Letters to Molly (Maysen Jar, #2)(81)

“I got you, Jimmy.” Cole went to the refrigerated display case at our sides and grabbed a chili from the top shelf. “Hot?”

Jimmy shook his head and waved Cole over.

“You are not helping, Detective.” Poppy glared at her husband.

His shoulders shook with silent laughter. “It’s too late now. We might as well see which one of them gives up first.”

Cole was the reason Jimmy and Randall had gotten the idea to start this whole ordeal. He’d come down to eat lunch at The Maysen Jar with Poppy. Apparently, they’d had some physical testing thing at the police department today, and he’d been cutting back carbs for a couple weeks to prepare. With the test complete, and reveling in his dietary freedom, Cole had inhaled two jars of mac ’n’ cheese like a kid who’d been given permission to devour his pillowcase of Halloween candy.

Seeing Cole eat so fast had triggered Jimmy’s and Randall’s animal instincts.

I could eat a jar faster than that.

I could eat two jars faster than you could eat one.

Then Cole had chimed in with the brilliant idea to have a contest.

One jar had led to two, then three.

When Poppy and I had both adamantly refused to serve them another jar of anything, Cole had come behind the counter and assumed the role of supplier.

“I can’t watch.” Poppy turned her back to the counter.

I did the same. We could still hear silver spoons scraping glass jars, but at least this way we didn’t have to see the idiots make themselves sick.

“Do you guys have any plans this weekend?” I asked Poppy. “I was thinking about kidnapping MacKenna and Brady on Saturday night. With everything that happened this summer, I feel like I didn’t get to spend much time with them. Max and Kali will be with Finn so if you and Cole want a date night, I volunteer as babysitter.”

She didn’t hesitate. “Done. We’ll bring them over around six.”

“Perfect.” I smiled. It would be nice to spoil them rotten—and have them so I wasn’t home alone.

Max and Kali had been at Finn’s place two nights this past week and it had been torture. With them gone a few nights each week and back in school, my house was too quiet.

Though Randall and Jimmy’s antics had gone beyond the spectrum of crazy today, I’d needed it. I’d needed a good day at work and to remember the life I’d built post-divorce.

“What else is on the docket for today?” I asked Poppy.

She glanced over her shoulder then rolled her eyes. “I hadn’t planned to restock macaroni and cheese until tomorrow, but I’d better do it today instead.”

“Chili too,” Cole added. When she shot him a glare, he held up his hands. “What? It’s almost gone. Jimmy’s on three. Randall only two. I do feel sorry for the residents on their floor tonight. That’s going to stink.”

I coughed to cover up a laugh.

Poppy pulled her lips in to hide a smile.

This is exactly what I need today.

“Okay, I’m going to walk away from this.” I tossed a thumb over my shoulder. “I’m going to do a quick sweep of the tables then grab the laptop and get caught up on some emails.”

“I’m going to head back to the kitchen,” Poppy said then looked at Cole. “Are you heading back to work?”

He nodded. “As soon as we declare a winner here, I’m taking off.”

“Okay. Come say good-bye before you go.” She walked over and kissed him, melting against his chest as he slanted his head and deepened it.

They were adorable. And lucky. So damn lucky.

I left them all and went through the swinging door to the kitchen. The morning had been busy, the restaurant filled with college students. Half the tables were occupied with textbooks and laptops as kids studied, so I hadn’t spent much time in the office, sticking out front to help.

I settled in behind the desk, opting to sort through mail first to snag any bills. Mostly, the stack was junk. Poppy’s favorite kitchen supply company had sent her a new catalog that she’d be drooling over later.

My hands paused on a letter toward the bottom of the pile. It wasn’t addressed to the restaurant but to me. And it was in Finn’s handwriting.

“What is this?” I grumbled. Weren’t we done with the letters? Seriously, I needed to be done with the letters.

The other mail was tossed to the side as I tore open the envelope’s seam and pulled out the single piece of paper.

My jaw fell open as I took it in.

Dinner? I turned the page over, but the back was blank. Then I read it again. Why would he want me to go to dinner? And why would he invite me with a letter?

I stood from the desk and hurried out of the office, letter in hand.

Poppy hadn’t made it to the kitchen yet. She was laughing with Cole as Randall lifted his hands in victory.

Jimmy was breathing hard, his face a shade of green as he clutched his stomach. “Nan is a sweetheart, but no woman is worth this kind of pain. I’m already gassy.”

Randall chuckled.

“Some women are worth it all,” Cole said, pulling Poppy into his side.

I opened my mouth to pull Poppy aside but stopped short. Everyone was in such a good mood, despite the foul odor creeping into the air. This letter, though not bad, would take the spotlight.