Page 21 of Mechanic’s Christmas Match

The interior of the café hummed with activity. Parents and caregivers rolled strollers back and forth to lull their charges, students from the community college huddled over laptops, and groups of retirees sat back laughing and enjoying a nice cup of coffee. The walls were hung with local art, Christmas music played softly on the speakers, and the air was rich with the scent of coffee and Pete’s famous cranberry loaf.

“It’s busy in here,” Rory said, sounding surprised.

“Always,” Ana agreed, nodding. “That’s what makes it perfect for people-watching. Where should we sit?”

He pointed to a table in the window that must have just been abandoned if it was empty now. It was the nicest seat in the place, in Ana’s opinion. But it was also visible from the whole café and the street.

“Are you sure you don’t want to maybe…?” She pointed to an empty table in the back corner.

“No way,” Rory said with a smile, heading for the window. “This is the best seat in the house. If it’s empty, it’s a sign.”

"Okay." Ana smiled back at him and followed, surprised when he pulled her chair out for her.

“Nice touch,” she said softly.

“Women like that?” he asked her.

“Yes,” she told him.

“What about, you know… equality and all that?” he asked. “Are you sure it’s not offensive?”

“Courtesy is never offensive,” Ana said firmly.

“I like that,” Rory said, brightening. “I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Hey there,” Holly Cabrera said as she arrived at their table. “What can I bring you two?”

Holly was expecting a baby, and pretty far along now, but she still moved between tables with her usual grace.

“Hi, Holly,” Ana said. “How’s Mara?”

“Oh, she’s great,” Holly said, smiling. “She and Benny Webb are volunteering at the animal shelter tomorrow. How’s your mom?”

“Keeping super busy,” Ana told her.

“Well, I’m glad you could get away for a few minutes,” Holly said, giving Ana a significant smile. “What can I bring you?”

“I’d love a cappuccino and a slice of cranberry loaf,” Ana told her.

“How about you, sir?” Holly asked, turning to Rory.

“It’s just Rory,” he said. “What smells so good in here?”

“Nice to meet you, Rory,” Holly said with a smile. “I’m Holly and that amazing smell is Pete’s famous cranberry loaf. I happen to know that it just came out of the oven.”

“I’ll have the same as Ana then,” Rory told her.

“Great choice, Rory,” Holly said. “I’ll be right back with it.”

“She seems happy,” Rory remarked to Ana.

“She’s worked here forever,” Ana told him. “She actually got married two years ago to a guy who… well, let’s just say she never has to work another day in her life if she doesn’t want to. But I still see her coming in every morning.”

“I think I’d work too,” Rory said thoughtfully. “Everyone should have a purpose in life.”

Ana nodded. He was probably right.

“Plus, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself,” he said, smiling in a self-deprecating way.