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arrived. Choosing a stool at the counter next to the large display of pastries and cakes—including Lexie’s famous double-layer coconut cake—she absentmindedly flipped through the menu. It wasn’t as if she needed to examine it; she was here so often, she knew the menu by heart.
    Rachel, one of the regular servers, soon came up to take Julie’s order. Julie ordered her usual breakfast-for-dinner—an egg-white omelet with mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar cheese and some freshly squeezed orange juice.
    “Want me to tell Lexie you’re up front?” Rachel asked.
    “Only if she’s not too busy,” Julie replied.
    “We’re just finishing up the tail end of the dinner service. I’m sure she’ll want to see you,” Rachel said with a smile.
    After a few minutes, Lexie emerged from the kitchen carrying a teacup. As usual, she was wearing a cute skirt and blouse over which she’d tied an apron. Her wavy chestnut hair was swept back into a little twist, and her warm brown eyes sparkled. The California native had been so friendly to Julie when she’d moved back to town, it was impossible not to love her. Of course, she loved Lexie’s food, too. The upscale diner fare was just what Star Harbor needed, and now the catering business that Lexie had started made the town seem a little less sleepy. But, just like everyone else in town, Julie truly appreciated the woman herself. Lexie was blunt, funny, and downright spunky, and Julie could see why she was the perfect match for Seb, with all his hubris and fame. Things had been tough for the couple given their work schedules and Seb’s constant travel, but they were making it work. Besides, come summer, things would be different. Seb was planning to open a seasonal restaurant in Star Harbor, which meant he’d be around more.
    “Dr. Kensington,” Lexie said teasingly from behind the long counter, dunking a teabag in and out of her cup. “How are you doing this fine spring evening?” She removed the teabag and flicked it into a nearby garbage can.
    “Okay, thanks.”
    Lexie cocked her head. “Say, you’re out later than usual, aren’t you? And you look kind of tired. Everything all right?”
    “It’s fine, Lexie. I’ve been a bit out of sorts all week, so I apologize if I’m not good company,” Julie said ruefully.
    Lexie raised an eyebrow and took a sip of tea.
    It was an implicit invitation to spill. Julie wasn’t one for gossiping, but maybe getting things off her chest would make her feel better. And Lexie knew the Grayson boys as well as anyone. She glanced from left to right. No one seemed to be listening, so she leaned forward onto the counter and whispered, “Cole Grayson.”
    Lexie’s eyes widened, but only for a fraction of a second. Then a small grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Really?”
    “Really,” Julie confirmed.
    Lexie placed her teacup on the counter and leaned forward so that they were face-to-face. “It’s about damn time.”
    “Whatever,” Julie said, studying the molding on the ceiling.
    Lexie just laughed. “He’s had his eye on you, too. For months! It’s been like torture , watching him watch you. I was afraid neither of you would ever make a move.”
    Julie blinked. Damn! “I was hoping no one would notice,” she gritted out.
    “There’s no shame in ogling him. The man is so fine, half the single women in town are hot for him. I mean, I’m not into that whole uniform thing, but if it floats your boat . . .” She gave a little shrug and took a sip of tea.
    “I don’t want to like him, Lexie,” she sighed. “I don’t want to even think about him.”
    “Uh-huh,” Lexie said, looking doubtful.
    “I swear. I have so much work to do, and insurance forms and clinic hours and—”
    Lexie held up her hand. “Wait, just stop right there. You’ve been working your ass off for the last year and a half. You’ll burn out if you try to keep up that pace forever. And believe me, I would know.”
    “Not forever,”