Page 22 of Lexi Lets Go

"She is clearly looking forward to meeting you too." She pointed to Poppy who was standing in the front of the store nearly vibrating off the ground. "Let's get this over with," said Lexi, dread sounding in her voice.

They got out of the car and headed to the cafe.

"Hi, Poppy. This is Liam, but you clearly know that."

Liam reached out and took her hand and smiled his stupid smile that could light up an entire arena. Poppy opened her mouth to speak but all that came out was a little squeal.

Josh came around the corner from the cafe. "Hey, are you guys eating here or should I bag up your sandwiches?"

Lexi looked at Liam.

"We can eat here if you have time, that is. I don't want to keep you from your work," he said.

Something about his thoughtfulness settled inside of her. He was a constant surprise. "Okay, I guess we’ll eat here," said Lexi.

Looking over at Poppy, who was still standing there vibrating and smiling, Josh laughed. "Has she been like this since you guys got here?"

"Yep..." Lexi said.

"Don't worry, it doesn't last long. So, this is the handsome man from the photograph?" Liam asked.

"Yeah, this is my brother Josh... Josh, this is Liam."

Josh stuck out his hand and gave him a firm handshake. "Nice to me you," he said with his quintessential Josh smile.

"You too. I've really been enjoying getting to know your sister."

Josh's eyes narrow for the slightest second. "She's the best. I'm just glad you got her out of that office. I haven't seen her in weeks," he said very pointedly at her.

"I know, I’ve been busy, and you and Poppy are working on the house. But I’ll be there this weekend."

"You better be. Let me finish up your food. Sit anywhere you like."

They all walked into the cafe, passing through the store. "Your family owns this orchard?" Liam asked Poppy, clearly trying to include her.

She had followed them in but still hadn't said anything. Lexi was amused by this. She hadn't seen Poppy speechless or shy since... well ever if she really thought about it.

"Yeah... I make the muffins," she stuttered out.

"Oh, those were good. Being gluten-free I've had some terrible muffins, but those were the best."

"Poppy does make the best muffins," Josh said, giving Poppy a sly smile. He set down the two plates he was carrying in front of them.

"What can I get you to drink?" asked Josh.

"Waters is good for me," Liam said. Poppy had just started to recover, but it seemed she was stuck again, smiling stupidly at him.

"I'll get you guys some water," Josh said with a smile as he went back into the kitchen, dragging Poppy along with him.

"So, that's your brother?" he asked.

"That's my brother."

"Is this the first time you've been here?"

"Technically yes, but to be fair they did just open," she said trying to justify it. If she was opening a new business, Josh would have been there on opening day, and would have been her biggest cheerleader. Guilt started to eat at her. Maybe she should spend a little more time with him, she just didn’t want to intrude on their time as a new couple.

Poppy and Josh came out of the kitchen and Poppy seemed to be her normal self.

---