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On Saturday morning, they were slammed with customers, some of them even asking if it was too late to RSVP for the premiere.
“You could try asking Father Mike,” Lauren suggested, hoping he wouldn’t be bombarded with calls that day.
“Or just turn up tonight.” Zoe winked. “I’m sure you’ll be able to squeeze in somewhere.”
By lunchtime, they were sold out of cupcakes. Since Ed didn’t work Saturdays, there weren’t any Danishes on offer.
“Now I just have to decide which outfit to wear tonight,” Zoe declared as they cleaned. “Purple, red, or red and black. What are you going to wear?”
“Either my teal wrap dress or my plum wrap dress,” she replied. Both flattered her curves, but she thought the plum might compliment her coloring a little more.
“You look good in both,” Zoe told her.
“Thanks. And you look good in anything.” Sometimes she envied her cousin’s slim figure and ability to eat without seeming to gain weight.
But Mitch had always liked her figure – he’d told her so more than once.
“What’s Chris going to wear?”
“A nice shirt and slacks,” Zoe replied. “How about Mitch?”
“The same.” She’d always thought her husband looked good in his detective outfits of dark slacks and long-sleeved shirts.
After they locked up the café, Lauren and Annie entered the cottage via the private hallway, and Zoe dashed through the backyards, sketching a wave.
“Hi.” Mitch folded up his newspaper and laid it on the kitchen table. “I feel like I haven’t seen you for a while.”
She admired her husband’s good looks – straight nose, serious dark brown eyes, and a firm chin – for a second, before stepping into his embrace.
“I know.” She relished his warmth and strength. Last night, she’d only managed a short conversation with him before falling asleep in his arms.
“I thought we could treat tonight like a date night.” He smiled down at her.
“I was thinking the same,” she confessed.
Mitch was just about to kiss her again, when the back door opened.
“Lauren, what should I wear? The red or the purple – oops!” Zoe giggled, two outfits slung over her shoulder.
“I thought you were going to knock when you came over,” Lauren said, her face flushed.
“Yeah.” Mitch raised an eyebrow at her.
“Sorry.” Zoe did sound apologetic. “I’m just so excited about tonight and I’ve already asked Chris and he said anything I chose would look good, which is nice, but not exactly helpful right now.”
“Why don’t you show me?” There was a hint of resignation in Lauren’s voice.
“Brrt!” Annie led the way to Lauren’s bedroom.
“I’ll check in with Chris,” Mitch said.
“Good idea. I don’t know how long we’ll be,” Lauren replied.
He nodded.
“Well?” Zoe draped both outfits over Lauren’s large bed. “Red or purple? I’ve already decided not to wear the red and black.”
“I’m wearing plum.” Lauren pulled out her wrap dress and laid it down.
“I’ll wear red, then.” Zoe fingered the pantsuit.
“Brrt!”
“It seems Annie approves.” Lauren giggled.
“I can’t wait for tonight.” Zoe sat on the bed. “I wonder how many people will be there? There are tons of chairs set up now, but what if everyone decides not to come at the last moment?” There was panic in her voice.
“I’m sure that won’t happen,” Lauren replied soothingly. “This is a big night for you and the whole town. Remember, some of the locals have small parts in the movie, so of course they’re going to come so they can see themselves on the big screen.”
“It is a big screen, isn’t it?” Zoe brightened.
“It’s going to be a wonderful night.”
***
“ANNIE! LAUREN! ZOE!” A little girl with golden curls waved madly to them in front of the town hall.
“Hi, Molly.” Lauren greeted one of their favorite customers – and friends.
“I love your dress.” Zoe admired Molly’s blue party frock, lace and ribbon decorating the full skirt that hit just below the knee.
“Brrt,” Annie agreed, wearing her lavender harness.
“Hi, Claire.” Lauren turned to Molly’s mom – tall, blonde and athletic. “You look great, too.” She admired Claire’s sapphire dress, a darker shade of blue than Molly’s.
“Thanks.” Claire smiled. “We’re just waiting for my husband to park the car. I didn’t expect quite so many people here.”
The sidewalk teemed with locals, some going straight into the town hall, and others standing in little groups and chatting.
“We walked over,” Mitch said, bending down to give Molly a smile. He looked eye-catching in dark slacks and jacket, and a white long-sleeved shirt.
“In case there wasn’t any parking left,” Chris added. His even, attractive features complimented his easy-going, laid-back nature.
