Page 27 of Deep Waters
A fresh stream of customers set the doorbell ringing, ending our impromptu staff meeting and keeping me from denying her assumptions. I prepared drinks while Isa worked the register, operating in tandem with the familiar ease of people who worked together for years.
There was something soothing about pulling shots and steaming milk. Getting the froth just right. Making something silly or sweet in foam for each customer. I added the last dollop to the heart for Shirley Reynolds, who winked at me.
“Thanks, doll. Tell your grandmother I say hello.”
“Sure thing, Mrs. Reynolds.”
We hit another lull. I glanced at the clock and stripped off my apron. “I’m going to duck over to Vi’s and get cookies to take to the concert tonight. Do you want one?”
Isa’s lips twitched. “You don’t have to soften me up, Boss Man, but if you’re offering, I love your sister’s almond scones.”
I whistled on the short walk to the Salty Pantry, pleased to see the small boutique packed with patrons. I waited my turn in line, eavesdropping on the customers in front of me as they raved over the handmade caramels and other treats.
Vi looked up with a smile as I reached her counter. My sister shared my height and dark hair. She and I both took more after our mother, while Drew favored our dad. Temperamentally, I thought she resembled Gran, but I knew better than to say that part aloud.
“Hey. What brings you by today?”
“Rae and I are taking the kids to the concert in the park. I’m on a mission to pick up dessert. Four chocolate chip cookies, please. Oh, and a scone for Isa.”
“Well, aren’t you the sweetheart,” my sister teased, adding a good-natured smile. Her mouth pursed, her gaze settling over me with a new weight. “But if you hurt her, I’ll gut you.”
I stilled. Her serene tone was at odds with her words. She seemed to mean them. I didn’t pretend to misunderstand who she was referring to. A mix of pride and outrage whirled in my chest, struggling for dominance. My sister was a good friend. And Rae deserved a champion like her. But did Vi really think I would ever harm Rae?
I cleared my throat, frowning. “If I hurt her, I’ll let you.”
My sister sniffed, a wicked glint in her eyes that made me think of Gran again. “Good answer. For that, I’ll throw a tin of locally-made breath mints in too.” She winked. “For later.”
By the time I made it back to Harbor Brews with the goodies, it was nearly five. Isa and I served the last few customers, and I flipped our sign to closed. We worked through our closing procedures, sanitizing our equipment and storing our perishables as the final customers finished their drinks and called their goodnights.
I kept an eye on the front window, nearly lunging for the front door in my eagerness to welcome Rae and the kids.
“Hey, gang.” I shared my smile with Hana and Tae, but it was really for Rae. She’d showered and changed after work, slipping into figure-hugging jeans and a tank top so tiny that it struggled to contain her generous breasts. My gaze dropped, visually tracing the soft swells, the beautiful skin.
“Hey, Rae.” Isa nudged me sharply with her elbow. “Her eyes are up there,” she added in a faux-whisper.
I cleared my throat. “Sorry.”
Rae’s eyes danced. Her mouth curved into a wide smile. “I’ll allow it.”
“I’ll lock up, Zach, and see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Isa,” I called absently, unable to draw my gaze from Rae. “Shall we?” I snapped my fingers. “Almost forgot dessert.” I retrieved the bag of goodies from beneath the counter, and we walked toward the park on the harbor.
A sizable crowd had already gathered in the grass and on the picnic tables overlooking the waterfront. The city had erected a tent to provide shelter for the performers. Tonight’s band was a tribute group called Maroon High-Five. They pitched themselves as an upbeat and family-friendly take on the original band’s classics, but I’d put money on them also gardening à la Gran’s secret stash. A distinctive odor wafted off the main singer’s clothes when we passed by the makeshift stage.
We found a spot in the grass for our blanket, spreading it out and anchoring it with the cooler and backpack Rae brought.
Hana danced from foot to foot, pigtails bobbing with each jump, clearly excited by the buzz of people and activity. “I see Libby from school. Can I go say hi?”
Rae nodded. “Sure, honey. Just stay where I can see you, okay?”
“Sure,” the little girl chirped, scampering off.
“There’s Matt. Is it okay if I go hang out with him and his family?” Tae asked.
“Yes, just come back when the band starts. We’ll wait until then to break out dinner.”
“Thanks, Aunt Rae.”
