Mia nodded. She had heard that rumor, and it impressed the hell out of her. Maybe one of these days when she wasn’t running in so many directions, she could help. She didn’t know exactly what she could offer. Although … some of the women might be looking for extra income, and she always needed reliable help at events. That could change a woman’s life in a positive way. She’d talk to Lainey later and ask. It might be a win-win for everyone.
A server slipped menus in front of them and took their drink orders. Mia scanned the pages, already overwhelmed. “What has anyone tried?” she asked, hoping someone had suggestions.
“I’m partial to the pulled pork Cuban melt,” said Lainey, “and the Key West grilled chicken bowl with coconut rice, pineapple, avocado and toasted coconut.”
“Yum,” said Mia. “Those sound delicious. I think I’ll try the chicken bowl.”
Tessa and Lainey ordered the blackened mahi sandwich, while Joy chose the summer shrimp Cobb and Isabelle, the citrus harvest salad.
“You know we’re all tasting each other’s meals, right?” said Tessa.
“Absolutely,” the girls replied.
Their drinks arrived a few minutes later, and the teasing shifted to Joy’s infamous karaoke nights.
Mia wasn’t sure what that was about, but Lainey leaned over. “Joy loves to sing,” she whispered, “but she’s tragically off key.”
Joy shot her a look. “I can hear you, you know.” She nodded toward Mia. “You’ll have to come some night. It’s a lot of fun, and my friends and I love it.”
“Sounds like it,” Mia replied, though fun wasn’t on her schedule these days.
“Not to change the subject, but Finn tells me Caleb is going to build you an event barn,” said Tessa. “How’s that going?”
“He hasn’t started yet,” Mia replied. “I expect he’ll get back to me this week with estimates.”
Just then their food arrived on colorful plates, all bright colors, steaming with citrus glazes and charred edges.
As Mia reached for her fork, a ripple of movement caught her eye. Another table was settling near the front. Heather, from theTaste of Haywoodblog, walked in with another woman and Sabrina. Both locked eyes with her. Sabrina leaned in, whispered something. Heather gave her a finger wave.
Mia’s stomach tightened. Coincidence? Or not? Hard to tell with those two.
No matter. She was here with her friends. Today, she was choosing to enjoy it.
“So,” Emelia said, leaning in with a grin. “Tell us about Caleb.”
Mia blinked. “What about him?”
“Has he asked you out?” Emelia asked far too casually.
Mia nearly choked on her water. “No. Definitely not.”
Isabelle snorted. “We’ve seen how you two look or don’t look at each other. Are you saying you would say no?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“That’s exactly what you said,” Lainey replied.
Mia tried to look offended but failed miserably. “He’s helping me with a project, that’s all.”
Joy grinned. “Mm-hmm. And I go to karaoke for vocal excellence.”
The table burst out laughing. Mia shook her head, smiling despite herself. Caleb wasn’t a topic she wanted to discuss at lunch, but her heart hadn’t gotten that memo. She didn’t have time to date, even if the man in question was tall, undeniably sexy, and made her toes curl.
“Tell us what projects you have coming up,” asked Tessa. “I’m still getting compliments from the shelter fundraiser you did.”
“Oh, I have a retirement party tomorrow at the Lakehouse and…” Her gaze flicked to Heather and Sabrina’s table. They weren’t looking at her now, but their posture was too still. She could tell they were listening.
Damn.
