Free The Wedding Bees by Sarah-Kate Lynch Page B

Sugar. “I’m sorry, I thought you would know each other already.”
    â€œI know him and that’s one too many,” Mrs. Keschl said.
    â€œAnd I know her too, more’s the pity.”
    â€œOK then,” Sugar intervened, sensing blows were soon to be exchanged, “before I tell you the special reason I asked you all here today, these beautiful pastries were made by Nate, who lives in Apartment 5A but couldn’t be with us this morning.”
    â€œIs that the big guy with the ginger hair?” Lola asked.
    â€œAll I know is that he’s a real good baker and has a very nice voice. Don’t you think these are delicious?”
    Everyone, apart from Ruby who couldn’t even look at the pastries, agreed.
    â€œAlso, I need to make sure that it’s OK with you all for me to keep my bees up here.”
    Mr. McNally’s eyes swiveled around the rooftop and alighted on the hive. His features seemed to soften and Sugar caught a glimpse of what he must have looked like before he was old and angry. “Honey on porridge oats. Now there’s a feed.”
    â€œAre you allowed to keep bees up here?” Ruby asked.
    â€œOf course I am, sweetie! Do I look like a rule breaker to you?”
    â€œYou look like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music ,” said Mrs. Keschl. “But with better hair. I’m ready for my coffee now, by the way.”
    â€œSo we’re all good with the hive?” Sugar asked, and everyone nodded. “Coffee coming right up then.” She smiled, just as there was another firm knock on the door. “Although first, there is someone else I would like to introduce.”
    Her neighbors looked at each other as Sugar opened the door. As far as they knew, they were all already there apart from Nate, who wasn’t coming.
    â€œThis is George Wainwright,” Sugar called from the doorway as they peered over and saw George standing there hanging on to the frame with both hands. “And he won’t be staying as he suffers from vertigo and prefers it on the ground floor, which is where you will see him from now on.” She gave George a pastry and introduced him to her other guests.
    â€œPleased to meet you,” George said. “And thank you for having me. But if that will be all . . . ?”
    â€œThat will be, George. Just quickly, how’s the leg?”
    â€œIt’s a miracle, like you said.”
    â€œWell, we can all do with one of those,” said Sugar. “See you downstairs?”
    â€œIndeed. Good day.”
    She shut the door and turned back to her neighbors.
    â€œAnd who the heck was that?” Mrs. Keschl demanded.
    â€œThat was our new doorman,” Sugar explained, bringing out the coffeepot and pouring the coffee into mugs.
    â€œOur doorman?” echoed Mr. McNally.
    â€œYes,” Sugar said, offering him another pastry, which he took. “The poor man is a real natural when it comes to doors but is temporarily without one due to being replaced by a camera so I said he could have ours. I hope none of you mind. It’s presumptuous of me I know, and I’m sorry for that, but it won’t cost a thing. And we have two doors downstairs and they are both quite hard to open—had you noticed? Especially if you are carrying anything.”
    â€œYou’re a real whack job, you know that,” Mrs. Keschl said. “This is Alphabet City—not Trump Towers. We don’t have doormen down here.”
    â€œWell, why shouldn’t we?” countered Mr. McNally. “We’re as good as anyone on the Upper East Side.”
    â€œBetter, in my opinion,” said Ruby.
    â€œAnd those doors are heavy,” added Lola.
    Mrs. Keschl blinked.
    â€œHe can help carry up your groceries,” said Sugar. “Especially since you’re on the third floor, which is closer to the ground.”
    â€œI vote yes,” Ruby said.
    â€œThis is an apartment