Page 34 of The Blessings of Christmas
He brightened. “I am too. Imagine meeting your mother who enjoys ancient civilizations as much as I do.”
Sarah couldn’t even look at her mom.
“And she brings me cookies.” He had the cutest way of saying that word with a hard k, glancing at her mom as he said it.
“For people visiting the library,” her mother reminded him.
“Well, of course.” Stuart would probably agree with anything her mother said.
“And after Mildred gets back?” She didn't want to see her mother hurt when Stuart returned to Syracuse.
“Stuart lives in the moment,” her mother said, hugging the book she’d just read as if she wished her arms were around something––or someone––else.
“Well, Lindsay is watching the store. I should get back.” If she expected her mother to offer to tend the store, she was mistaken. Smiling up at the tall librarian, Mom was totally googly-eyed.
Stuart extended his hand. “So nice to meet you, Sarah. Your mother has said such wonderful things about you. Could I ask you a question?”
“Of course.” The boys were stacking books onto one of the tables.
“I'm just curious. Why is your store called The Full Cup when it seems like more of a bakery? All those wonderful cookies come my way but no coffee.”
“Oh, Stu, you don’t need all that caffeine.” Mom playfully squeezed his arm.
Stu?This was more serious than Sarah realized. Once again Sarah ended up telling a man the background of the coffee shop that turned into a bakery. No one in Gull Harbor seemed to find that strange, but then they knew the history. Lila had a problem with all those levers.
Obviously, Stuart had never heard that story. “Couldn't you maximize your revenues by offering the espresso drinks other stores sell?”
Okay, so Stuart knew corporate talk.
“Of course. But we’re very busy.” She wasn't going to admit that her mother, the woman who had somehow become an expert in ancient cultures, couldn't work the coffee machine. “My brother-in-law was just asking the same question this week.”
Mom tore her attention from Stuart. “Ryan asked you about the coffee?”
“Yes, he did.” Worse things could happen to her mother than Stuart Martin, Sarah decided. “Maybe you could come for dinner sometime, Stuart.”
“I’d be delighted.” He beamed at Mom as if he’d just been offered a year of free pastries.
While Justin stood quietly waiting with his books, Nathan was glowering at her. Still, Sarah had questions. “Could I ask why you are so interested in coffee?”
Stuart sucked in a breath. “I'm afraid my family is very involved in the coffee trade.” Almost embarrassed, he named a nationally know franchise. On anyone else, she may have considered this name dropping. But with Stuart, it seemed cute. His reddened cheeks helped.
“They weren’t very understanding when I decided to become a librarian,” Stuart said. “But here I am. Semi-retired. This temporary position seemed perfect for me.”
“I hope to see you soon.” While she absorbed that information, Sarah clapped her hands to get the boys’ attention. Stuart hurried back to the front desk and her mother helped Sarah zip Nathan and Justin into their jackets.
Sarah had gathered so much information that her head was whirling.
Ryan tossedthe wrench on the floor. The sound of metal hitting concrete echoed in the large garage and the other guys looked over. “Hey, keep it down!” Manuel called out.
“Right.” The radio was blasting. The men were telling jokes while they worked and he was in a foul mood. Repairing this Harley cam chain had turned into a real pain. Usually, he enjoyed the challenge. Not today.
Today he was trying to forget the bluish green eyes of the woman who'd hugged him while he was making cookies. Well,tryingto make cookies. That frosting fight had been something else and he smiled. Leaning back on his elbows, he tried to remember how soft Sarah had felt against him when they rolled out the blasted cookie dough together.
A foot nudged his boot. “You taking a nap or what?” Stanley asked.
“Just got something in my eye.” And he jammed a knuckle in his right eye. “This cam chain is giving me trouble.”
Stanley lifted a bushy eyebrow. “The guy who could take apart a Harley with his eyes closed is having trouble?”
