“The feeling’s mutual.” Isabel’s expression softened before brightening again. “But enough about my domestic bliss. Tell me what’s happening at the Lakeside Grill. The last time we talked, you were still working through the new menu options with Paul.”
“We’re slowly getting there. Changing dishes is a big deal, and we want to get them right. He had a meeting with Olivia at BioTech the other day. On top of all his other bookings, she wants him to provide the catering for a series of Christmas events. He’s got it under control, but it’s creating more stress than he wanted at this time of the year.”
Susan accepted the iced tea Andrea brought back, taking a grateful sip. The sweetness balanced perfectly with the tea’s slight bitterness—just how she liked it. “Between the regular holiday bookings and the BioTech celebration, December will be his busiest month yet.”
Isabel sighed. “That must be the hardest part of being in the hospitality business. You’re either run off your feet or as quiet as a mouse. Are you helping with the BioTech events?”
Susan traced her finger along the condensation on her glass. “I am. I just hope everything runs smoothly.”
Isabel tilted her head. “I’ve seen the events you’ve run. They’ll be everything Paul imagines and exactly what BioTech wants.”
After Andrea took their lunch orders, Isabel talked about the new books that were arriving at her store and Susan told her friend about the recipes she wanted to show Paul.
They were halfway through their meal when the café door opened, admitting a blast of cool air along with Cassie Devlin. She spotted them immediately and headed over, the sparkly logo on her shirt catching the afternoon light.
“Hi, you two!” Cassie’s smile was warm and genuine. “Do you mind if I join you for a moment? I’m meeting someone, but he’s running a few minutes late.”
“Of course you can join us. Grab a seat.” Isabel gestured to the space beside her in the booth.
Cassie slid in and looked at Susan. “Lynda told me you’re providing all the food for her wedding. How are the preparations going?”
“Everything’s coming together nicely,” Susan replied. “Although planning a wedding dinner so close to Christmas is more stressful than usual.”
“I imagine it would be.” Cassie accepted the coffee Andrea brought over. “Thanks for letting me join you. I’m meeting Cole Morrison—Noah’s business partner on the Finley Point resort project. Would you like to meet him?”
Susan and Isabel exchanged interested glances. The resort had been the subject of considerable discussion around town for weeks now. “We’ve heard quite a bit about it,” Susan said. “From what people are saying, they’re planning to hire locally and make the resort something the community can enjoy, too.”
Cassie nodded. “They want the resort to benefit Sapphire Bay, not just use it as a backdrop. I’ve been introducing Cole to the owners of the businesses in Sapphire Bay.”
Before Cassie could continue, the café door opened again. The man who entered carried himself with the confidence of someone comfortable in any setting. He looked casual enough for Montana in his jeans and a quality fleece jacket, but he had an underlying polish that told Susan he’d lived in a big city.
“There’s Cole now,” Cassie said, standing and waving him over.
Cole’s smile reached his eyes as he approached their booth. “Hi, Cassie. I’m sorry I’m a few minutes late. The site engineer had questions about the water access survey.”
“It’s no problem at all.” Cassie turned to make introductions. “Cole, these are two of my favorite people in Sapphire Bay. Isabel owns the bookstore on Main Street, and Susan teaches cooking classes and does catering work.”
Cole’s handshake was firm. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’ve heard wonderful things about your bookstore, Isabel. And Susan, Cassie mentioned your name when I asked about local caterers.”
“Guilty as charged,” Susan said.
Cassie grinned. “I told Cole you ran a successful catering business in Georgia for decades and brought that expertise here to Montana.”
Cole stepped sideways when a server walked toward them with a tray of food for another table.
Susan slid along the bench seat. “Cassie’s already here, Cole. Why don’t you join us?”
“Are you sure we won’t be interrupting you?”
Isabel shook her head. “Not at all. I have to be back at work in half an hour anyway.”
Cole glanced at Cassie.
“I don’t mind,” Cassie told him.
“In that case,” Cole replied to Susan and Isabel, “that would be great.”
Once he was settled, Isabel leaned toward him. “We’ve been hearing about your plans for Finley Point. It sounds like you’re taking a different approach than most resort developers.”
