It’s opening day for Beckett’s business, and I’m thrilled.

He’s excited but also scared. Since, ya know, he’s bet almost everything he had on the place and lost what he had left.

But the good news is that there’s a buzz in the area about the establishment, as most people seem very curious about something very British in an old New York neighborhood. I’ve been talking things up with my customers as well and plan to send a bunch of my regulars across the street, just as Beckett suspected. I did manage to convince him to open an hour earlier at noon, as I think he’ll pick up some customers from the lunch crowd instead of just relying on mid-afternoon and after-dinner business.

My brother, having finished baking for our place, is already over there as is my spoiled brat of a cousin, who will soon discover that she’s not the center of the universe by washing dishes. Personally, I think it will be more effective than giving the precious little snowflake a shot in the ass. As for my brother, he called five minutes after he saw Charlotte for the first time and  asked me, “Who is this goddess you neglected to tell your single brother about?”

I’m working the counter today so I can keep an eye on things across the street. Thankfully it’s a beautiful sunny fall day and the colorful Grand Opening banner above the front door which features both the Union Jack and the American flag is gently flapping in the breeze.

(Oh, before I forget, you’re probably wondering if I remembered my bathrobe when I got up this morning. Yes, I did. By the way, the shower in what will someday be his apartment is spectacular. With plenty of room for him to join me in the future if he’s inclined to save water. I mean, you gotta do your part for the environment, right?)

Anyway, a quick look at the clock shows it’s high noon. There are already a dozen customers lined up outside his door and I see him open it and greet people with a smile.

***

I’M SURPRISED TO SEE Vito and his construction crew arrive for lunch. Of course this makes my sister Connie happy since she’s been dating the guy I cut down to size the first time he was here. (He now walks on eggshells if I’m waiting on him.) “Hey, Vito. I thought you guys were done across the street.”

“New job around the block. Be here for a month at least.”

“Great.”

“Hey, glad we’re working near such a great place to eat. And of course, a certain member of my crew is very happy about that since he likes the staff as well as the food.”

I look over his shoulder and see my sister’s current boyfriend. “Hi Billy, I hear you’re treating my sister very well.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Keep it up or I’ll kick your ass.” A touch of fear creeps into his eyes. I turn back to Vito. “What’ll you have?”

“Chicken parm sandwich. And one of those cannolis.”

“Tell you what, Vito. It’s opening day across the street. How about you take your crew over there for dessert and try a scone.”

“I don’t even know what that is.”

“I didn’t either, but trust me, they’re delicious. So is the tea.”

“I don’t drink tea.”

“Do it today, for me, okay?”

“Sure, I trust your judgment.” I take everyone’s orders and hand them to Connie.

She waits till everyone’s out of earshot. “A.J., did I just hear you right? You’re sending our customers across the street?”

“Hey, so we lose a few pastry sales. Beckett needs to get off to a good start.”

“Well, don’t be surprised if people get hooked on those scones.”

“Sweetie, that’s the plan.”

“They could also stop buying sweets from us.”

“That’ll never happen.”

***

ABOUT FOUR O’CLOCK I notice things have finally slowed down at Beckett’s place so I head across the street to see how they’re doing. I open the door and the look on Beckett’s face tells me.

He’s exhausted.

A good kind of tired.

He offers a warm smile. “Welcome. Here for a scone?”

“Absolutely. I’ve been watching a steady stream of customers all day.”

“Thankfully we’ve been very busy. And the customers have been so generous with their comments.”

“And their gratuities,” adds Charlotte, who comes over to greet me. “The men around here are such good tippers.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Gee, I wonder why.” A few tables still have customers. I see my brother Tony in the kitchen. He looks at me, points at Charlotte, then bites his knuckles as he always does when he sees a beautiful woman. I bite my lip trying not to laugh as Beckett leaves to greet a new customer. “So, how are Tony and my cousin doing?”

Charlotte pulls me aside and lowers her voice. “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me you were hiding such a handsome brother in your kitchen.”

“Well, he likes working back there. He’s always been shy around customers.”

“Well, he’s been very sweet to me and so helpful. I thought he was going to be here for just a few hours but he’s offered to stay till we close in case we get busy.”

Gee, I wonder why. “Well, he’s a really good guy. Of course I’m slightly biased.”

“And I’m sure he has a girlfriend. All the good ones are taken.”

I shake my head. “Nope. He’s unattached. Tony doesn’t meet too many women in the kitchen.”

