Chapter 2

After shaking Marinas hand, Sadie plunged her hands into the pockets of her snug, black warm-ups. Suddenly, her face drained of color, and she muttered, Oh my god under her breath. Marina arched an eyebrow and said with a sly smile, Anything wrong?

Sadie closed her eyes, shook her head, took a deep breath and looked up. Well, Im not making much of an impression, am I? I come in for the first time, tell you that you have beautiful sconesand when it comes time to pay up, Im empty handed! Marina, Im so sorry, but once I smelled the coffee, I just locked up and came on overapparently without my wallet. Sadie stopped, took another deep breath and smiled sheepishly.

Marina threw her head back and let out a deep, rich laugh. Then she said, You smelled the coffee? You must be close by. Where are you living?

Above the bicycle shop a couple of doors down.I just bought the major share of the business, and the living quarters came with the deal. I was wandering around the shop floor, and decided to stick my head out for a bit of fresh air. The smell led me right over!

Marina smiled again, and Sadie had a small internal meltdown at the sight. That makes you my neighbor! And what are good neighbors, if not welcoming? Your breakfast is on me, with warm wishes for a smooth transition to Los Angeles.

Sadie smiled gratefully, and said with a slight exaggeration of her soft, Southern drawl, Why maam, its beginning to feel just like home with all the hospitality yall show around here! To emphasize the lightness of the remark, she winked and placed a hand on her hip.

Marina laughed again, and said, Come on.Ill introduce you to a few girls who would love to listen to you talk, and it will give you a chance to eat my beautiful scone before it gets stale. Marina turned and strode across the room.

Sadie picked up her latte and plate and hurriedly followed Marina outside to a small courtyard that was dominated by a wall mounted stone fountain and large potted trees scattered around.

Marina pulled a chair up to the large table that was filled by four women. Everyone, this is Sadie. She is new in town, and I thought you might be the best welcome wagon around. Do you mind if she joins you for a bit? And without pausing, she took Sadies breakfast from her, grabbed her left hand and tugged her gently to the chair. Sadie, obediently, satlooking mildly amused and embarrassed at the four women who were frozen in various poses of coffee/bagel/tea/croissant to mouth. Dumbly they all nodded in turn and glanced at Sadie.