Page 166 of How To Not Need You

Elsie walks in first, Noah behind her, with Milo and Maisie between them.

“Oh my God,” Elsie breathes.

Natalie’s face crumples.

“No.” I point at both of them. “Absolutely not. We discussed this. No crying before ten.”

Elsie ignores me completely and crosses the bakery to wrap Natalie in a hug.

No crying though. Thank god. At least not until I've finished my coffee. The bell goes again.

Harper walks in with Leo, followed by Alexander carrying Grace against his chest. Leo takes one look at the display cabinet.

“Are croissants related to dinosaurs?”

Harper doesn't even pause. “No.”

“But look at them.”

“I am.”

“They're shaped like dinosaur claws.”

“They're really not.”

Leo turns to Alexander for support. Alexander studies the croissants with considerably more seriousness than the situation deserves.

“I can see it.”

Harper looks betrayed. “Don't encourage him.”

“I knew it!” Leo announces and bolts toward Tilly.

Excellent. There are two of them now. The bell goes again.

Luca enters. The volume of the bakery immediately doubles.

“Everybody remain calm.” Nobody was panicking. “I have arrived.”

Adrian walks in behind him. “Sorry we're late.”

“We are not late,” Luca says. “You cannot be late to an event that hasn't officially started.”

“You made us turn around because you forgot your phone.”

“I am essential personnel.”

“You're not staff.”

“I am emotionally important to the success of this opening.”

Natalie points toward the tables. “You can be physically helpful and finish putting out napkins.” Luca looks appalled at the suggestion.

Adrian kisses Natalie's cheek as he passes. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Then he picks up a cinnamon roll. Luca sees him.

“Excuse me. Those are for customers.” Adrian takes a bite. The betrayal on Luca's face is immediate.