“I finally snagged a spot.” Claire’s husband appeared. “But it was a bit of a hike.” He looked smart in a jacket and tie, which suited his tall, medium build.
“Zoe!” Thelma beckoned to her. Tonight she wore black slacks and a matching black jacket.
“Excuse me.” Zoe zipped over to the reporter.
“Let me get a photo of you.”
“How about all four of us?”
“Sure.” Thelma nodded. “But one of you solo first.”
“Okay.”
Thelma led her a few steps away. “This is good, and there’s enough light still, since the sun just set.” She clicked away. “I love your outfit. You look good in red.”
“Thanks!”
Thelma took a group photo of all five of them, Annie front and center. “I’ll make sure this goes into tomorrow’s issue, as well as the picture of Zoe.” She winked. “Make sure you tell everyone you’ll be in it.”
“How about a photo of Molly?” Lauren suggested, gesturing to the excited little girl.
“Good one.” Thelma’s eyes lit up.
“She’s in the movie as well,” Zoe added.
“Even better.” Thelma headed toward Molly, talking to her parents for a second. Lauren noticed the big smile on Molly’s face as she posed for the camera.
“Zoe!” A senior with curly gray hair sped towards them, pushing her rolling walker like a racing car driver. “Lauren! Annie!”
“Brrt!” Annie’s green eyes lit up when she saw their friend.
“Hi, Martha,” Lauren called.
“You look good.” Zoe admired her outfit of a black sweater with a tasteful number of rhinestones, and matching black slacks.
“Thought I’d jazz it up a bit for tonight.” She grinned. “Can’t wait to see myself in the movie.”
“Me neither,” Zoe replied, “although I was only a stand-in. And I can’t wait to see Lauren and Annie in it.”
“Me too.” Mitch wrapped an arm around Lauren’s shoulders and kissed her hair.
“Brrt!”
They all chuckled.
“I’d better get in there,” Martha said. “Ms. Tobin’s saving me a seat in the front so it will be easy to park this thing.” She patted the handle of her walker.
“Did the minibus from the senior center pick you up?” Lauren asked.
“You betcha!”
“Then Mrs. Finch should be here.” Zoe craned her neck.
“She wasn’t in my bus. She should be in the second one.”
“Hey, Thelma,” Zoe called. “How about taking a photo of Martha?”
“Really?” Martha looked delighted.
“Why not?” Thelma hurried over. “I like your sweater.”
“Thanks!”
Thelma snapped a couple of pictures. “Make sure you buy the Gold Leaf Valley Gazette tomorrow to see if you’re in it.”
“I will.” Martha nodded vigorously. “I always buy it, anyway.”
“In that case, I’ll make certain you’re featured.” Thelma winked.
Martha raced into the hall, a big grin on her face.
“Hello, Lauren and Zoe. Hello, Liebchen.” Hans looked dapper in a dark trousers and jacket, with a shirt and tie.
“Brrt!” Annie greeted him enthusiastically.
“Hi, Hans.” Lauren smiled. “You look very nice.”
“Thank you.” His faded blue eyes twinkled.
“I hope you enjoy the movie,” Zoe said.
“How could I not, when it was written by you?” He smiled.
After saying hello to Mitch and Chris, Hans went inside, a couple of people greeting him on his way in.
“Should we go inside now?” Lauren asked.
“Where’s Nathan? And Jill?” Zoe crinkled her brow. “I thought they were going to ask me a few more questions before the movie starts.”
“Maybe they got held up in traffic,” Chris suggested.
“Or they left Sacramento later than they intended,” Lauren added.
“Lauren!” Brooke, their friend and local hairstylist, came over with Jeff. “You look great. So do you, Zoe.”
“And you.” Lauren admired Brooke’s emerald dress, the color matching her friendly green eyes. Her chestnut locks had attractive reddish highlights, cut in a long bob with feathered ends.
Jeff looked smart in brown pants and matching jacket.
The guys greeted each other in that special, low key, guy way.
“Did you do everyone’s hair for tonight?” Zoe giggled. “Everyone here looks all dolled up.”
“I had a ton of customers this week.” Brooke smiled. “It was great, but I have to admit I’m looking forward to sitting down and relaxing tonight. While I enjoy the movie, of course,” she added hurriedly.
“Of course,” Lauren said sympathetically, looking forward to sitting next to Mitch and watching the movie as well.
“Meow!” A large, grumpy, fluffy white cat complained to everyone.
