Audra looked around. “Where’s Ean?”
Quincy inclined his head toward the opposite side of the store. “He’s getting Megan.”
Quincy and Ramona, Ean and Megan. Did Darius have someone special?
Doreen returned with a tray of Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownies. “I thought you all would be here by now.”
She placed one plate in front of Audra and gave the others to Darius, Ramona, and Quincy. The final brownie was put to rest in front of an empty chair, presumably for Ean.
Doreen pinned Quincy and Ramona with a stern look as she filled their mugs with coffee. “It’s already mid-July. We can’t put off plans for your going-away party any longer.”
Ramona cut a small slice of brownie with her fork. “Don’t look at me. I’ve been trying to get him to help me with the planning for months.”
Doreen tsked. “You’re not supposed to plan your own send-off. That’s what friends are for.”
“That’s what friends are for.” Audra nodded at Doreen’s sentiment.
Quincy forked up his pastry. “You’re already planning the town’s sesquicentennial. Don’t worry about thro
wing a party for us.”
Ramona gaped at him. “Speak for yourself. I want a party, especially if I don’t have to plan it.”
Who wouldn’t? Audra took another bite of brownie, reminding herself to get one for Jack. Perhaps she could use it to lure him back to town.
Megan added her voice to the chorus. “Quincy, we’re not going to let you leave next month unless you let us throw you and Ramona a party.”
The bookstore owner joined Doreen behind the counter. Megan looked as though she’d stepped off the cover of Forbes magazine. Her emerald green skirt suit complemented her tall, slender figure. Her warm honey skin glowed.
Ean sank onto the stool beside Quincy. “Megan’s right. And Mom isn’t going to arrange the party by herself. We’ll help.”
“It must be hard, leaving friends who care so much for you.” Audra spoke without thinking.
Darius drained his coffee. “We grew up together. You must have friends you’re close to back in L.A.”
How had she lost touch with her friends over the years? “My industry is too competitive for real friendships, but I’m enjoying yours.”
Ramona looked around. “So what were you thinking? Flashing lights, streamers, a live band, confetti?”
Darius snorted. “Flashing lights? Are you going with a disco theme?”
Quincy sighed. “A live band? Really?”
Ramona turned to him. “Why not? Aren’t we worth it?”
“No.” Darius bit into his dessert.
Ramona glared at the reporter. “No one’s talking to you.”
Darius shrugged. “When has that stopped me from volunteering my opinions?”
Audra smothered a grin. “I like the idea of flashing lights. It’s very retro.”
Quincy rested his hand on Ramona’s fist. “Calm down, honey. This isn’t your wedding.”
A flush pinkened Ramona’s cheeks. “Are you proposing?”
Quincy grunted, retrieving his hand. He turned back to his brownie. “When I propose, we won’t be surrounded by other people.”