Page 68 of The Coffee Bar on Camellia Court

Alex made his way to his usual spot at the counter, sliding onto a stool and waiting for her to make her way down the counter toward him. "I had some good news I wanted to share."

"Good news is always welcome," Juno said, leaning forward on her elbows. "Does it have something to do with your meeting with your attorney this morning?"

"It does." He smiled at her perceptiveness. "He thinks we have a really strong case for joint custody, both legal and physical. Of course, Melissa will have to be amenable to coparenting with me, because any and all major decisions would need to be made and agreed upon together, for one. He also thinks I have a good chance of being able to establish myself as Lena's primary residence since Melissa travels so much and doesn't own property other than a stake in the timeshare across the lake. Apparently, her history of moving around so much works in my favor, especially with all the stability I can offer Lena here."

"That's wonderful, Alex." Juno reached across the counter and squeezed his hand. "I'm so happy for you. For both of you."

"It's early days yet," he cautioned, but couldn't quell the optimism in his voice. "We'll have to see how Melissa responds, but Howard seems confident."

Juno glanced at the wall clock, then back at Alex. "I'm due for a break. You want your usual?"

"You know me too well," he admitted with a chuckle.

"Why don't you grab us a spot by the window while I make your shake? We'll have more privacy there."

Alex nodded and stood. "Mind if I use the restroom first?"

"You know where it is."

He made his way toward the back hallway, nodding to Trevor who was restocking the coffee bins. The restroom was small, but like everything in Juno's establishment, impeccably clean. Alex washed his hands, splashed some water on his face, and took a moment to collect his thoughts. He wanted to share everything Howard had told him with Juno, get her perspective on the steps ahead.

As he exited the restroom, he heard a commotion near the front of the shop. Leonard—when had he arrived?—was apologizing profusely to a woman seated at a table near the door. She was middle-aged with a helmet of silver hair, wearing a floral blouse and white pants.

"I'm so terribly sorry, ma'am," Leonard was saying, bending to retrieve a large leather tote bag from the floor. "I didn't see it there."

"It's entirely my fault," the woman replied, flustered. "I shouldn't have left it where someone could trip."

Leonard handed her the bag with a gallant bow. "No harm done."

But as the bag changed hands, Alex saw Leonard's fingers dip inside the open top, emerging with something small that disappeared into his palm before he smoothly pocketed it.

Alex froze. Had he really just witnessed what he thought he had? He watched as Leonard straightened his apron and headed toward the hallway where Alex stood, a placid smile on his face.

The older man nodded as he approached. "Alex. Good to see you."

Without thinking, Alex stepped directly into his path, blocking the way to the utility closet. "What did you just take from that woman's bag?"

Leonard's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes. "Excuse me?"

"I saw you," Alex said, keeping his voice low but firm. "When you handed her bag back, you took something from it."

Leonard's smile tightened. "I don't know what you're talking about. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get cleaning supplies."

As he tried to step around Alex, Alex shifted to block him again. "Whatever you took needs to go back to her. Right now."

"Is there a problem?" Juno's voice came from behind him, and Alex turned to see her standing there, a chocolate shake in her hand and confusion on her face.

"Your friend here seems to think I'm a thief," Leonard said, his tone wounded. "Apparently, I stole something from Mrs. Harrison's bag."

Juno looked between them, her brow furrowing. "What's going on, Alex?"

Alex took a deep breath, aware of how this must look. "When he picked up her bag, I saw him take something out of it and put it in his pocket."

Leonard spread his hands, the picture of innocent bewilderment. "That's ridiculous. Why would I do that?"

"I know what I saw," Alex insisted.

Juno set the milkshake down on a nearby shelf. "Dad, did you take something from Mrs. Harrison's bag?"

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