Page 81 of His Loyal Rebel
Chapter 29
Twyla
Lynette put the coffee pot on the warmer and handed her tips to Twyla. "Can you put this in the cash register for me?"
"Sure." Twyla stepped over and hit the button on the register, making the drawer open. "How are you holding up?"
"I don't know what is going on in town to make everyone come to Mama Jean's, but I'll take the busy day." Lynette shared a smile. "Or maybe it's working days instead of at night that's the difference. Whatever it is, I'll take it."
She laughed quietly. "I've had the same thought."
"Lucky us," whispered Lynette before going out on the floor and helping customers.
Twyla made more coffee, comfortable in her new routine. Lynette moved to days with her, joined by Clare and Marissa, who were long-term employees at the restaurant. She loved working earlier hours, and the transition went smoothly with familiar coworkers who adapted to the change of routine.
The only difference to her day came from the customers. In the evenings, paying customers enjoyed talking and were more laidback, content to spend more time at the tables.
During the day, the customers came and went without lingering, intent on indulging their sweet tooth and grabbing a coffee before picking up kids at school or going back to work.
Amy walked out of the back as Twyla went to check in with the baker who made the pies in the kitchen. She greeted her old supervisor.
"You're early," she said.
"Not really." Amy checked her watch. "Work starts in ten minutes."
Surprised her shift was almost over, she excused herself to get everything set up for the next work crew to come in. Customers hated to wait for a warm piece of pie.
She inhaled deeply in the kitchen. The sweet, sugary scent always present inside the building comforted most people, but it was intoxicating as if she was on a sugar high in the kitchen.
"Perfect timing." John pulled a pie out of the oven. "These three came out within the last five minutes. Let them cool off before you serve them to customers."
"I will." She picked up two potholders, picking up the pies, and sliding them onto a metal tray.
Unlike the cream pies and the ones made the day before, the apple pies were served warm, usually with a serving of ice cream or a chunk of cheese. She carefully walked out to the main room and set the tray on the back counter.
The customers would benefit from the yummy aroma while they cooled off enough to serve.
The bell on the door jingled. She turned to help the new arrivals and smiled at seeing Tracy standing inside, gazing around.
"Hello." She walked around the counter and gave Whip's sister a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"Rick has the kids at the clubhouse, and I thought I'd pick up some dessert for tonight and surprise him." Tracy pressed a hand to her stomach. "Is that apple pie I'm smelling?"
"Just out of the oven."