Page 99 of The Last Autograph
“But that’s unlucky thirteen,” Ari said to Jake as he left the kitchen. “I’ll round it up.”
Out in the store, Gloria stood before him, a colorful walking cane in one hand and a raspberry beret covering most of her hair. Jake leaned forward and kissed her on both cheeks. “Gloria. It’s great to see you—and looking so lovely.”
“Oh, you are such a charmer. How do you like my hat? I feel like I’m in a Prince music video from the eighties. They don’t make music like they used to.”
“I love it, and it’s a great song, I’ll give you that. Ari’s just filling your éclairs. Do you have time for a coffee?”
“Sure, I’ll have an Americano.”
“Anything to eat?”
“Go on then.” She stepped forward and perused the display case. “One of those madeleines… and a raspberry tart to go with my beret. Thank you, Jake.”
Jake held up two fingers to Janice behind the counter, who was already plating Gloria’s selections. They headed outside and sat in the courtyard, making comfortable small talk until Janice appeared with their coffees.
Gloria took a sip. “Mmm. That’s a good brew.” She looked over at him. “So, you’re back then?”
Obviously.“Yes. Baking up a storm.”
“Have you talked to Molly recently?”
He frowned. “Isn’t she in Auckland for a couple of days?”
“Yes, but she flies in tomorrow night on the six fifteen, and I expect you to be at the airport to pick her up.”
“Does Molly know about this?”
Gloria finished her mouthful of tart. “Nope, but she’ll find out soon enough.”
“I don’t know if I should do that.”
“Why not? Did you meet someone new in Paris?”
“No, but?—”
“Well, don’t bother correcting me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it about time you two got to work and sorted yourselves out?”
Jake chuckled. “Are you trying to matchmake here?”
“Someone has to. As I see it, the only thing standing in the way is your ego and Molly’s pride.”
“Is that right?” Jake smiled at her comment. His “currently on a break” relationship with Molly was only temporary in his opinion.
“And don’t you worry about that mother of yours either. I’ve taken care of all that sorry business.”
“What do you mean?”
“I invited her for coffee. Told her she’s been acting like one of those helicopter parents—as you young ones say—and to pull herself together. I was tempted to call her a selfish cow, but even I have my limits. Did you know she’s joined my mahjong group?”
Jake burst out laughing. “Really? She didn’t tell me that.”
“What, you think I’m making this up? Fact is often stranger than fiction, young man.” Gloria bit into the madeleine. “Oh, that’s delicious. She loves you, do you know that?”
“Who? Mum?”
She tapped her cane three times on the ground as if bringing him to attention. “Not your mother.Molly.”
“No, I didn’t know that, but?—”
