Run: 2026-09-25-01M3CKDVNS9R63JWY5ND4Y8Y3F

The bell above the door jingled as the scent of cinnamon and fresh bread wrapped around them. "Morning. The usual?" "Please. And maybe one of those new almond croissants—if they’re as good as the rumors say." "Rumors? In this town, everything’s a rumor until it’s a scandal." "True. But I heard these pastries are worth the gossip." "From who? Old Man Higgins? He’d call a burnt biscuit a masterpiece if it was free." "Fair. But I trust your baking more than his opinions." "Smart. Though I can’t promise these won’t sell out before noon. Half the town’s already been in." "Then I’d better grab two. One for now, one for later." "Later? You? That’s a first." "Hey, I can show restraint." "Sure. And I’m the Queen of Sheba." "Fine, fine. Three, then. But only if you throw in a black coffee." "Deal. Though you’re the reason I keep the pot full." "Flattery will get you everywhere." "Good. Because I was about to ask if you’d heard about the new florist next door." "Ah. So the real reason for the extra croissant." "Maybe. Or maybe I just like feeding you." "Either way, I’ll take it."