“I can’t believe you charged me an extra two dollars for a small coffee,” exclaimed the voice, rising slightly. “Sorry, but this is small talk, not small coffee,” chuckled the voice of the barista. “Always next time order a medium...I promise it’s the same size.” “Well, as I was saying, I’m looking for my cat,” cried the voice, now tinged with panic. “He’s been missing for two hours.” “I can see that,” mumbled the voice of the barista, “right there under the counter.” “Seriously? I had no idea he’d found his way in here.” “Give the old girl some treats. I guess Lucy really likes you too,” said the voice of the barista as a chocolate lab mix popped up from under the counter, wagging its tail. “Thank you! By the way, my name is Nora.” “Sally, nice to meet you, Nora. Welcome to Sweet Bread.” “How much do I owe you for that coffee and excellent service?” “The coffee’s on the house. You know, we have a Secret Santa gift shop next door.” “You think you could put out a notice about Lucy, and asking people to keep an eye out?” “Of course; everyone knows Lucy. This little fella here likes everyone too,” said the voice of the barista as Lucy gave another round of woofs and jumps around Nora. This scene should work as a standalone 200-word snippet in a cozy mystery novel set in a small town, involving a bakery, a missing cat, and a budding friendship between two neighborhood women.