âI like to talk about films after I see them. That means there has to be something to discuss.â
His look was galvanizing. What was he thinking? Did she sound pretentious?
âI like to talk about films, too,â he told her. âI find I dissect a lot of things to see what makes them work. This place, for instance.â He examined the last bit of the scone theyâd been sharing. âThe coffee is great, but there are other places with coffee thatâs just as good. What makes Brew Ha-Ha special is their pastries.â
âRight,â she agreed. âTheir scones are tastier than others even though theyâre low fat. At least thatâs what the sign says.â
âThey are. Iâve spoken at length with the owner.â He stared at her thoughtfully for a moment. âYou analyze the world around you, too.â
It was a compliment, but Lexi wasnât sure how to respond. Finally, she said, âI guess thatâs why Iâm a numbers person. I like to come up with definite answers.â
âThatâs where weâre different. I donât mind not coming up with an exact answer. I like to consider the opportunities for creativity in each situation.â He gestured to the room around them. âPastries set this place apart, but thereâs moreââ
âGreat ambience,â Lexi cut in, âand really friendly service. They always remember your name.â
âRight! The world is so impersonal these days that folks appreciate a friendly attitude. I tell my servers that all the time.â He checked his watch. âSpeaking of servers, Iâve gotta run.â
Lexi stood up. âI have rows of veggies screaming for water.â
She thanked him for the coffee, feeling way more relaxed than she had when theyâd come here.
âLetâs get together againâsoon. Iâd like your opinion on a pizza place people have been telling me about.â
âSure. Iâd like that.â She said this in an offhand tone, but as they walked out she admitted to herself just how much she wanted to see Brad again.
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Theyâd enjoyed a âworkingâ dinner because Brad was considering adding pizza to his menu. Lexi had liked the deep-dish house special and had several ideas that he seemed to take seriously. Theyâd met at a park twice to run. And each time Lexi found herself relaxing more.
Since sheâd started her new job at the accounting firm she wasnât around the house as much as she should be to help Amber with her schoolwork. From what Lexi could tell, her sister spent most of her time working on her new recipe, which she was positive would win her the final round in the competition.
Joey Tran was helping in the garden. Lexi had spent all day each weekend there, as well, but getting Amber to help remained a struggle. Lexi didnât nag her about it. That only made Amber more stubborn. Besides, Lexi had to prepare herself for the possibility Amber would win and not be able to help over the summer. Anticipating this, Lexi gave Joey more responsibility.
âIâm home,â yelled Lexi after she closed the front door.
Silence answered her, but the scent of chocolate swirled around her like a heavenly mist. What did she expect? Amber had prepared another Divaâs Red Velvet Torte. No doubt sheâd taken it to the center for the seniors to sample.
Lexi put down her purse on the sideboard and flopped onto the sofa. She was too tired to pick up the remote control and switch on the television. She would just rest a minute before changing shoes to go out and check on the garden.
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âLexi, Lexi. Wake up.â
Lexi heard her sister speaking, but it took a few seconds for the words to register. She gazed around and realized sheâd fallen asleep on the sofa. âWhat time is it?â she asked.
âAlmost seven,â Amber replied.
Lexi walked toward the kitchen. âDid you
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