
“How about I make you that coffee?” she proposed.
“Sure. I’ll take a large latte.”
“Coming right up.” She headed to the counter, noticing Annie was still dividing her time between Hans’s table and Zoe’s.
Lauren took extra care to make a peacock design on the micro foam, wondering if he would mention the café in his report. Any extra publicity would be welcome, as long as it was good.
“Here you go.” She set the mug down on the table near the counter.
“Thanks.” He studied the picture of Annie under the premiere banner. “This is cute. Do you know who made it?”
“Zoe.” She smiled.
“Really?”
“She also made that string-art picture.” She gestured to the large cupcake with lots of pink frosting decorating the wall.
“And what do you do?”
“I make the cupcakes – and the coffee.”
“Any hobbies?”
“I like knitting,” she said cautiously. No matter how careful she was, sometimes a dreaded hole still appeared in her project.
“Yeah – you look like a knitter.”
“I do?” She glanced down at her peach sweater and relaxed jeans that she thought flattered her curves.
“You seem like the type.” He shrugged.
She didn’t know whether to be offended or not.
“Brrt!” Annie trotted over to the entrance door as Ms. Tobin walked in.
“Hello, Annie, dear.” Ms. Tobin said. Tall, slim, and in her fifties, Ms. Tobin used to be their prickliest customer, but after they saved her a while ago from an internet scam, she’d become a good friend. “Where should I sit?”
“Brrt.” This way. Annie led her to a four-seater in the middle.
“Excuse me,” Lauren said to Nathan.
He nodded.
“Hi, Ms. Tobin.” She came over, admiring how the fawn sweater suited her friend. “What can I get you?”
“Lauren, who is that man?” Ms. Tobin gestured discreetly to Nathan. “He looks a little familiar but I can’t place him.”
“He’s a TV reporter called Nathan Nettlefold.”
“Ah. That explains it. I saw him once on the news and I’m afraid I did not take to him at all. There was something a little too slick about him.”
Lauren nodded, feeling the same way. “He’s here to interview Zoe. In fact, another reporter is interviewing her right now.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m looking forward to the premiere tomorrow night. Are you?”
“Brrt!” I am! Annie jumped onto the chair next to Ms. Tobin.
“I am, too.” Lauren smiled at her fur baby. “It sounds like the town hall is going to be packed. And Nathan is going to do a TV interview with Zoe on the night.”
“She must be very excited.” Ms. Tobin glanced over at Zoe’s table fondly.
“She doesn’t know yet.” Lauren lowered her voice.
“Wait until I tell my little Miranda.”
“How is she?”
“We’ve finished reading all the Agatha Christies from the library, and now she’s playing with my wool as I knit myself a sweater while we watch TV at night. Miranda is more interested in touching the dangling wool than what’s on the screen, though.”
“What color is the yarn?” Lauren asked.
“A very nice shade of amber.”
“It sounds lovely,” Lauren replied. “How’s your friend Miranda?”
A while ago, the café had hosted a kitten adoption day and Annie had chosen the sweet calico for Ms. Tobin, who’d named her in honor of her long-lost childhood friend. She’d managed to track down human Miranda, and the two had rekindled their friendship, with human Miranda even visiting from Cincinnati.
“She’s planning another visit to see me,” Ms. Tobin replied. “Next month.”
“You must be looking forward to it.”
“I am.” Ms. Tobin smiled. “I’ll insist she watches the princess movie while she’s here if she hasn’t seen it already, and I’ll point out the scene I’m in.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing myself in the film tomorrow night,” Lauren admitted.
After taking her order of a large latte and a cherry pinwheel, she headed to the counter.
“Thanks, Zoe,” she heard Jill say as she scraped back her chair. “I’ll see you tomorrow night at the premiere. Make sure you buy our newspaper on Sunday!”
“I already have to buy the Gold Leaf Valley Gazette,” Zoe joked. “Thelma’s promised me I’ll be in that one, too.”
“Finally finished?” Nathan strode over to Zoe’s table. “It’s my turn now, Jill.”
Jill scowled at him, and stalked to the counter, handing Lauren a credit card.
“The coffee and cupcake were great.” She dangled the paper bag containing the Danish. “I can’t wait to try this pastry when I get back to Sacramento. It’s just a shame some of the company wasn’t as delightful.” She swiveled, giving Nathan another angry glare that he ignored.
“I hope you’re still coming to the premiere tomorrow.” Lauren swiped the card.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Jill said determinedly. “Don’t worry, nothing will get in the way of my story.”
A shout of laughter from Zoe’s table snagged Lauren’s attention.
