Saturday afternoon greeted Westwood with bright skies and just enough breeze to make the walk pleasant.
By the time Noah reached the bookstore, Jason was already standing outside the entrance with a paper cup in one hand.
“I have secured coffee.”
Ryan glanced at the cup.
“You said you wanted coffee.”
“I also wanted pastries.”
“And?”
“I secured those too.”
Emily laughed as she joined them.
“At least he’s consistent.”
A moment later, Lily arrived.
She smiled when she spotted the group.
“Did I miss anything?”
“No,” Noah replied. “Jason has only declared victory over breakfast.”
“It was a hard-fought battle.”
Inside, shelves stretched in every direction, filled with novels, biographies, and stacks of colorful new releases.
The familiar scent of paper and fresh coffee drifted th
