Valarie Compton was busy. She was standing on a step ladder near the window at 'Prying Eyes'. She was holding one end of a long piece of green garland and another lady was down below her, holding the other end and the ladder.

"Hold still Christina," she told her.

"I am holding still," Christina said back. "Be careful."

Valarie draped the garland the best she could. "How does that look?"

"A little to the left," Poppy said. He was standing back by the tables and watching while he drank a piping hot cup of coffee.

Valarie moved the garland to the left.

"No, too far; Go back a little," Poppy said, waving his arm.

Valarie sighed.

The door opened and Grant strode in. He looked at the scene and walked over to his grandfather.

"Morning Poppy," Grant said.

"Good morning Grant."

"Decorating already, huh?" Grant asked.

"Yep," Poppy said. "They would've started after Halloween if they could. It seems to get worse every year."

"The streets were already done last week," Grant told him.

"Yeah, they did that a little late," he said.

"Late?" Grant asked.

"Yeah, most places had them up before Thanksgiving. I think most places would rather skip Thanksgiving all together anymore."

"I know," Grant said. "They started with the sales on Thanksgiving morning this year."

Poppy shook his head. "Nothing gets in the way of a good sale."

The door opened and Runa came in. She was holding her coat tightly around herself and went to the counter. She didn't look at anyone.

Valarie sighed.

"I've got it, Val," Poppy told her.

"Thanks Poppy," she told him, while moving the ladder to hang the other end of the garland.

Poppy and Grant went to the counter. Poppy went behind the counter. "What can I do for you, young lady?"

"Just a latte, please," Runa asked.

"Sure. No bagel or scone with that?" he asked.

She shook her head no.

"Good morning," Grant said to her, as he walked up.

She looked up at him and gave half a smile.

"It's on me," Grant said.

Runa shook her head again. "No"

"Yeah, I got it. I want to," he said.

"Thank you," Runa replied.

"You're welcome," Grant said, smiling at her. "Going to work?"

She nodded.

Grant went behind the counter and got a bag. He grabbed some tongs and put a cinnamon scone in a bag. He handed it to Runa.

"Here you go," he told her. "You like these, right?"

She just looked at the bag.

"I've got it," he told her smiling.

She reluctantly took the bag and Poppy handed her the coffee.

"Thank You," she said and turned to go.

"I'll be here Wednesday morning if you'd like to get coffee with me," Grant said.

Runa barely nodded and smiled. Then she left.

Grant watched her go.

"She's a pretty girl," Poppy said.

Grant nodded.