One of those days, Part VI

At this point,

 I must digress.

A Place of Stories has been around for years.

Three lovely ladies run the place,

 and keep the customers in line.

Anne, Julian, and Marion,

 who you have just met.

Marion's displeasure with me is my fault.

I won't try to deny it.

I keep dodging out on the nights I am supposed to read.

I did mention this was a coffee shop?

They all suspect I am trying to fade away,

 and bless their souls,

 they won't have it.

Well, 

 apparently they are not the only ones.

Now, 

 back to the thread.

My diversionary tactic has been successful so far.

Marion is watching Fesili and I, while steaming the cream for the chocolates.

 and somehow Anne realized something was up.

She has already glared at me for a moment,

 and she also used that eyebrow.

Eventually,

 I have to come up with a story.

This is also when I notice the place is empty,

 except for the three cats.

Unfortunately,

 that realization occurs after I have chosen a table.

I forgot to keep my back to the door.

Feeling hands on my shoulders,

 I know what is coming.

"Jon! Who is this little dear?"

I should have known Julian would appear.

As if on cue,

 Marion arrives with the hot chocolates.

 Anne brings a plate with a oatmeal cookie,

   fresh from the oven.

Notice something?

She only brought one cookie.

Now,

 another item to be noticed,

  is a smile on Fesili's face.

She knows I have to perform.

Reviews

[Papaya]

a rather endearing scene here. :)
a very warm atmosphere

[Jon Roggie]

I chose the names from three of my favorite writers. Julian May, Marion Zimmer Bradley, and Anne McCaffrey.

[Papaya]

Ha, very cool. I've read Anne McCaffrey. Not sure if I've read the others.

[Jon Roggie]

Bradley wrote the Darkover books. May wrote the Pliocene books. I might be closer to May in my style of writing.