“Come on, you two, I’m thirsty.” Roxie tugged on Sir Charles’s leash, and for that block, they made good time. “You seen Amalia lately?”

“Saw her ride by this morning in a new blue-and-white boater hat, so yes, but talked with her, no.”

“Maybe she’ll be at Annie’s.”

“My mouth is watering for a ginger cookie. Gary makes the best. You know I tried to talk him out of the recipe but no such luck.” MJ paused as Looper found yet another enticing aroma.

“I’m counting on lemon bars.” They crossed at the stoplight and turned right on the other side. We’re not going all around our route today?”

“I not only need a latte, I need the restroom.” They looped the leashes over hooks in the low windowsill of Annie’s Cafe. She not only provided a lovely place for the dogs to wait, but also kept fresh water in a steel bowl. The maple tree on the corner of the shop gave them shade. Maybe that was a major reason MJ so enjoyed this town. Everyone here seemed to have a heart for pets.

They pushed open the door, to be greeted by the perfume of something yummy just coming from the oven.

“Good morning, ladies,” Anne called from behind the counter. “Your usual?”

“Yes, but what smells so good?” Roxie asked.

“Fresh sticky buns.”

MJ made her stop at the ladies’ room and joined Roxie. They looked at the Plexiglas display of baked goods on the counter. “No ginger cookies?”

“Sorry, the baker took the night off.”

MJ snorted. “The nerve. Then I guess I will have to sacrifice and have one of the sticky buns. I swear you must have an exhaust fan that blows your yummy smells out to the street. When you bake bread…” She wagged her head, eyes closed. “Mmmm-hmmmm.”

“I know, compliments of my dad.” Annie set the two lattes on the counter. “You said two of each of these?” Her grin made the two women shake their heads.

“Yes, two, one for each of us. Not two each.”

“Oh, sorry.” Anne’s grin came from teasing her good friends.

“Yeah, right.” They carried their cups and plates to one of the round wrought iron tables next to the wall decorated with a big painting, done by a local artist. After Anne had waited on another customer, Roxie waved her over. “Got an idea we need to discuss with you.”

Anne brought her coffee and pulled out another chair. “What’s up?”

“You have any idea how many UFOs you have at your house?”

“UFOs?” Anne moved her head to give them a sideways, you-gotta-be-kidding look. “UFOs are out in New Mexico.”

“Not that kind. UFOs—unfinished objects. As in projects, stored at home.”

“You expect me to keep count?”

“Nope,” Roxie explained, “that’s the point. We propose a group that meets once a month to work on UFOs. That way we’ll get more done. Working together is always more fun than alone.”

“Hmmm.” Anne stared from one friend to the other, then gestured around at the café. “This is rather a major one, wouldn’t you say?”