Free A Bouquet of Love by Janice Thompson Page A

understands impulsive family members, I do.” Alex dove into a crazy story about his controlling, over-the-top sisters, and I chuckled at how animated they sounded.
    When his story ended, I gave all of my new friends a nod and released a slow breath. “I want you all to know that you’re terrific people, and it’s been great getting to know you.”
    â€œWell, it’s been great getting to know you too, Cassia.” Bella threw her arms around me and gave me a big hug. “Welcome to the island.”
    â€œI hope we can be friends,” I added. “I really do.”
    â€œWe’re already friends.” Little creases formed between her eyes. “At least, I thought we were.”
    â€œWe are, but . . .” I paused and thought about my next words very carefully. I needed to prep her for the truth, even if I didn’t share it all today. “You ever read Romeo and Juliet ?”
    â€œSure. Didn’t everyone?”
    â€œYou know about the ongoing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues? It spoiled everything, and all because of family pride.”
    â€œAre you telling me you’re Juliet and you’ve got a Romeo hiding in the wings somewhere?” Bella asked. “Some guy your family hates?”
    For whatever reason, my gaze drifted to Alex, who’d reached for the bucket of red roses.
    â€œNo. Not exactly that. But my father is . . . is . . . different.”
    â€œI thought we already covered the family thing,” Bella said with a wave of her hand.
    Alex glanced our way as if to ask, “What did I miss?”
    â€œWe promised not to judge each other based on wacky family members,” Bella explained. “And I never go back on a promise.”
    â€œShe’s telling you the truth,” Alex said as he opened the refrigerator case. “And besides, have you met the Rossi family? No offense to Bella, but they’re some of the craziest people I’ve ever known, and I grew up in Splendora.”
    Again with the Splendora reference? Where was this place? And were the people there really nuttier than the Rossis? If so, they might just rival my dad, the wackiest of all. Surely one day all of these awesome people would see the truth for themselves, and when they did my Romeo and Juliet reference would make perfect sense. Until then, I would relax and enjoy their company . . . while they were still speaking to me.

7 Till the Clouds Roll By
    You might be Greek if you were surprised to discover the FDA recommends you eat three meals a day, not seven.
    O n the morning of Super-Gyros’ grand opening, the tantalizing smells of lamb, cumin, and garlic filled the air. Mmm. I’d always loved a gyro in the making. Apparently so did our new customers, who pressed through the front door in rapid succession. I watched as they made their way through our various selections of fresh hummus and pita bread to imported cheeses and kalamata olives. Yum. Who could even think of pizza on a day like today?
    Apparently, no one on the island, judging from the slew of customers that streamed into our shop. Of course, manyhad come to redeem their free gyro coupon, but others were just here to sample the breakfast goodies and Greek coffees.
    Mama smiled at a customer, an elderly woman with soft blue eyes. “Try the loukoumades,” my mother said. “You’ll never taste anything sweeter.”
    The woman reached for one of the tasty nibbles. “Mmm.” She grabbed another, then another, finally buying two dozen to take home with her.
    Mama turned my way and held out the platter of loukoumades. Oh, yum. I loved them more than anything else. Well, anything except baklava. Making my way behind the counter, I reached for the plate of golf ball–sized fritters and popped one in my mouth, savoring the gooey honey and cinnamon topping. Yum. A second bite revealed another tasty treat.
    â€œI love the extra