Inside Out - Lauren Dane [70]
Ella came out from the back, her laugh catching his attention, yanking his gaze from his mom’s face to where she stood in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. She wore that smile of hers, the one he saw too rarely but yearned for. Open, joyful, it made her even more beautiful.
What an unexpected pleasure it was to see her, to hear her after not seeing her for a few days.
His mom laughed in the background. “I see. This lady you’re courting, is it Ella?”
He turned back to her. “Yeah. I’m pretty smitten.”
“She’s a nice girl. Troubled past though.” His mother searched his features, and he wasn’t sure whether to be insulted or amused. Not clear on whether her comments were negative toward him or Ella, or whether he was taking it wrong. After his father’s comments earlier, he knew he was oversensitive, so he tried to blow it off.
“Who doesn’t have a troubled past these days? She’s a good person.”
His mother merely smiled mysteriously and then waved to Ella before turning back to him. “I know she is.”
The she in question walked over with a carafe of coffee and a bowl, which she placed in front of Cope. “Nice to see you today, Andrew.” She indicated the bowl. “Soup. Chicken wild rice.” She topped off his mother’s cup of coffee. “Any more coffee cake, Mrs. Copeland?”
“That would hit the spot nicely, honey.”
“How about you, Andrew? Want a latte? I set aside one of those cinnamon scones you like for your dessert.”
She knew he was a total whore for those cinnamon scones.
“I thought you were only in for mornings a few days a week.”
“I’m here for lunch with Erin and Elise. I arrived first, though I heard banging around in the back, so I bet Erin is here now too and just came in through Brody’s shop. I figured I’d bring you some food and coffee while I was here.” She cocked her head.
“Well, since you’re offering and all.” He took her hand, kissing the knuckles. “Don’t tell anyone, but you’re my favorite barista. Any bread to go with? Or a sandwich?”
“I’m toasting the panini right now. Turkey and roasted red pepper. Latte?”
Man he wanted to lick her. Instead, he’d take what he could get. “You’re good to me. And yes on the latte, please.”
“You got it.” She smiled and headed back to the coffee bar where the new manager laughingly got out of the way so Ella could get back there and make Cope’s latte.
“A lovely girl.”
Cope tore his gaze from Ella. “Yeah. Inside and out.”
Erin came out from the back, and her face lit when she saw them both. “I had no idea you were here! I’m sorry.” She sat with them, and Annalee gave her a big hug, followed by Cope’s kiss on the cheek.
“How are you?” Cope’s mother looked Erin over. “Nearly done with this blanket.” She held it up, and Erin smiled happily.
“Wow. It’s so beautiful! I can’t wait until you’re done. It’s going to go in the nursery, on the rocker in there. Keep the baby warm while I’m nursing or rocking him . . . or her to sleep.” She winked.
Elise came in, and Cope realized, not for the first time, just how beautiful and special the women in their circle were. She saw them and headed over with hugs for everyone.
And speaking of beautiful, Ella came back to put a latte and his sandwich on the table. “Here you go.”
Erin snorted. “You’re off duty. Sheesh, I can’t get rid of you.”
“I’m hard to shake off. Like the flu.” Ella fluttered her lashes. “Why don’t you have lunch with Andrew and Mrs. Copeland? Elise and I will just be over there.” She pointed to a table in the corner where they all usually sat.
Cope liked Ella even more just then. It had taken a lot of time, but his mother and Erin were truly trying to be close, especially for Ben’s sake. It made him happy to see Ella get that and try to help foster it.
“I’ll be over in a bit. I’m sure Cope and his mom have a lot to talk about. But I’ll grab both of them for some visiting while I can.” Erin grinned and settled back into her seat.
“Hang on. I’ll bring you some soup.”
With that, Ella swayed off.
“She’s a nice girl, that Ella.” His mother