“Brrt!” Annie urged Lauren to follow her to Father Mike, looking a little harassed and holding a pet carrier.
“Hi, Mrs. Snuggle.” Lauren bent down to greet Annie’s friend. “There are a lot of people out here, aren’t there?”
“Meow.” Mrs. Snuggle issued a slightly softer sound as she said hello to Annie through the bars of her cage.
“Hi, Father Mike.” Zoe zipped over. “Is Mrs. Snuggle going to be okay with all the people here?”
“I hope so,” he replied ruefully. “But I’m sure she’d like to see herself on the big screen.”
“Can we give you a hand?” Mitch asked. “I can carry Mrs. Snuggle in for you if you need to say hello to people out here.”
“Thanks, Mitch, but Ms. Tobin has kindly offered to cat sit for me before the movie starts. She and Martha are sitting together, so Mrs. Snuggle will be in safe hands, and they’re saving a seat for me as well.”
“Awesome.” Zoe smiled.
“I’ll be back in a minute.” Father Mike headed inside with Mrs. Snuggle.
“Zoe!” Jill rushed up to her, out of breath. She wore a stylish pink dress with white keys embroidered on it. “Do you have time for a few questions now? A lot of people might want to congratulate you when the movie is over.”
“Sure.”
Jill led Zoe a short distance away and dug out her notebook from her pink purse. “Now, how do you feel about—”
“Zoe!” Nathan, looking handsome in a charcoal suit and white shirt, strode over, cameraman in tow. “Ready for your TV interview?”
“I got here first.” Jill scowled at him. “Wait your turn.”
Nathan checked his fancy watch. “Come on, Jill, everyone knows my segment will get a lot more views than your piece in a dinky newspaper.”
“It is not dinky!” Jill flared. “It has a good circulation and pays me a decent salary.”
“Not as good as mine.” He smirked.
“Is there a problem?” Mitch asked evenly.
“No, man.” Nathan shook his head.
“Since Jill has already started to interview Zoe, you could wait until she’s finished,” Chris suggested.
“Yeah, okay.” Nathan backed down. “I can get a few shots of the crowd.” He jerked his head at the cameraman and they headed toward the open doors of the town hall.
“Is there something going on between you and Nathan?” Zoe asked Jill.
“He wishes.” She snorted. “He can be a real jerk. Unfortunately we cover the same stories a lot and I can’t avoid running into him. He thinks he’s superior because he’s on TV.” Ferocious frown lines marred her forehead.
Ed, with his auburn hair tidier than usual, and wearing slacks and a blue shirt, approached. He held AJ’s carrier, and Rebecca was on his other side.
“Hi,” Ed said gruffly.
“Meow!” AJ looked out through the plastic bars.
“Brrt!” Annie greeted her friend, nose to nose.
“AJ’s looking forward to seeing herself on the big screen,” Ed said.
“I bet.” Lauren smiled at the brown tabby Maine Coon.
“Hey, I’m media.” Nathan’s voice carried over the hum of the crown. “Of course there’s a seat for me.”
“You didn’t RSVP,” Donald said in satisfaction. Dressed in a jacket and tie, his gray hair plastered down, he waved a clipboard as he barred the entrance. “You’re not on the list.”
“Oh, Donald, let him in,” a long-suffering looking woman said. She stood by his side, wearing a blue skirt and cream sweater. “Other people have come inside and they weren’t on the list.”
“But we know them,” Donald grumbled. “We don’t know him. He could be a criminal.”
“Hey, I’m Nathan Nettlefold, TV reporter.” Nathan looked indignant. “Who are you calling a criminal?”
“Reporter, criminal, what’s the difference?” Donald sniped.
“Do you think that’s Donald’s wife?” Zoe whispered to Lauren.
“Could be.” Lauren nodded.
“I could sue you for that!” Nathan pointed a finger at him. “Come on,” he said over his shoulder to the cameraman. “No one is stopping me from getting my story.” He started to push his way past Donald.
“Is there a problem?” Father Mike hurried out of the town hall.
“He won’t take no for an answer.” Donald pointed to Nathan. “What’s the point of having an RSVP list if anyone can barge their way in?”
“I’m a TV reporter – Nathan Nettlefold. From Sacramento.” Nathan flashed a smile at Father Mike. “I’m here to interview Zoe Crenshaw, the script writer for this movie, and I want to take some interior shots of the crowd as well. It will make a good story and it’s sure to put your town on the map!”
