Overheard at Chipperfields' ... Part LXVII ...

Kriss was busy with a batch of fresh muffins on the counter beside the cooler when one of the regulars entered the store. Kriss turned her head and smiled as the regular stepped up in front of the cash register.

"Nice muffins," said the regular with a broad smile.

Kriss looked shocked, "I beg your pardon?" Her hands involuntarily reached down to her derriere, "did you say what I think ..."

"I meant those muffins," said the regular pointing to the batch of sunshine muffin Kriss has been busily wrapping on the counter, "not the other muffins. Though both batches are pretty nice."

Kriss blushed deeply as she turned and pressed her bottom against the counter, hiding it from view while she smiled, "what can I get you?" She paused and her face grew serious, "and don't say muffins, or I'll slap you ..."

The regular laughed, "No, nothing like that Kriss. Just give me a large Chipperfield for here ..."

"Coming right up," said Kriss laughing as she pumped the coffee into a mug.

The regular looked around the empty shop, then glanced at his watch, "None of the regular crew this morning?" he asked as Kriss slid his coffee across the counter at him.

"Nope," said Kriss, "The Rev was in earlier and said he had a meeting in Brandon. J-- came by with the delivery truck and said he was working. And I haven't seen any body else."

"Sure is empty when the regular crew don't show up eh?" said the regular.

"Yup," agreed Kriss, "but the early morning crew was here," she glanced at the clock, "and the group of women who come in for tea are due in any time ..."

"Hmmm," mused the regular as he stirred milk and sugar into his coffee, "maybe I shoulda got this to go ..."

"I can swap cups," said Kriss.

"Naw," said the regular, "It's alright. I'll sit and check out the paper and see what's happening in the world ..."

"Have fun with that ..." said Kriss as she turned her attention back to the muffins and continued wrapping them in plastic wrap.

The regular had settled in on one of the couches at the front window when Ross and Bonnie rounded the front window of the shop and headed in the door. Bonnie headed straight to the back room, while Ross stopped to talk.

"Not working today Roscoe?" asked the regular.

"Actually a day off," said Ross with a broad smile, "but tomorrow I leave for a big trip up into Saskatchewan."

"Nice," said the regular, "so, what are you doing today?"

Ross glanced at his watch, "well, Bonnie and I have appointments at the tanning salon in an hour, then we're having lunch at the Main Street Cafe, and after that, we're just going to enjoy a nice winter day."

"Gonna do the lobster look again?" asked the regular with a smile.

"Nope," said Ross looking uncomfortable, "once was enough for me."

"Should teach you a lesson shouldn't it?" laughed the regular.

"The you could see wasn't as bad as the burn you couldn't," said Ross flatly.

"Woah, cowboy" said the regular holding up his hands, "too much information. Way, way, way too much information. What you do with your person is your business ..."

"I was just meaning ..." ventured Ross.

"Too much information," interupted the regular, "way too much information ..."

"Oh okay," said Ross with a smile, "I got you."

"Let's go Ross," called Bonnie as she headed from the backroom the cash register, "we've got an appointment."

"Okay," answered Ross shrugging his shoulders towards the regular.

Bonnie paused and glanced at the muffins Kriss has just finished wrapping.

"Hey, nice muffins," she said.

Kriss gasped and dropped the coffee mug she had in her hand, "Not you too ..." she said as she turned around, then as she and Bonnie both glanced at the broken mug on the floor and the muffins on the counter she said, "oh you meant THOSE muffins ..."

"What muffins did you think I meant?" asked Bonnie, redness rising in her cheeks.

"Never mind ..." said Kriss, as she stepped past Bonnie, holding her bottom towards the counter, "just never mind ... I'll get a broom ..."

Bonnie glanced at Ross, who met her gaze with a shrug. Then the two of them glanced at the regular who was snickering over his coffee and the newspaper.