“I couldn’t wait,” she said, stepping inside. “The podcast shots came out amazing.”
“Can’t wait to see them,” Mia said. “Coffee?”
“Love some. I’ve been up for a while.”
She poured two cups and brought them to the table. Autumn pulled out her tablet and scrolled through the images of Mia mid-laugh, hands in motion, completely absorbed in what she was doing. She barely recognized herself. She looked confident, relaxed, like someone who knew what they were doing.
“These are really good,” Mia said quietly.
“They are,” Autumn agreed. “This is how people see you.”
Mia swallowed. Autumn had captured exactly how she saw herself when things were going right. Professional. Creating something beautiful to eat. “These will look great on the website.”
“Perfect,” Autumn said. “I’ll send them over, and you can upload what you like.”
They talked for a few minutes before Autumn finished her coffee and stood. “Need to go. I’m photographing Bree Gallagher’s new menu at Sugar Crush.”
“Oh, I love that place,” Mia said. “We’ll have to go some night.”
“I’m holding you to that,” Autumn said halfway to the door.
When she was gone, Mia stood for a moment in the quiet kitchen, the images still in her mind. For the first time all week, she felt like herself again.
The phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Mia, this is Lainey,” came the familiar voice, sounding a little rushed. “Do you have any time this morning for Elena and me to stop by and discuss the fundraiser?”
Mia glanced at the clock. She had nowhere else to be until later. “Sure, come on over now.”
She hustled around the kitchen, pulling out a cherry almond coffee cake with crumb topping she’d baked the night before and putting on a fresh pot of coffee.
About half an hour later, a car pulled into the drive. Voices followed.
“Knock, knock,” Lainey called as she opened the door.
“Hi, come in.” Hugs were exchanged as laughter filled the room.
Elena paused just inside, taking in the kitchen setup. “This is very nice,” she said. “And after we’re done here, if you have time, I’d love to see the new event barn?”
“Absolutely.”
They settled at the table with coffee and cake.
“This fundraiser promises to be bigger than last year,” said Lainey. “More sponsors, more attendees.”
“And more help,” Elena added. “I was hoping we could have some of the women from the shelter assist with serving. Shifts will be paid from some of the advertising. Nothing overwhelming. Just enough to give them experience and a little confidence.”
Mia didn’t hesitate. “I’d love that. We’ll keep it simple and structured. And if they work out, I’m always looking for extra help.”
Elena’s shoulders eased. “That would mean a lot.”
As they talked logistics, menus, flow, timing, Mia felt the pieces slide back into place. This was what she did. Feed people. Bring them together. Create something that mattered.
For now, that was what she needed.
The Redfish Loungewas downtown off a side street, and when the girls got out of the car, they could hear the music thumping a block away. Mia had settled on black ankle boots, dark jeans and a soft emerald-green blouse, hoping that it was snappy enough for Joy. Joy had on a red wrap dress that hit mid-thigh, while Mallory and Naomi had also kept it simple.