“We’re already on the local map,” Donald told him. “We don’t need to be on another map.”
“I’m sure I can find both of you a seat,” Father Mike included the cameraman. “Why don’t you come inside?”
“Thanks.” The cameraman nodded.
“Why did you put me in charge of letting people in, then?” Donald grumbled after Father Mike’s departing back.
“Oh, Donald.” The woman who could be his wife just shook her head.
“No wonder she wants to get him out of the house.” Zoe nudged Lauren.
“That won’t be us,” Mitch told her reassuringly, wrapping an arm around her waist.
“Nor us.” Chris smiled at Zoe.
“No way!” Zoe returned his smile.
“We’d better go inside,” Rebecca suggested, putting her arm through Ed’s.
“Meow,” AJ agreed.
They all chuckled and told Ed they’d catch up with him later.
“Okay, Zoe, I really need you to focus,” Jill said. “There won’t be much time until the movie starts.”
“Sorry. I just got caught up with everything.” Zoe flung out an arm, narrowly missing Mitch.
“It’s understandable,” Jill agreed. “Now, are you surprised by the huge turn out? Or was it expected?”
As Zoe answered, Lauren’s attention was snagged by a minibus pulling up.
“Mrs. Finch might be in there,” she said to Mitch in a low voice.
“Let’s go and say hello.”
They threaded their way through the crowd.
“Hi, Mrs. Finch.”
“Brrt!”
“Well, hello, you two – three,” Mrs. Finch amended, catching sight of Mitch. She looked well turned out in a fawn skirt and pale green blouse.
They helped Mrs. Finch out of the bus.
“Martha is already inside,” Lauren told her.
“My, there are certainly a lot of people here.” Mrs. Finch rested on her walking stick for a moment.
“Zoe’s being interviewed,” Mitch commented.
“I’m sure she’s having a wonderful time already.” Mrs. Finch smiled as she caught sight of Zoe, talking animatedly to Jill.
“Why don’t we go in together?” Lauren suggested tactfully.
“Brrt!”
“That would be nice.” Mrs. Finch’s eyes twinkled behind her delicate pink spectacles.
Lauren caught her cousin’s gaze and gestured that they were going inside. Zoe nodded, waving to Mrs. Finch.
“Down here!” Martha hollered to them when they entered the busy hall. A lot of people were sitting down already, talking to each other, and the lights were dimming.
Lauren waved back. “It looks like Martha has saved us seats.”
“Wonderful.” Mrs. Finch tapped her way along the wooden floorboards.
“It’s good to see you, Mrs. Finch.” Father Mike appeared, a smile on his face. “We’re all sitting in the front row, and we’ve reserved seats for Zoe and Chris as well.”
“That is thoughtful.” Mrs. Finch sank down into a seat with a satisfied sigh. She waved to Ms. Tobin, who was a couple of seats along the row, with Mrs. Snuggle sitting in the carrier on the next chair.
“Brrt!” Annie towed Lauren so she could talk to Mrs. Snuggle for a moment.
She noticed that Ed, AJ, and Rebecca were in the second row directly behind Ms. Tobin.
“Meow!” AJ leaned forward in her carrier, as if she didn’t want to miss out on the conversation between her feline friends.
“I can’t wait for the movie to start,” Martha confided to Lauren and Mitch. “And to see myself on the big screen!”
“I must admit I’m looking forward to watching my scene,” Ms. Tobin said. “When I get home I’ll tell my little Miranda all about it. I wished I’d brought her tonight, but I thought the crowds might be too much for her, and it’s not as if she’s in the movie as well.”
“I’m sure she’s looking forward to hearing all about it when you get home,” Lauren said, sitting down next to Ms. Tobin. Mitch sat on her other side, and Annie hopped up on her lap.
The large movie screen hung down from the stage, but her position in the front was comfortable enough that she didn’t need to tilt her head up.
“I’m here!” Zoe plopped down next to Mitch. “Hi, everyone!”
“How did your interview go?” Lauren asked, as Chris sat next to Zoe.
“Good.” Zoe nodded vigorously, her pixie bangs bouncing against her temple.
“Did Nathan interview you?” she asked.
“Nope.” Zoe shook her head. “I didn’t see him again.”
“I wonder where he is.” Lauren turned around in her seat and scanned the crowd, but couldn’t spot him.
