“I’m not that interesting.”
“That’s what you think, but I know differently.” With a gentle push, Katie steered her across the room. “Don’t forget to take a plate of food out of the oven. You’ll fade away to a shadow if you don’t eat.”
“Yes, Mom.” She smiled at her friend’s groan. Katie was always looking out for her. For someone who valued her independence, Andrea was surprised by how much she appreciated her support. It was a lot better than feeling as though you were on your own. “I won’t be long.”
“Don’t hurry. The other volunteers will be here soon.” Katie opened the refrigerator. “While I’m waiting, I’ll get everything ready for dessert.”
Holding a plate of meatloaf and delicious homegrown vegetables, Andrea made her way into the dining room. From the smiles on her sons’ faces, she’d say there was a lot of interesting conversation happening at their table. As long as it didn’t involve her, she was happy.
Chapter 4
After everyone had eaten, David pushed a chair under a table and looked around the dining room. This was the first time he’d been to The Welcome Center for dinner. It impressed him how many volunteers pitched in to make the evening memorable for everyone.
Andrea finished wiping a table and then stood beside him. “The room looks great. Thanks for helping.”
“I enjoyed myself. I can’t believe the church gives away so many free meals each day.”
“I thought the same thing when I came here. The grants John applies for buys most of the food. Some people give the church a donation when they come to dinner, so that helps, too. If it weren’t for Mr. Jessop’s vegetable garden, it would cost of lot more.”
“I saw the community gardens on my last visit to Sapphire Bay. The greenhouses are incredible.”
Andrea nodded. “Even in the middle of winter, we have lots of fruit and vegetables. I don’t know what we’d do without Mr. Jessop.”
David picked up a bag of trash and walked with Andrea toward the kitchen. “I was telling a friend about your café. They wanted to know what you’re calling it, but I’d forgotten to ask you.”
“I’m calling it The Starlight Café. I should have all my signage in place by the end of next week.”
“Why starlight?”
“When I was going through a difficult time, I would stare at the night sky and look for shooting stars. When I saw one, I’d make a wish. It gave me hope and made me feel happier. Naming the café after those evenings reminds me why I’m here and how important it is.”
“Have you always wanted to open a café?”
Andrea nodded. “I used to dream of owning an old-fashioned café that sold ice cream milk shakes, specialty coffee blends, and muffins and cookies. I worked in a café before the boys were born but, once they came along, I had to resign. Until I came to Sapphire Bay, I didn’t think I could do very much.”
That surprised him. “Why would you think that?”
“I wasn’t very confident.” Her gaze darted around the kitchen. “Pastor John will be happy. Everything’s ready for breakfast tomorrow.”
She looked so vulnerable he wondered what had happened. “I’m flying back to Manhattan in the morning. Can I call you if I have any ideas about funding the appliances for the café?”
“That would be great.” Taking her phone out of her pocket, she added his number to her contact list. “I’ll send you a text. Good luck with creating a new research facility here.”
“I’ll need it. A couple of the directors don’t want to move the research facility. Hopefully, after they see the plans, they’ll change their minds.”
“What will make the biggest difference to them?”
“Budget. Even with the rebuild cost, it’s cheaper to move here than update our building in New York City. The rental income we’ll get from leasing our current facility will pay for a decent amount of our costs in Montana.”
“That’s crazy.”
“That’s New York City prices for you.” He stuck his hands in his pockets, unsure about whether he should say what was on his mind. But, if he didn’t, he’d regret it as soon as he stepped on the plane to go home. “I’m glad we met. I just hope I can find some funding for what you need in the café.”
“I appreciate what you’re doing. It means a lot to know you’re taking the time to help me.” A loud bang came from the corridor and made them both turn around. “I’d better find the boys and take them home. I hope your meeting goes well.”
“So do I.”
After the slightest hesitation, Andrea sent him a shy smile and left the room. Maybe it was just as well she hadn’t said she was glad she’d met him. They both had busy, complicated lives that were separated by hundreds of miles. But, just once, he wished his life could be simpler. That a woman with cornflower blue eyes and a sweet smile could heal the heartache that made him scared to love anyone.
