“Want to tell me what that’s all about?” he asks.
I sigh. “It’s a long story.”
“Well, when you’ve got time, I’ll listen.”
I nod and step away to give them time to look at the menu…and to regain my footing.
CHAPTER FOUR
ON BRAND
JULIANA
The nerve of that guy!
The way he just expects women to drop at his feet. Well, from what I’ve seen the few times I’ve been at his restaurant, there are always a few women who are doing just that, so I suppose he’s used to it.
He’s got another thing coming if he thinks that’ll ever be me.
I fume, my hands shaking with my fury.
I should go back to the bakery and work out my frustration there.
Instead, I pull out my phone and text the girls.
Any chance you two are free for a drink? Dinner? People watching at The Loon? My place? I’m not picky.
Okay, that might’ve sounded desperate, but I don’t care. My phone buzzes.
Goldie
I’m in! I vote The Loon because I need Lorraine’s seven-layer bars desperately.
Erin
Same. The Tater Tot hotdish is a’callin’.
Yay! Thanks, you guys. I’ll head over there now and get a table. Come whenever you want.
The plus of living in a small town is that it takes between one and five minutes to get everywhere. Unless it’s tourist season, but even that isn’t what it used to be, ever since the resort closed. But living in Windy Harbor has many advantages. It’s magical. The town is quaint, with that nostalgic Main Street vibe, but inside the colorful storefronts, you’ll find classy shops and restaurants. And Lake Superior will always be the star of the show, the vast water stretching out as far as the eye can see.
The Hungry Walleye serves the best fish and chips, but they can also pull out the fine dining with popovers and the best steak I’ve ever eaten. The Loon is a bit of a dive, but it’s acutedive. What the Book? is an adorable bookstore that I could live in, and The Rusty Trunk has antiques and refinished furniture. And we can’t forget Cox Trading Post, where you’ll find things you never knew you wanted.
The old resort’s land is next to the Whitmans’ property, and when it went on the market, Everett snatched it up. They’re doing a complete overhaul of the place, building on and remodeling. Windhaven will be much more upscale. It’s where Camden’s new restaurant is, and the whole property will be a dream once it’s complete. It will level up Windy Harbor in such a huge way. As much as I loathe thinking anything positive when it comes to Camden Whitman, I have to admit that alreadywith Elm & Echo opening, a lot more tourists have been coming through to experience the Michelin-starred chef’s cooking…which means all of us in the service industry are thriving.
Our favorite table is open, so I head back there, waving at Lorraine as I go. She finishes with a customer and walks over.
“How ya doin’, Juju?” She props her hand on her hip and assesses me for a second. “You’re workin’ too hard. I oughta know, I am too.”
“Yeah, I have a love/hate relationship with being so busy,” I say.
“I hear ya. Is it just you tonight or will you have company?”
“Goldie and Erin will be here any minute. I think we’re all wanting Tater Tot hotdish and seven-layer bars. Can I add a Juicy Lucy to the mix too? I need one of your burgers to make this day better.” I hold up a finger. “And a bottle of wine too, please. Whatever you think is good with this combo.”
She knocks on the table. “You’ve got it. Want me to bring it all out as it’s ready or wait until the girls get here?”
“Bring it out as it’s ready. I’m starving.”