“I’m sure he’ll turn up after the movie ends,” Chris said. “He seemed determined to get his interview.”
“He did.” Mitch nodded.
The lights dimmed some more, and Father Mike called for quiet.
“If everyone is settled in their seat, we can start watching.”
“Yeah!” Molly called out, bouncing up and down on the hard plastic chair.
Lauren smiled, spying the little girl in the opposite front row. She waved to her, and Molly waved back, along with Claire.
The hall darkened, and the big screen flickered to life. After the title, the stars’ names appeared, followed by Screenplay by Zoe Crenshaw.
Lauren couldn’t help nudging her cousin.
“Burt made sure I got a credit in the beginning,” Zoe explained, referring to her first agent.
“Awesome.” Lauren borrowed one of Zoe’s phrases. She was so proud of her.
“Princess!” Molly shouted, as Tara, the star of the movie, appeared in the first scene.
Lauren heard Claire shushing her daughter, then she focused on the story, snuggling into Mitch’s arm around her shoulders.
“That’s me!” Molly called halfway through the film.
Several people chuckled.
“That’s me,” Ms. Tobin murmured in wonder a few minutes later.
“And me!” Martha laughed when she saw herself.
“And you,” Mitch whispered in her ear when she appeared on screen, making the princess a latte, her own café the backdrop.
“And me,” Zoe said. “I look like Penny, but that’s me as her stand-in during that park scene.”
“Annie!” Molly chortled.
“Brrt!” Annie called out.
The whole crowd chuckled as they watched Annie, AJ, and Mrs. Snuggle romp around the park.
“Meow!” Mrs. Snuggle sounded full of satisfaction.
“Meow!” So did AJ.
Delighted murmurs filled the hall when each local spotted themselves in the movie.
When the movie finished with a happy ending, Molly yelled, “YAY!”
Lauren smiled at Molly’s enjoyment, especially since watching this movie was a big treat for her. Her mom had worried previously that the movies might be a little old for her.
There was a big round of applause as the end credits rolled across the screen.
Someone started a chant and everyone joined in: “Zoe, Zoe, Zoe, Zoe!”
“Oh wow.” Zoe seemed momentarily overcome.
“You deserve it,” Chris murmured to her. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks.” Zoe snuggled into him. “I’m proud of me, too. Sometimes I felt like giving up on the whole script writing thing, but I stuck at it, and look what’s happened!”
“The same with your pottery mugs,” Lauren couldn’t help adding. “You stuck with those too and although they don’t make you a lot of money like the script did, there are plenty of customers who like buying one for themselves.”
“Yeah.” Zoe nodded in the dim light.
“Speech, speech,” someone hollered.
The lights slowly brightened, and Father Mike strode on the stage, clearing his throat.
“I’m glad everyone enjoyed watching Zoe’s movie. Perhaps she’d like to come up on stage and say a few words.”
“You betcha!” Martha called out.
Laughter rippled around the room.
Chris kissed Zoe’s cheek, and she zipped up onto the stage.
“Thanks, everyone, for coming,” she said in a clear, confident voice. “I want to thank Father Mike for making this whole premiere possible. He does so much for the people in this town, that I think it’s only fair we help him – and the church fund– out. There’s a donation bucket near the entrance, and I’m going to put some money in it tonight. It would be awesome if everyone here could do the same, even if it’s just a small amount.”
People started clapping. Father Mike looked a little overwhelmed, but appreciative.
“Thelma from the Gold Leaf Valley Gazette is snapping photos tonight. Tomorrow’s issue is going to cover this premiere, and if you buy a copy, you might see yourself in it! I’ve also made a new batch of pottery mugs featuring Annie under a premiere banner. They’re available for sale next week when the café opens on Tuesday morning.”
Another round of applause filled the room. Zoe grinned, waved to everyone, then zoomed back to her seat.
“I thought I might as well put in a plug for my mugs as well.”
“Good thinking.” Lauren smiled.
“Brrt!”
“Zoe!” Jill rushed over to her. “Your speech was great – I’ll include it in my article in the newspaper.”
“Thanks!”
“I’ve got to go back to Sacramento and file my story. Make sure you buy a copy tomorrow!” Jill dashed off.
“Zoe!” Thelma appeared in front of her, as the locals started getting up from their chairs and talking to each other about how much they enjoyed the movie. “Thanks for enticing people to buy the newspaper tomorrow. That should definitely help sales.”
“You’re welcome.”
