“Hello, lovely Lindsay!” he boomed, and I gave him a hug before I tied my apron.

Then I got out the glass cleaner and started polishing the case, even though it was already gleaming. I saw Grandpa glance over and smile.

Kelsey came streaking in a few minutes after me. “Grandpa the Great!” she said, saluting him. “Reporting for duty!”

Grandpa smiled and gave her a wink.

Kelsey went to put her bag in a locker in the back and then came bounding back.

“Okay, I want to hear all about your trip,” she said.

“I’ll show you,” I said, noticing that Nans and Grandpa were going over the specials for the day.

I slipped Kelsey my phone. She flipped through the pictures of the art, her eyes getting bigger and bigger.

“This is so cool, Lindsay! I can’t believe you got to see all this. I’m totally asking Mom if she can take me to this place.”

“It was kind of fun,” I said. “Ellen, the woman who worked as a guide at the museum, showed me some really amazing things.”

Kelsey nodded.

“Kelsey… alert!” I hissed, and she shoved the phone in a drawer.

Dad and Grandpa were headed over. “Okay, guys, we have a special order today,” said Dad. “The track team ordered three dozen donuts for the first track practice of the season.” He handed me a piece of paper. “Can you pack up the boxes with everything they ordered? Someone will run them over at eight.”

Grandpa looked over my shoulder at the order. “Looks like we’re going to need some refilling of the shelves, Jane,” he called to Nans.

Nans looked over and nodded, then headed back to the kitchen. Kelsey and I smiled… fresh donuts out of the fryer are the most delicious thing ever. I knew I’d have to elbow her to get back to the kitchen to “pick up the refills” and snag a freshly made donut.

Everyone was setting up their stations, and by six thirty we were ready to go, with the first customers coming in at 6:31. The regular breakfast customers have been coming for years.

Mrs. Selling was walking slowly, using a cane, and Rich offered her his arm to lean on. “Mrs. Selling, can I help you to your usual table?” he asked.

Mrs. Selling smiled at him.

“Coop, your grandson is just a gem,” she said to Grandpa.

Our family’s last name is Cooper, but everyone calls Grandpa Coop.

“Well, he learned from the best!” Grandpa said.

“The crew is all here!” Mrs. Selling said, looking around. “You’re a lucky man!”

“I am,” said Grandpa. “I am!”

Then he grabbed a coffeepot to start pouring everyone’s morning cup.

Grandpa knew how everyone liked their coffee: with milk, with sugar, or with nothing added. The regulars didn’t even have to ask him; they just sat down and he came over with their cup and saucer.