Page 2 of Manic

"Here we are, dear," Mabel's voice breaks into my inner thoughts.

She's holding out a large box filled with gorgeous bouquets—peonies, lilies, and roses in shades of blush and lavender.

"They're perfect," I say, reaching for my wallet. "Thanks, Mabel. You're a lifesaver."

She waves away my praise with a chuckle. "Oh, stop. It's my pleasure. Though I have to say, I'm curious why a coffee shop needs so many flowers every day."

I flash her a conspiratorial wink as I hand over my credit card. "Trade secret, I'm afraid. Let's just say they help set the mood."

As Mabel rings up my purchase, my phone buzzes with a text.

It's from Jessa:

No prob, I got u covered tomorrow. BTW, did u see the pics from ladies night? We killed it!

I can't help but grin, remembering the raucous crowd from last night's event.

Adding "sexy barista nights" to our weekly lineup was definitely one of my better ideas.

The tips alone...

"Earth to Meghan," Mabel's amused voice breaks into my thoughts.

I look up to see her holding out my card and receipt.

"Sorry," I say sheepishly, tucking everything back into my purse. "Got lost in thought for a second there."

Mabel gives me a knowing look as she hands over the box of flowers. "You work too hard, dear. When's the last time you took a vacation?"

I snort, hefting the box into my arms. "Vacation? What's that?"

She tsks disapprovingly. "All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl, you know."

"Yeah, yeah," I say with a laugh, heading for the door. "I'll keep that in mind. See you tomorrow, Mabel!"

As I step back out onto the sidewalk, I'm hit by a wave of late afternoon heat.

The flowers' fragrance intensifies in the warmth, filling my nose with their sweet perfume.

I take a deep breath, savoring the scent.

My mind drifts as I make my way back toward Beans & Babes, my arms starting to ache from the weight of the flower box.

I think about Mabel's words—when was the last time I took a real break?

Between managing the shop and… being a mom, it feels like I'm always on the go.

She's at a sleepover tonight, thank god.

It might sound bad, but sometimes a single parent needs a break.

I love Tindra.

I love her more than anything else in this whole wide world, but the girl is a chatterbox.

Sometimes I have to remind her to take a breath just so I can get a second of silence.

My heels click against the pavement as I continue back to the coffee shop.

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