“How about a couple more photos? This could work, with all five of you seated.”
“What about some with my friends? Ms. Tobin, Martha, Mrs. Finch, and—”
“Zoe!” Nathan strode along the front row. “I really need to interview you if you want to be on TV tonight.”
“I got here first.” Thelma frowned at him. “And I’m local, so I get dibs.”
“But I’ll get her on TV. You won’t.” Nathan turned to Zoe and held out a tanned hand. “Let’s go somewhere more private so we can film you.”
Zoe hesitated for a moment. “Thelma was here first, so I think I should let her take the photos, and then I’m all yours.”
Anger clouded Nathan’s face before he quickly masked it.
“Sure. I understand. I’ll be waiting just over there.” He pointed to the end of the aisle. His cameraman nodded in agreement.
“That guy doesn’t take no for an answer,” Thelma grumbled, getting her camera out of her leather bag. “Okay, everyone, big smiles.”
Lauren didn’t think that would be hard, telling herself to forget about the little altercation with Nathan.
“Great!” Thelma clicked again. “Okay, now one of Ms. Tobin and Zoe.”
Thelma took all the photos Zoe requested, including one of her and Molly, and one of her and Mrs. Finch.
“The issue tomorrow is going to be the best ever,” Thelma bragged.
“Nathan?” Zoe turned to him. “I’m ready.”
“Good.” He smiled, but Lauren noticed it didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s find somewhere quiet so you’ll be audible on the tape.” He brushed past Thelma, causing her to take a step back in surprise.
Zoe followed him to a rear corner of the hall, sending Thelma an apologetic look.
Chairs were scraped back against the wooden floorboards as the rest of the locals stood in little groups with their friends, talking about the movie.
Lauren noticed a couple of people leaving, dropping coins and even bills into the church donation bucket.
“Call me crazy, but I don’t like that guy.” Chris frowned after Nathan.
“I know what you mean.” Mitch nodded. “Maybe we should keep an eye on him.”
“I’m sure Zoe will be fine,” Lauren said. But she found herself glancing over at her. The corner of the hall was brightly lit and her cousin spoke to Nathan while the cameraman filmed them. It all seemed on the up and up.
Thelma roved around the room, snapping photos of the people who lingered, talking to their friends.
“That’s a wrap,” Nathan said in a loud voice a few minutes later. “Thanks, Zoe. You were great.”
“I can’t wait to see myself on TV.” Zoe’s face was a little flushed. “Thanks, Nathan.” She nodded to the cameraman, and zipped back to the four of them.
“We can go home now. Wait—” she opened her tiny black purse and pulled out some cash “—I need to put in my donation for the church.”
“Me too.” Lauren unzipped her handbag.
“Hey, watch it!” Nathan’s angry voice roared.
“Sorry.” Martha sounded contrite.
Lauren glanced toward the entrance. Nathan and Martha filled the doorway. It looked like she’d nearly run down Nathan with her walker.
“You should get a license for that thing!” Nathan stormed outside.
“I didn’t do it on purpose.” Martha sounded a little distressed.
“Are you okay?” Lauren hurried over to her.
“I know I go a bit fast with this thing at times,” Martha said, “but I wasn’t expecting him to cut in front of me like that. He must have been in a hurry to get outside.”
“Maybe he has to rush back to Sacramento, but he shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.”
“Exactly.” Mitch came up to them. “Do you want me to have a word with him?”
“No.” Martha shook her head. “Let him be. And I’ll try to be more careful. I guess I can be a little impatient at times getting places.”
“I understand.” Zoe joined them, Chris by her side. “I bet I’ll be the same if I need to use a walker when I’m older.”
The five of them laughed, Annie adding a cheery, “Brrt.”
“Oh, that reminds me.” Lauren spotted the donation bucket near the door and stuck her cash in.
Zoe followed suit, and so did the guys.
“I already put mine in,” Martha told them. “Father Mike is such a good man. I—”
Whatever she was going to say next was drowned out by angry shouting outside.
“I’ll go.” Mitch strode outside.
The rest of them followed, including Martha.
Lauren couldn’t see the cause of the altercation. “Maybe they’re gone,” she suggested.
“Brrt!” Annie sniffed the air, then tugged on her lead, towing Lauren around the corner.
“Oh, no.” Her heart hammered when she saw a crumpled figure on the ground at the side of the town hall, a trash can lid near his head.
It was Nathan.