Her eyebrows do a little jump. “Ah. Interesting. Well, I must return to the kitchen to see if he needs any... help.” She leaves just as Beckett arrives.

“A.J., please, have a seat. Time for your afternoon tea and a scone fresh from the oven.”

“Sounds wonderful. And I’m so glad you’re off to a good start.” I grab a chair while he joins me.

“Yes, our grand opening has gone better than expected. I did not, however, anticipate a batch of construction workers, road crews and delivery men to be part of my clientele. I don’t suppose you’d have anything to do with that?”

I shrug. “Hey, blue collar guys can be very cosmopolitan. Or maybe they spotted your sister.”

“Right. Whatever you did, thank you.”

“I didn’t do anything, Beckett. Your success is your own.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

I fold my arms. “Have you not learned it’s pointless to argue with me? Now go get me a scone.”

***

I PEEK OUT MY LIVING room window at nearly ten o’clock and see Beckett and Charlotte locking up. They were supposed to close at nine, but he still had customers and needs to make every dollar he can. He gives his sister a hug, she heads for her car and he crosses the street. I quickly run to the kitchen, pull a bottle of wine from the fridge and pour two glasses just as he arrives. I walk over to him carrying the wine and hand him a glass. “Hi, honey, how was your day?”

He laughs a bit. “Good. But very long.”

I hold up my glass. “A toast to a successful start.”

He clinks my glass and takes a sip. “Very successful and very exhausting. Of course we won’t know how successful until the newness wears off and the honeymoon period ends. But from the comments I received, I will assume people will return.”

“I’m sure they will. You want something to eat?”

“No, thank you. I devoured one of those meatball sandwiches you sent over. Delicious. We never would have had time to make dinner.”

“Hey, part of the deal, just like I said. And I really enjoyed the scone and tea. Nice way for me to celebrate the end of the lunch rush. Anyway, I know you’ve been on your feet all day. You look like you need to sit down.”

“Yes, your couch beckons me. And the bed is on call waiting.”

Opportunity is knocking. “Tell you what, head to the bedroom, lay on your stomach and I’ll give you a back rub.”

“I’m not turning that down.”

We walk to the bedroom and he immediately flops on the bed face down. I straddle him, sitting on the small of his back. “Am I too heavy?”

“You’re light as a feather.”

“There’s something a girl loves to hear.” I lean forward and start to massage his shoulders, which are incredibly tight. I get a moan of delight in return. “My God, Beckett, your back is a knot.”

“You’re doing a good job untying me.”

I work on his shoulders, then his neck, then slide my hands down to his lower back.

And then Gypsy jumps on the bed, climbs onto his back and starts kneading him with her paws.

Beckett laughs a bit. “A.J., you seem to have grown an extra pair of tiny hands.”

“That’s my massage therapy assistant.”

“Ah. She’s doing a good job.”

“She’ll do that forever if you let her.” I move Gypsy to the side, then lean forward, run my fingers through his hair and massage his scalp. Another moan. I finish up, slide off his back and sit at the foot of the bed.

Beckett flips over and looks up at me. “Thank you, that was just what I needed.” The cat climbs on his chest and nuzzles him. “And thank you too, Gypsy.”

I note his eyes start to flicker and then he stifles a yawn. “I think it’s time for you to crash, Mister.”

He slowly nods. “I’m not sure I even have the energy to get out of my clothes.”

Heck, I’ll help you with that. “Hey, I won’t judge you if you wake up in the same outfit. It’s not exactly in walk of shame territory.”

He laughs a bit as he pets the cat. “Very funny. I suppose I’ll say good night, and thank you again. If not for you I’d be sleeping on the floor of my sister’s flat. Please wake me as you’re leaving in the morning.”

“Sure thing.” I note the cat has already curled up next to him, resting her chin on his arm. “Gypsy, are you sleeping here?” No response. “I guess so. You little traitor. Goodnight, Beckett.” I get up and head toward my bedroom.

But even though Beckett had a great opening day, I’m worried. I’ve seen lots of restaurants come and go over the years. Plus, I did send a lot of customers over today. Still, I heard great comments from people who had sampled the scones and loved them.

By the time I get under the covers about ten minutes later I can hear him snoring through the air duct. Sure hope the guy has enough stamina for this business.

But if Beckett does need more help staying afloat, I’ve got an idea.

Actually, I have more than one.