Veronica's voice wafted from the kitchen. "I'll be right there!" She said, and a few moments later backed out of the door, balancing several plates on her forearms and hands. She walked carefully so as not to drop them, and laid them on the counter before reaching for a fresh pot of coffee. She grabbed several large mugs on her way out from behind the counter and set them down on the table between the couches.

"Here we go," She said, pouring the black liquid into each mug. She set each mug in front of someone, crossing the room to give one to Penelope, then returned to the main table with a basket of cream and sugar.

"You know I don't serve alcohol here, Nick. This is a Cafe, not a bar." She reprimanded, going back for the plates. One by one, she placed a fresh slice of black and blueberry pie in front of everyone.

"There," She said smiling. "I just took it out of the oven, so it's still a bit hot. Let me know what you think."