Roy watched her go, his pulse racing.
Maybe she was right. Maybe Mia did need a reminder.
Nothing big. Nothing that would hurt her. Just Something small. Something that made her pause. Make her look his way again.
CHAPTER 10
Mia putthe finishing touches on the decadent chocolate cake she’d baked for the retirement party the next night at the Lakeside Inn. She inhaled deeply. Nothing was as satisfying as the deep, smoky scent of dark chocolate. Her stomach rumbled.
She looked at her watch. In two hours, she was meeting Lainey, Tessa, Isabelle and Joy McBride, a deputy sheriff’s wife she’d heard about but never met, for lunch at the newly opened gastropub, Brick & Barrel.
She smiled to herself. After the lobster fiasco, things had finally settled down, and she was feeling in control again. The one promise Plated Perfection always made was that it had to be perfect and on time. Two things that earned her a stellar reputation in New York City, where she was competing with much larger catering companies for customers.
The cake slid into the fridge beside rows of raspberry swirl mini cheesecakes, lemon cream tartlets, chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa and pistachio, and trays of mushroom and gruyere arancini she’d serve warm tomorrow night. Most of the appetizers and items for the main grazing stations were prepped. Tomorrow wouldn’t be easy, but it wouldn’t be chaos either. She’d take that win.
An hour later, she finished the dough for the herbed focaccia with sun-dried tomato butter and pulled out assorted handmade wooden platters she’d use for the charcuterie boards. Washing her hands, she stepped outside and took a deep breath and looked around. She packed up an assortment of leftover appetizers from another event that she thought her father would enjoy. Roy was finishing the pavers around the pond. She waved to him, but he didn’t wave back. Maybe he didn’t see her … or maybe he was still being weird. Hard to tell these days.
“Hi, Dad.”
Mia walked into the sunny kitchen. Her father sat at the table with a cup of coffee, the morning paper spread out in front of him. Sunlight washed over his face, catching streaks of gray in his hair. He still looked like the same steady, handsome man she’d grown up with, just a little worn around the edges. Same as her some days.
He smiled when he spotted the tray in her hand. “Sweetheart! I hope those are more appetizers for me to sample.”
Mia laughed. “You know it. You’re my best taste tester.” She frowned. “Is the physical therapist coming today? I know Roy is here if you need anything.”
“Don’t you worry about your old man,” he replied with a twinkle in his eye. “I’ll be fine. But yes, she is coming later.”
Mia nodded. “Okay then. I need to shower and get ready.” She kissed his forehead. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Humph.” He shook his head. “That doesn’t leave me with much, kiddo.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She chuckled. “If I have to bail you out of jail, I’m going to be upset.”
“If you have to bail me out of jail, we’re both in the wrong line of work.”
She gave a mock sigh and made her way to her room. After showering and dressing, Mia pulled on a sage-green sleeveless blouse and a pair of soft linen shorts. Simple leather sandals and a small crossbody bag finished the look. She gathered her blond hair into a loose, low ponytail. Not glamorous but comfortable and Florida-heat-approved.
Feeling almost human again, she grabbed her key and headed out the door for the Brick & Barrel. Driving through the recently renovated historic district, she was amazed at the variety of stores Lainey was able to bring in. Penny & Bloom was a sweet vintage home and antique store. The Stitchery sold beautiful materials for quilting, Sugar Pine Toys catered to kids, and Second Chapter was a nonprofit consignment boutique for women reentering the workforce. Every storefront hummed with new life. Lainey had done a great job.
Finally, she arrived at Brick & Barrel. The two-story red brick building had been beautifully restored, still weathered enough to show its age. The short walkway led to the entrance and was framed by rustic whiskey barrels overflowing with flowers and herbs. Tiny twinkling lights were draped over the blue awning.
She pulled open the heavy oak door and stepped into a rustic-coastal fusion. Exposed brick, dark wood tables, and wide plank floors kept it charming. The polished walnut bar was already packed. A chalkboard listed the seasonal drinks, featuring among other things a guava rum punch and a tropical sea breeze. All with flavors she loved. Mia was tempted, but no, she had to work later. The air carried a blend of roasted garlic, charred beef and craft beer.
The atmosphere felt cozy but still industrial. Framed black-and-white photos of the old plant hung on one wall, with a mural of the waterfront on another. The chatter of voices and the occasional laugh competed with an acoustic guitar playing overhead.
She spotted her friends at a table near the back and made her way over. The girls rose to greet her with hugs. Lainey turned to the petite blond woman standing beside her. “Mia, this is Joy McBride.”
Joy grinned. “I finally get to meet the woman who has taken on all the other caterers in the area.”
“Oh God, no.” Mia chuckled. “Please don’t say that. You’ll jinx me. I’m just doing my job.”
“Well, I’ve had some of your food from the farmers’ market, and it’s delicious.”
“Thanks.” Mia slid into the empty chair and took in the pub. “Lainey, this whole historic district is fantastic. You did a fabulous job.”
Lainey blushed. “Thanks.”
“She’s too modest,” Isabelle said. “Lainey not only renovated the historic district, but she also started a nonprofit that will convert old houses and buildings into apartments for women coming out of the shelter.”