“It sounds like he’s turning on the charm full blast.” Jill grabbed her credit card and strode outside.
Zoe looked excited as she talked to Nathan. Annie darted between three tables - Ms. Tobin’s, Hans’s, and Zoe’s, so she wouldn’t miss out on anything.
More customers trickled in and Lauren had to attend to them all. Annie helped by seating them, but she definitely missed Zoe’s assistance.
By the time the last customer had received their order, Nathan pushed back his chair.
“It was good talking to you, Zoe.” He flashed a smile. “Can’t wait to interview you on camera tomorrow night.”
“Me too.” Zoe giggled. “You know what I mean.”
“Catch you tomorrow.” He winked, then strode out of the café.
Lauren stared after him.
“What’s wrong?” Zoe zoomed over. “I had a great time talking all about my script and the movie, and—”
“He didn’t pay.”
“Huh?”
Ms. Tobin walked over, her wallet out. “I’m afraid I couldn’t help overhearing. Do you mean that TV reporter didn’t pay his bill?”
“That’s right,” Lauren replied.
“Brrt,” Annie said in a scolding tone, staring at the door Nathan had just exited. “Brrt.”
“Exactly,” Lauren agreed.
“I can’t believe it.” Zoe shook her head. “Why would he do that? Maybe he forgot.”
“Maybe.” She wanted to give Nathan the benefit of the doubt, but ...
Ms. Tobin tsked. “I’m sure Annie will keep a close eye on him next time he comes in, won’t you, Annie?”
“Brrt!” Yes I will!
Lauren couldn’t help smiling.
After Ms. Tobin left, the lunch rush began. Soon, they were slammed, and didn’t have time to think about anything else. When they were finally able to grab a quick bite, Lauren sank down on the chair in her cottage kitchen, Annie by her side.
“Tonight we have to help with the chairs in the town hall,” she told her.
“Brrt?” Annie had already finished beef in gravy for her lunch.
“You can stay here and relax. Then we’re going to Mrs. Finch’s for craft club.”
“Brrt!” Good!
The afternoon proved quieter, although several customers came in, saying how excited they were about tomorrow night. Zoe told each of them to buy the Gold Leaf Valley Gazette on Sunday, in case they’d been photographed at the premiere.
“You are good at sales,” Lauren admired when they sat on the stools behind the counter, each sipping a cappuccino.
“Thanks.” Zoe grinned. “It’s the least I can do for Thelma if she’s going to do a big story on me – I mean, the premiere.”
“What about Jill’s newspaper?”
“I’ll buy a copy of hers as well. But remember Thelma told us their circulation had been down recently? I think we should support local first.”
“True.” Lauren sipped her coffee.
By the time five o’clock rolled around, Lauren stifled a yawn. They still had to help set up chairs, then go to craft club.
“Come on!” Zoe stacked the last chair and grabbed the vacuum. “Let’s check out the town hall!”
Lauren settled Annie in the cottage first. “I won’t be long,” she promised, “and then we can go to Mrs. Finch’s.”
“Brrt.” Good. Annie turned around in a circle on the pink sofa and closed her eyes.
When they arrived at the town hall, Father Mike greeted them.
“Hi, Lauren and Zoe.” His smile lit up his middle-aged face.
“Hi, Father Mike.” Zoe grinned. “We’ve come to help set up the chairs.”
“Oh good, you’re here.” Thelma threw them a grateful glance, her copper hair looking a little dusty. “I’ve already set up fifteen and my shoulders are starting to ache.” She gestured to the rows of chairs across the length of the hall, divided by a wide space in the middle.
Lauren saw three other people set up the folding chairs, including Donald.
“That’s kind of you to help,” Father Mike replied. “I didn’t think quite so many people would be coming. The senior center just called and added another fifteen to their original number. They’re going to make another minibus run to pick up everyone.”
“That’s great,” Lauren said.
“Mrs. Snuggle is looking forward to it,” Father Mike commented. “I’ve told her what’s going to happen tomorrow night and she already knows she’s in the movie. I think it will be a big thrill for her to see herself on the screen.”
“I’m sure it will be,” Lauren replied.
“You must be excited about tomorrow night, Zoe,” Father Mike remarked.
“I am.” Zoe’s brown eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait!” She grabbed a folded chair and told him about being interviewed three times over the last two days.
Lauren set up ten chairs, then took a break. She noticed Thelma rolling her shoulders before grabbing another chair, and Donald slowly and methodically setting up a black chair on the opposite side of the room.
They worked in silence for a while, then Thelma gave a big sigh. “I’m sorry, Father Mike, but I don’t think I can do any more.”
Donald muttered something Lauren couldn’t catch.
