Chapter 60

sixty

PAUL

I tilted my head and looked at the exposed beams in the ceiling. From the street, the building looked like a standard church. With its steep gable roof and large foyer, it was the type of space that could be used for lots of different activities.

It wasn't until you were inside that you appreciated the light falling across the wooden floors, the way each room opened from the foyer into more intimate spaces, and the vibrant colors that welcomed you through the doors.

Liam pointed to a room opposite us. "The cafeteria's through there."

A burst of laughter spilled into the foyer. "It sounds as though someone's happy."

"A great coffee tends to do that to people."

Usually, I would have agreed. But not today. After saying goodbye to Amy, I'd felt like a balloon that had suddenly popped.

As we walked into the cafeteria, my eyes widened in surprise. On one side of the room, a dozen people sat behind paint easels. In front of them was an enormous flower arrangement. On the other side of the room, people were enjoying coffee and cake.

"Have we interrupted an art class?"

Liam shrugged. "This is normal. Pastor Adam organizes different activities for each day of the week. Most of the people who come here aren't working. If they see a class they like, they join in. And what's better is that everything's free."

I listened to the tutor talk about light and shadow. He was about the same age as me. With dark hair and a quick smile for his students, it would be easy to enjoy being part of his class.

"That's Riley Murphy. He's exhibited his paintings at art galleries around the world."

"And he's giving free lessons in the church?"

"What can I say? Pastor Adam can be persuasive when he wants to be. If the class finishes before we leave, I'll introduce you. He lives in Sunrise Bay."

I followed Liam to the counter on the other side of the room.

"What would you like?" he asked.

I studied the blackboard menu. "A cappuccino would be great."

"Cake?"

I shook my head. "It's too early. I only had breakfast an hour ago."

A teenager walked out of the kitchen and smiled. "Hello. Are you ready to order?"

"We'll have two cappuccinos and a slice of hummingbird cake." Liam smiled at me. "It's never too early for cake."

"That's because you have a sweet tooth." I pulled out my wallet. "I'll pay. "

Liam handed the teenager his credit card. "Don't be silly. It was my idea, so I'll pay. Besides, the café doesn't charge for its coffee."

I sighed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He took two forks out of the cutlery container. "I know you don't feel like eating a whole slice of cake, but you have to taste it. It's almost as good as yours."

"Coming from a connoisseur of cake, that's high praise."

"Pastor Adam's hospitality students bake everything on the menu. Before he became the pastor, he was a cook in the Army. His classes have waiting lists."

I studied Liam's face. "You know a lot about the church."

"I should. I was one of Pastor Adam's students for six weeks. When I wasn't learning how to make lasagna, I was doing odd jobs around the church. It helped put my life into perspective."

After we were seated, I looked behind the counter. A glass wall separated the dining area from the kitchen. Two men and a woman were busy making sandwiches and another teenager had an icing bag in her hands.

Liam followed my gaze. "The man wearing the black apron is Pastor Adam. He's one of the kindest people I've met."

I watched him laugh at something the person beside him said. He looked as though he was enjoying what he was doing.

"How are you feeling now?" Liam asked.

"Better. When Amy graduates from high school, I'll probably remember today and wonder where all the years have gone. "

"Life goes by so quickly." Liam sent me a sad smile. "The first seven years of Lacey's life went by in a blur."

"Do you want more children?" My question didn't seem to surprise Liam.

"I've always wanted a big family, but the chance of that happening isn't high."

I sighed. "I can imagine you playing in the backyard with half a dozen children. Lacey was a lucky girl."

"Victor had a lot to do with that. I was away so often with work that I didn't spend much time with her. I don't want to do that again."

"Is that why you wanted us to live in the same town?"

Liam nodded but, before he could say anything, Pastor Adam placed our order in front of us.

"Two cappuccinos and a slice of hummingbird cake. It's good to see you again, Liam."

Liam stood and hugged his friend. "It's been too long. Adam, this is Paul, a friend of mine. He's working with Jonathon in Candy Lane."

Pastor Adam shook my hand. "It's nice to meet you, Paul. Do you make candy, too?"

"No. I bake and decorate cakes. Jonathon and I are sharing the kitchen."

"He makes amazing cakes," Liam added.

"Well, I hope you enjoy this one. It's a café favorite."

My taste buds were already working overtime. The two layers of cake looked light and fluffy and oh so delicious. "Is that pecan brittle on top of the cake?"

Adam nodded. "It works well with the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting."

Liam held out a fork. "Go on. I know you want to try some."

"I'll only have one mouthful. Promise." I scooped some cake onto the fork and popped it in my mouth. I closed my eyes and sighed. "It's delicious."

"I'll be sure to let Cindy know you enjoyed it. She's eighteen years old and one of the best bakers I've had in my class."

"She did a great job." I dipped my fork into the cake again.

Liam's eyebrows rose.

"One more," I grinned.

"What will I do with you?"

I wiped my mouth on a paper napkin. "I don't know. But I'm buying another slice of cake. I must have a sweeter tooth than I thought."

"Or you've come to the right place," Liam added.

"I'll second that," Pastor Adam said. "I'll be back soon with your order."

Liam scooped some cake onto his fork and gave an equally happy sigh.

"Thank you for bringing me here," I said. "It's exactly what I needed."

"You're welcome. You can come back whenever you like."

I looked around the room and smiled. "I might do that."