Gretel made her way toward the soda fountain at the front of a convenience store and settled into one of the chrome stools at the counter. "Hi, Marilee. I would like a cup of cocoa." Gretel said, smiling at the woman behind the counter. "Extra whipped cream, please,"
"Coming right up, Miss Gretel."
Marilee Goodman had been managing the convenience store long before Gretel opened her restaurant downtown. She was a local institution, knowing everyone in town, who took cream in their coffee and who drank it black. She also had the most reliable gossip about anything and everything.
"How's Tanaka and the little bundle of joy?" She asked.
"They're both doing great." Gretel smiled. "We're actually planning a welcome party for both her and the baby. I went to get a few things from the neighboring town and then my car broke down in the middle of nowhere."
