Page 36 of Steadfast

“Miss Maeve said you needed help.” Audrey shrugged. “So, here I am.”

The door jingled open once again. This time, it was Maeve. She quietly slipped off her aviators and hung her tan cowboy hat on the rack. Tossing her keys on the counter, she gave thecoffee shop a quick scan. “Let’s get this place ready to go, ladies. We’re behind schedule.”

Oakleigh pulled Maeve aside by her elbow.

“What’s up with this?”

“What’s up with what?” Maeve shrugged, looking distractedly oblivious to Oakleigh’s concern.

“Why isshehere?” Oakleigh asked, pointing at Audrey with a tone that demanded answers.

“You needed help. She’s here to help.” Maeve said flippantly. “Perfect timing, if you ask me.”

“Anyone but her, Maeve, please.” Oakleigh had a feeling that her pleading would be fruitless, but she had to try.

Maeve casually looped an apron over her head and tied it around her waist, “Not only does Audrey know the business well, but she can make a great cup of coffee.” She stepped behind the counter and poured a scoop of beans into the grinder.

Oakleigh’s gaze flicked upward as she rapidly tapped her fingers on the counter in a pattern of frustration.

“Do I have to remind you that I’m themanagerof Ruth’s Coffee Shop?“ she declared. She knew full well it was a mistake, but she was fully committed now. “I should be in charge of hiring.”

Maeve exhaled, running her hand over her mouth and down her chin as though she were holding back the response that was threatening to tumble out. When she finally spoke her mind, her expression was soft, even though frustration was clearly edging into her tone.

“I’m not going to lock horns with you on this, Oakleigh. My decision is final.”

When Maeve started using ranching slang, Oakleigh knew better than to press the issue. Oakleigh gritted her teeth as she went to work prepping the kitchen.

Why is Maeve even here this early anyway?

Maeve hadn’t been involved in the shop’s operations since Oakleigh had taken over as manager. She couldn’t help but assume that Maeve’s trust in her had begun to erode since the incident with Amos. While she set the doughy cinnamon rolls on the baking sheet, she felt insecurity creep in, weighing down her already heavy spirit.

When it was time to prop open the door for the line of congregants, Oakleigh blinked away her frustration and put on a relaxed, charming smile. Welcoming each guest through the door, she noticed Sadie standing next to her now enormous Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Bosco was sitting patiently on the end of his leash, panting with his slobbery, dripping tongue that hung lazily out of the side of his mouth.

“Bosco, you always brighten my day,” Oakleigh couldn’t help but smile as she leaned on the doorframe. “You here for a pup cup?”

“He knows every time we pass by the shop, he gets a treat,” Sadie playfully shook her head. “You’ve spoiled him.”

“What’s the point of having a dog if you don’t spoil them a little?” Oakleigh responded. The light interaction felt like the sun breaking through the clouds. She beckoned to themwhile grabbing the freshly made whipped cream from the little fridge behind the counter. She could feel Audrey’s eyes on her as she filled a paper cup to the brim.

“What you makin’ there?” Audrey asked, tilting her head to the side. “I don’t rememberthaton the menu?”

“A lot has changed since you left,” Oakleigh answered flatly.

“Well, you can say that again.” Audrey’s voice bounced with cheery optimism. If she noticed Oakleigh’s attitude at all, she didn’t let it show in the slightest.

Mia’s eyes lit up as Oakleigh placed the cup on the floor near Bosco. “Oh, a pup cup! Like that sweet little cafe by the beach.”

Without needing a prompt, Bosco sloshed and spattered whipped cream all over the concrete floors.

Sadie’s eyes widened when Maeve came around the corner, dusting the flour off her hands onto her apron. “Oh, Miss Maeve. It’s so weird to see you working at the shop again.”

“Tell me about it,” Oakleigh murmured under her breath.

With all her strength, Sadie attempted to pull Bosco towards the door with little success. The large dog strained on his leash in an attempt to lick up every last bit of his treat. “I’m sorry about the mess.”

Maeve simply stepped forward and pulled her into a welcoming hug. “It’s good to see you, Sadie. You coming to church tonight?”

Sadie shook her head. “Oh no, Miss Maeve. I couldn’t bring Bosco to church.”

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