Frank and Diane Moore, James’ parents, were the first to show up, arriving almost as soon as Ellie flipped the sign on the door. She knew them by sight and had always admired Diane’s gray-streaked ponytail and down-to-earth fashion sense. Frank Moore, with his thick head of hair and kind eyes, had always seemed like the perfect father figure to Ellie. Doting and patient, he took the time to teach his children, to mold them into responsible adults. And, despite being wealthy enough to support an army of children and grandchildren if they so desired, neither of the Moore parents were condescending or flashy. Instead, they were friendly and approachable.
They hemmed and hawed their way through the menu and finally ordered a large breakfast consisting of the most expensive items Ellie had to offer. And when they were done? They purchased several pounds of coffee and an entire tray of muffins, claiming they had some kind of get-together planned.
When Ian and Juliet stumbled in not an hour later, Ellie couldn’t keep a straight face. “You too, huh?” she asked as she grabbed two large cups off the stacks and started pouring their coffees.
Juliet looked equal parts ashamed and tickled. “What do you mean?” She glanced guiltily at Ian who shrugged and avoided eye contact with Ellie.
“Just seems strange that I’ve seen four of the six Moores I’m not currently dating in just under one hour.” Ellie passed them their coffees and waited while they studied the menu, then ordered almost as much food as Ian’s parents had earlier.
When Ellie brought the food to their table, the couple sat back, creating space for the plates. “What are you two doing on this fine Thursday morning?”
Ian raked a hand through his hair, a shade darker than James’ and just as thick. “I’ve got her talked into flipping houses with me. She’s pretty good with a power tool and indispensable as a decorator.”
Juliet’s eyes glittered with pride and love and happiness. “Plus, we get to spend all day every day together. I know some couples would get sick of each other, but I just feel better that way.”
“There is that.” Ian reached across the table to take his fiancée’s hand. He ran a thumb across her knuckles.
Ellie left them to tend to the line of local residents that had gathered at the counter during their brief conversation. Mrs. Cernshaw wanted a dozen pastries. Mr. McAfee wanted six large coffees to take down to the docks. Mrs. Francis showed up with her gaggle of flaxen-haired daughters and bought enough cookies to feed an entire army of girls for a sleepover. Each and every customer bought more than they needed, and she finished the day with more than her fair share of bless your hearts.
Thursday ended with overflowing cash registers and shelves wiped clean. Her weekday cook wiped sweat off his brow and spent an extra hour restocking the kitchen. Friday started with another visit from Frank and Diane, toting their third and fourth children, Harrison and Lilah.
“Yesterday was so delicious, we had to bring these two in so we could share the experience with them,” said Diane, after ordering four meals identical to the ones they had the day before. Harrison greeted Ellie with a shy smile and a compliment about the menu while Lilah muttered disdainfully about never being able to finish the meal her mother ordered for her.
After Ellie served what seemed like the entire town of Bliss twice over, James finally made his appearance, wandering through the door shortly before noon with a shit-eating grin stretched across his handsome face.
“You look busy,” he said, pushing his sunglasses into his hair.
“You don’t look surprised to find me this way.” Ellie was restocking what she could of the pastry display, but she was just plain out of some of the more popular items.
“I may have suggested that people should come check out how much you’ve added to the menu.” James leaned on the counter, all smiles, charm, and tattoos. “And I may have suggested that you could benefit from having a few larger orders throughout the day.”
“Well, people certainly seem eager to please you. I’ve had people come in I’d forgotten I even knew, telling me they’re proud to know me and ordering enough food for three people.”
“Eh,” James said with a shrug of his shoulders. “That’s the benefit of living in a small town. Everyone is ready to help at a moment’s notice.”
Ellie didn’t know if she should thank him for giving her the boost she needed or yell at him for sticking his nose where it didn’t belong. It turned out it didn’t matter because another rush of customers had her racing to fill orders and keep coffee brewed. James watched her flit about with a self-satisfied grin for a few minutes before he hopped the counter and took over the coffee so she could focus on taking orders. He moved around her like they had always done it that way, stocking items, handing her cups, and just generally making her laugh with his well-timed jokes and friendly greetings to people who had been strangers to him when they walked in the door.
Juliet and Ian made another appearance sometime around two, looking exhausted from whatever demolition they had going on at their newest property. Ellie got their coffees ready and watched as James teased his older brother.
“You done with that house yet?”
Ian frowned. “Just started on it today. We’re a long way from done, I’m afraid.”
“That’s because you didn’t have me there to help. We all know that I’m better than you at everything.” James touched Ellie on the small of her back as he passed behind her.
“You keep saying
