“She’s never lived alone, and I honestly think she’s looking forward to it.”Why was she telling him all of this?
“Good for her. I hope she enjoys her independence.”
She didn’t bother to or want to tell him that her mother walked out of the divorce without any money and that her father had taken everything. That wasn’t hers to tell.
“So are you going to stick around while she gets adjusted to her new life?”
“I am. For a bit, anyway.”
“Maybe I’ll run into you again. Or—you could come on The Destiny one night. Have dinner. See the sunset. Ask Livy to join you. Or your Mom,”he offered with a bit of a hopeful look in his eyes.
“I—I’m not sure. Maybe.”Definitely not.
“Okay, well, I’ll see you soon.”There was a hint of sadness in his eyes as he turned and started to walk away. He pivoted back to face her.“And it was nice talking to you. You know…not arguing. Or you hurrying off.”
“I don’t hurry off,”she insisted, knowing full well that she did.
He just tossed her a grin and walked away down the beach.
That was probably the most civil conversation she’d had with Jesse Brown in years. And she wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.
Evelyn stood in the kitchen at Sea Glass Cafe. She was in her element here in this treasured space. She loved baking and cooking and trying new recipes. She loved the kitchen filled with sumptuous aromas that swirled around her as she worked. And much to her delight, the customers seemed to really enjoy her food. Her niece, Livy, said the cafe was already turning a profit. She was proud she was playing a part in that.
The lunch rush was over, and she paged through the recipe binder, trying to decide what kind of pastry to make for tomorrow. Maybe some peach pies. The customers seemed to love Grace Parker’s peach pie recipe. Actually, they loved all of the old family recipes.
Though Livy technically ran the cafe, she had given Evelyn complete control over the daily menu. She made cinnamon rolls for the breakfast crowd most mornings along with chocolate-filled donuts and breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon. In addition to regular items the customers could depend on, she also tried out new specials of the day. She’d never worked so hard in her life or put in such long hours…and she’d never been this happy.
A person would think a recently divorced woman whose husband had left her for a new young woman wouldn’t be this happy. But she was. And content. She whistled under her breath as she leafed through the recipes. Oh, here was a good one. Pumpkin scones. Hm, pumpkin scones or peach pies…
Her sister, Donna, breezed into the kitchen with a tray of dirty dishes.“Collected these on my way through the dining room.”She set the dishes by the dishwasher.“Big lunch crowd today.”
“It was.”
“It’s because Mondays are known for your pot pies.”Donna smiled.“And then a lot of the customers wander through Parker’s General Store. I swear, I thought Olivia was a bit crazy with the whole building expansion and cafe plan, but it was a great idea. Business at Parker’s has really picked up.”
“That’s because it’s not so crammed in every space now. It really looks darling, like an old-fashioned general store.”Evelyn motioned to a stool by the counter.“Want some coffee?”
“Sure, I’ve got some time.”Donna perched on the stool.
Evelyn poured them both a cup and sat by her sister. Relief flushed through her at getting off her feet for a bit. A tiny break wouldn’t hurt.
“I miss having you living with me.”Donna took a sip of her coffee.“I’d gotten used to having someone in the house all the time again.”
“You mean you miss me bringing home dinner from the cafe.”Evelyn smiled.
“That, too.”
“But now you have more privacy when Barry comes over to visit.”
“True, but you weren’t ever in the way.”
But she’d felt in the way. Kind of. Plus, she’d been so ready to live on her own. Eager to have her own place and prove to herself she didn’t need to depend on anyone but herself. She took a sip of her coffee and changed the subject.“How’s Barry’s new job going?”
“Great. He said the plans for converting the old hotel near Naples are coming along. He drives down there most days, but comes home every night.”
“So he extended his rental on the house next to yours?”
“Yes, the Meyers were thrilled to have him rent longer.”
