MJ shrugged. “Can’t say as I blame her, but not healthy after a while.”

“I guess Sam and family come home tomorrow, and he told Amalia that now that school is out, they’ll take over. I think she’d rather go to the daytime group.”

“Mm-hmm.” MJ sipped her latte. “If we both go…”

“I think the little bird is gone.” Anne handed back the box.

“Well, we tried.” Roxie shook her head. “I remember Loren crying for hours when some creature she tried to save would die. Each one had a funeral service and burial in the backyard. She has always been so tenderhearted.”

“Takes after her mother.” MJ said it in a kindly way.

“Hey, did you find yourself working on your project or at least wanting to this week?” Anne finished with another customer and came over to the table. “I see the toast did not last long.”

“How could it? Like eating a memory. My mother used to make cinnamon toast for us,” MJ replied. “Regarding the project I brought—yes, and I put the latch hook rug up on the coffee table in the family room. Anyone who sits on the sofa has to latch hook a few stitches. I have been doing a row every morning while Daryl has the news on.” She half shrugged, her head tipping slightly.  “Strange, isn’t it? You, Roxie?”

“Twice. You should come see my new rug in my looks-like-new office. Really brightened it up.”

MJ’s eyebrows went up. “You got it up the stairs all right?”

“Well, the delivery man carried it up. None other than Nate Owens, store manager, and I believe he is interested in Loren. He remembered her from high school and invited her biking Sunday. He is a delightful young man.”

“Well, I’ll be. They’re going biking on Sunday afternoon, eh. We will all pray for good weather.” MJ checked her watch. “Better be getting home. I promised Daryl I’d help him with his kayak. Something about stitching gunwales.”

“And I have a new client who wants to see some houses today, so we are out of here.” Roxie headed out the door.

“What about the bird?” Anne called. “Wait. Never mind, I’ll take care of it.”

“Good luck with your showings,” MJ said at her gate. “You want to bring Sir Charles over while you’re gone? Looper loves to have company.”

“Thanks, maybe I will, although I’m sure all he and Juno do while I am gone is curl up in a sun spot and sleep.” She patted his head. “Come on, big dog, let’s get home.”

*  *  *

The next morning, three people were already in the room when MJ and Roxie arrived at the UFO meeting place, the senior center. They shared a grin and set their bags down on the table.