Page 329 of The Maxwell Brothers
“How do they not kill each other?”
“They take turns letting one of them boss the rest. It’s like a mutual understanding. Usually the guy with the best idea wins, and I’ve got to say, Travis is on to something.”
Gran came from behind the counter and walked down to the side of the store, standing in line. Everyone in the family followed. Was it Travis’s bossy streak that convinced them? Or was it Gran leading by example?
“Take your time,” Travis said. “People need to see that line.”
“Got it,” I said, laughing to myself. God, this guy was something totally different.
But something happened when I looked straight into Paisley’s eyes and asked her, “What can I get you?” My palms sweated a bit, and I felt self-conscious, like I was serving a real customer.
"One of each, please."
"Paisley, did you have anything else today?" Tate asked calmly.
"No. Pinky promise. You can even ask Liz."
"No, she didn't,” I assured him. “We wanted to wait for everything to be ready and cooled before tasting them."
"Okay, then,” he agreed. “You can have one of each, but you will not eat everything today. You can keep some for tomorrow."
"Yes, I will," Paisley said obediently, but I did see a glint in her eye.
I took a box, barely believing it had my logo on it, and filled it with one serving of each goodie. I'd cut the brownie and coffee cake in even bits, and I was thankful for my catering job and its training. I’d always baked for friends and family, but my presentation had been sloppy. The catering company taught me how to make everything look pleasing to the eye for paying customers.
I carefully closed the box and gave it to Paisley. Lexi was next.
"What would you like?" I asked her.
"Also one of each," Lexi said.
I narrowed my eyes. "Is that what everyone is going to ask?"
"Probably. I guess it's what will keep the line going on forever.”
“It's Travis's world, and we’re going along with it," Tate said. "For tonight, anyway."
So Gran was spot-on; they did take turns giving each other the right to boss the group. That was something I had to learn from them. My sister and I would contradict each other until one of us gave up in exasperation, and we called that a win.
Gran came next, then Luke, and then Travis himself. To my astonishment, there were all already three people behind Declan at the very end.
"Oh my God," I said. "There are actual customers in line."
"Yes," Travis said triumphantly. "Finally. See? Proof my idea works."
"We never doubted you, brother. We had to give you some shit because you started running your own show like you owned the place," Tyler said.
"I was giving advice," Travis said, defending his stance.
"In a very bossy way," Luke pointed out.
"I don't mind. I like learning from the best. But I don’t want to open the cash register today. I’m on my own, and it’ll take forever to serve and pack everything, let alone cashing in. I'll tell them it's on the house."
Travis gave me a thumbs-up. "Do that, and they'll come back for more for sure. I've got another idea." He looked around. “How much more of this stuff do you have?”
"I don't know. I guess enough for twenty to thirty people."
He nodded. "Okay."