“Excuse me?” Thelma glanced over at the caretaker on the other side of the room. “I’ve set up thirty chairs already and put in a full day’s work at the newspaper.”
“We really appreciate you helping out, don’t we, Donald?” Father Mike said.
“Yeah,” came a grumpy mutter from Donald, not looking up from the chair he was unfolding. “I s’pose.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow night, Zoe. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to wear,” Thelma said.
“Me neither.” Zoe giggled. “I haven’t quite decided yet but I’ve narrowed it down to three options.”
After Thelma left, they worked for another twenty minutes, then Lauren checked her watch.
“I’m afraid we have to go as well, Father Mike,” she said apologetically. “We have craft club at Mrs. Finch’s tonight.”
“Is she coming to the premiere?” he asked.
“Definitely.” Zoe nodded. “The minibus is picking her up.”
“It will be nice to see her,” he replied. “I’ll make a note to visit her next week.”
“I’m sure she’d like that,” Lauren said.
They hurried down the street, the sky orange pink with the setting sun. Lauren’s stomach growled and she clapped a hand over it.
“I’ll have to grab something to eat before we go to Mrs. Finch’s.”
“I hear you.” Zoe nodded. “Let’s stop at Gary’s.”
“Good idea.”
Gary’s Burger Diner was a popular eatery in the small town, and one of their favorites.
“I’ll have to get a plain patty for Annie.”
“Of course!”
The eatery was all stainless steel and glass, but had a pleasant vibe. Luckily they didn’t have to wait too long for their to-go order.
“I bet we can eat and walk at the same time.” Zoe unwrapped her smoky barbecue burger. The juicy-looking meat patty hung over the edge of the bun, and fronds of crisp lettuce and slices of fresh tomato peeked out. The aroma of barbecue sauce teased Lauren’s appetite, and she watched Zoe munch into it while she strode along the sidewalk.
Lauren did likewise, but a smaller bite, and hoped she wouldn’t get indigestion eating that way.
When they reached Lauren’s house, Annie ran to greet them.
“Brrt!” She stretched up on her hind legs and reached for the paper bag that dangled from Lauren’s hand. The savory aroma of cooked beef wafted through the kitchen.
“Yes, I got you a patty.” She crumbled it up and put it into the lilac bowl. “When you finish it, we’ll go to craft club.”
Annie’s pink tongue darted out to taste the meat, then she ate enthusiastically.
Lauren finished the last bite of her burger and poured two glasses of water. “Here.” She handed one to Zoe.
“Thanks.” Zoe gulped it down. “Where’s Mitch? Chris is working tonight so he can have the weekend off.”
“I thought he’d be home by now.” She pulled her phone out of her purse and scanned the screen. “He’s left me a message. I mustn’t have heard it buzz while were setting up the chairs in the town hall.”
“It was a bit noisy in there at times.”
“Mitch is working late. He’s got a lot of paperwork to do, but he should be home before I get back from craft club.”
When Annie finished her treat, they hopped into Lauren’s car and drove the couple of blocks to Mrs. Finch’s house. Lauren didn’t feel like walking, after setting up all those chairs at the town hall, and it would be dark by the time they left craft club.
“Hello, dears.” Mrs. Finch welcomed them inside her sweet, cream Victorian house.
Once they were settled in her fawn and beige living room, with Annie perched on the arm of Mrs. Finch’s chair, Zoe told her about the rival reporters that day.
“And then we helped set up the chairs in the town hall,” Zoe finished.
“My, you have been busy,” Mrs. Finch admired. “Are you working on any craft projects?’
“Not at the moment,” Lauren replied apologetically.
“I’ve just finished the pottery mugs with the picture of Annie under the premier banner,” Zoe said.
“And I used the mug you gave me today.” Mrs. Finch smiled. “It was lovely to drink out of.”
“Thanks.” Zoe beamed.
They made Mrs. Finch a latte from her capsule machine and one for themselves as well.
“I definitely need some caffeine,” Zoe declared. “It’s been a busy day.”
“It certainly has,” Lauren replied. And tomorrow she’d have to get up early as usual to bake the cupcakes before opening the café. At least they closed at lunchtime on Saturdays. There might even be time to relax a little before she had to get ready for Zoe’s big night.
They enjoyed their coffee, then said goodbye to Mrs. Finch.
“We’ll see you tomorrow night,” Zoe told her. “Ooh – you might even get your photo in the newspaper.”
“That would be lovely.” Mrs. Finch waved goodbye to them when they left the house, stars twinkling in the dark night sky.
“I love craft club.” Zoe sighed as she buckled her seatbelt.
“Brrt!”