“Of course, he is.” Katie picked up Andrea’s coffee cup and handed it to her. “You don’t need to worry about him. David’s one of the good guys. He’s forty-one years old, single, and owns a large apartment in Manhattan. Peter has known him for years.”
The last thing Andrea needed was her friends playing matchmaker. Occasionally, when everything was getting too hard, she’d wonder what it would be like to find someone to share her life with. But then she’d remember her life before she moved to Montana and everything inside her would go cold. She’d escaped from an abusive marriage that nearly destroyed her. She’d never risk her life or her sons’ lives ever again.
“Are you all right?” Penny asked.
Andrea shook the horrible memories from her mind. “I’m fine. David seems like a nice person, but I’m happy on my own.” With the click of her mouse, she saved the wedding menu on her laptop and closed the lid. “I’ll send you an email with the dishes you’ve chosen. If you change your mind about any of your selections, let me know as soon as possible.”
Katie nodded. “We will.”
Penny’s cell phone beeped and she read the text. “I have to go. One of the cottages on Anchor Lane has an issue.”
“They all have issues,” Katie said with a smile. “That’s why you’re enjoying remodeling them.”
“That’s true.” Penny gave Andrea a hug. “Thank you for doing the catering for Katie’s wedding. It’s a huge relief knowing our guests will enjoy a wonderful dinner.”
“You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to preparing everything in your gorgeous kitchen.”
“That’s what Diana says when she’s been away for a few days.” Penny picked up her tote bag. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Katie. Bye, Andrea.”
“Bye.” Andrea stood and picked up her laptop. “I should go, too, Katie. Say hi to Diana and Barbara from me.”
“If you want to bring the boys for dinner on Saturday, you can say hello to them yourself.”
“That’s sounds lovely. I’ll bring dessert.”
Silently, Katie followed her to the front door. “I hope you didn’t mind me mentioning David.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m glad he’s as genuine as he seems, but I’m not ready for any relationship. Scotty put me off men for life.” She saw Katie’s worried expression and frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s something else you should know. David’s staying at the inn while he finalizes the plans for BioTech’s research facility. He’s supposed to go home on Saturday, but that might change.”
Andrea hoped it didn’t. It wasn’t her friend’s fault that she had issues where men were concerned. “Are you sure you still want us to come to dinner? If he stays at the inn with your other guests, you’ll be busy.”
“We’d love to see you and the boys. And don’t worry about David. As soon as the plans are approved, he won’t be coming back.”
That should have made her feel better, but it didn’t. With more enthusiasm than she felt, she said, “It’s just as well I don’t believe in love at first sight. Otherwise, I’d be heartbroken.”
“I know what you’re doing,” Katie said quietly. “I spent most of my life covering up how I felt. It’s okay to be yourself.”
Andrea’s hand tightened on her laptop bag. “What if I don’t know who that person is anymore?”
“Each day, do something that makes you happy. Over time, you’ll discover who you’ve always been.” Katie hugged her. “From where I’m standing, that person is really special.”
The warmth of Katie’s embrace brought tears to Andrea’s eyes. Coming to Montana was the most terrifying thing she’d ever done. But through all the stress, anxiety, and grief, she’d found friends who loved her, peace when her life was in turmoil, and hope when she was surrounded by uncertainty.
“Just for that, I’ll make tiramisu for dessert on Saturday.”
Katie’s smile was instant. “I’m looking forward to it already.”
With a heavy heart, Andrea said goodbye to her friend and left the inn. She hadn’t felt this unsettled in a long time and it worried her. She was probably overreacting to everything because there was so much happening in her life. As soon as the café was open, everything would settle into a new kind of normal. At least that’s what she told herself as she drove toward home.
Chapter 3
David stepped out of his truck and looked at the row of cottages on Anchor Lane. One hundred years ago, their gabled roofs and wide verandas would have been perfect for the families who’d enjoyed summer vacations in Sapphire Bay. But after decades of neglect, he was surprised anyone had seen their potential.
Over the last week, he’d run past the cottages each morning. Without fail, Andrea and her sons were busy doing something around the café; either painting furniture, planting flowers in hanging baskets, or unpacking boxes. He didn’t know what time they started, but it must have been early.
From what Peter and Katie had said, Andrea was struggling to find appliances she could afford. He didn’t have any contacts who could help her, but he did know how to raise money. If those skills could make her life a little easier, he was happy to give her some advice before he went home.
