Page 111 of Heartbeats & Highways

“I know it’s not ideal, but you’re welcome to practice driving my car,” she said.

“Really?”

“Well, sure. You want to get your license, and your car battery is dead.”

“Yeah. That’s true. You really wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all. What are friends for, right?”

I smiled. “Friends. Yeah.”

Cozy pulled into a parking spot outside of Pie in the Sky and cut the engine. I grabbed my purse and climbed out of the car.

“Oh, sweet merciful Lord,” I moaned after taking a deep breath. “Fresh air.”

“You missed your calling.” She slammed the driver’s side door shut. “You should’ve been a comedian.”

We walked to the front door of the bakery, and I opened it, the bell jingling a cheery hello.

I waved for Cozy to go in first and we both got in line. It was several people deep but moving swiftly.

“This place is cute,” Cozy said. “I love the pink washed brick behind the espresso machine.”

“Their savory food is good, too.”

It was finally our turn to step up to the counter. Jazz was putting a few dollars into the tip jar, but when she lifted her head to greet us, her smile went from customer service professional to friend.

“Evie! I didn’t know you were coming this morning,” Jazz said. She turned toward the back and called out, “Brielle, Evie’s here!”

“Last minute decision,” I explained.

Brielle came out of the back, her red hair piled up on her head as she wiped her hands on a dish towel.

“Hey,” she said, blue eyes bouncing from me to Cozy.

“Brielle, Jazz, this is my friend and neighbor, Cozy,” I introduced.

“Oh, you’re the neighbor. The one that leaves cute little gifts on Evie’s doorstep,” Jazz said with a smile.

“Like a faerie,” I joked.

“You’re not supposed to take gifts from faeries,” Brielle said.

“Says who?” I demanded.

“The Irish,” Brielle explained. “And I’m Irish so I’d know.”

“This conversation is devolving,” Jazz said. “What can I get you?”

I looked at Cozy. “You order first. My treat.”

We took our pastries to a corner table and sat down.

“So where do you work?” I asked Cozy.

She bit her lip. “I’m kind of in between things right now.”

“I see.”

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