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“I’m right to leave them out of this,” I say.
She nods. “You are.”
“So what do you think?”
“I think this sounds amazing and will have a big, positive impact on a lot of people.”
“Do you think Scarlett will agree?”
“I do.” She’s just staring at me.
I lean in. “What is it, Gem?”
“Is all of that real, or is that just for show?” Her voice is quiet, and she glances toward the table of church guys.
“Of course, it’s real. I did want to tell you,askyou, about all of that. Doing it here at the coffee shop is just convenient for other reasons.”
“Well, Scarlett will love it.” She pauses. “I love it.”
“You would be proud to have your name on this?”
“Very proud”
“And this makes you happy?”
“So happy.” She gives me a bright, sweet smile.
“Then it’s a done deal. That’s all I want.”
She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Don’t look now.” She leans close as if she’s imparting an intimate secret. “The guys are listening.”
I take the opportunity to kiss her cheek before I lean back. I tip back the rest of my coffee, acting casual. Then I say, louder again, “This was good, but Dick’s is definitely better.”
“Oh, I know,” Ruby agrees. “I don’t think I can ever eat a cinnamon roll again after having the ones out at Dick’s.” She pushes her unfinished roll away. “In fact, would it be crazy to go out there now and have one?”
I grin. “If they’re not all gone.”
We get to our feet and start cleaning up our garbage.
I nonchalantly glance toward the men at the next table. They’re looking at us, so I smile and ask, “Have you guys had the cinnamon rolls at Big Dick’s?”
One of them scoffs. “The bar?”
“Well, it’s not a bar till six at night. During the day, there is coffee and rolls. Sandwiches and burgers at lunch. It’s pretty fun. They’ve got card games going, too.” I gesture toward the television. “The guys out there love this show. They actually watch this one and the next two every single day.”
They all look predictably surprised, and I am stupidly pleased.
“Do they listen to it with the sound on?” one of them mutters.
I still answer. “Oh, absolutely. They really get into it. You probably know the guys who hang out there. Ben, Will, and Charles. And, of course, Dan. You guys should stop out sometime.”
They’re nodding, obviously aware of my guys. “Dan doesn’t want us to come around,” one of them says.
“Well, I’m the new owner. Maybe we can start over.”
“You own the place now?”
“Yep. Pretty recently. Enjoying it, though.”