Four Kicks - Stephanie Brother Page 0,6
before she closes. And to see if there are any apple fritters left.
The case is empty except for cookies. Maddy’s assistant Lonnie is cleaning off the coffee station and preparing it for the next day. “I’m sorry, Lace. You have to come in earlier if you want a fritter.”
“Argh – I had to work!”
Maddy comes out of the kitchen, her white apron bulging over her ripe baby belly. “Lucky for you, I happen to have one set aside in the back.”
“For me? You’re the best!” I give my friend a warm side hug, since that’s the easiest way to embrace her these days. “I can’t believe you’re still here working.”
“My feet are tired, but otherwise, I’m full of energy. Mom’s been helping out in the mornings, and she’s ready to take over again as soon as I ask.”
“Maybe when your arms can’t reach the counter,” I tease, giving her big belly a little rub. “Oh, was that a kick?”
Maddy’s face shows relief. “Yes, that was a kick! The baby hasn’t been moving as much as usual today.”
“Maybe she’s been resting.”
“Or he’s been resting,” she says with a laugh.
“I can’t believe you haven’t found out the baby’s gender. I feel like I’d want to know.”
“We’ll know soon.” She leads me into the back and hands me a small plate holding the heavenly goodness.
I’m several bites into the treat before I remember my manners. “Would you like some?”
“Normally, I’d say no, but the baby says yes.” She holds out her hand and I tear off a big chunk from the opposite side of the fritter.
“Whatever the baby wants, the baby gets.” I direct my next comment to Maddy’s midsection. “This is from Auntie Lacy, little one.”
Maddy points to herself in mock indignation. “Hey, Mommy’s the one who baked it!”
Mommy. Maddy’s going to be a mommy. The pangs of longing I felt at her baby shower come racing back.
Lonnie comes into the kitchen, untying her apron. “Everything’s all set out front. Do you need anything back here?”
“No, everything’s good. I’ll be leaving soon, too. Have a good evening, Lonnie.”
“You too. See you later, Lacy.” The older woman gives us smiles and nods and then she’s gone.
“So how was your day?” Maddy asks.
“Uneventful. Is that a nice way to say boring?”
Maddy chuckles as she leans against the counter.
“All the days are boring now. Business at the store is so slow.”
“Really? Even now, during tourist season? Things have been busy here.”
“It’s that new shop on Vista Street.” I tear the remaining chunk of apple fritter, give half to Maddy, and pop the rest in my mouth.
“Oh, right.”
“We knew it would take away some of our customers, at least at first, but the situation is much worse than we thought. I’ve been wondering if I should look for another job.”
“What do your parents say?” Maddy hands me a bottle of water she’s pulled from the refrigerator.
“Thanks. They haven’t said much, but I can tell they’re worried.”
“Is Bianca still working there, too?”
“Yeah.”
“What’s new with her these days?”
I take a drink of water but cut it short to respond. “That’s a good question. She doesn’t say much lately. I don’t hear about her friends, and I definitely don’t hear about anyone she’s dating. She’s very secretive all of a sudden.”
“You think something’s going on?”
“I don’t know. I’ll find out.”
Maddy tidies her work area as we talk, lining containers neatly on the stainless steel counter. “Knowing you, I have no doubt you will. Maybe it’s just a phase.”
“She’s 23, Maddy. Shouldn’t she be done with moody phases?”
Maddy laughs. “You’re right. I still think of her as your little sister.”
“I know. Me too.” I take another gulp of water, wishing I had another apple fritter.
“Speaking of how good you are at finding things out – I’m guessing you’ve heard about David Byers?”
“Yeah. I just heard yesterday, though. Maybe I’m losing my touch.”
“Nah. I only heard today. That was a surprise.”
“Yeah. I wonder what happened.”
“I’m sure you’ll find out from your island gossip network. Wait – what? What’s happening?” Maddy jumps back from where she’s standing – as much as an eight-and-a-half-month-pregnant woman can jump – and looks down at her legs. “Oh my god.” Then she looks up at me with big eyes. “Lacy, my water broke.”
As soon as her words sink in, I find confirmation on the floor beneath her.
“Oh my god. It’s still coming out!” Hunched over awkwardly, Maddy crosses the room to where her purse is hanging, and she tosses her phone to me. “Call the guys,