Page 95 of Key West Homecoming

“For a while.” Emma smiled. “I don’t know exactly what I’m doing yet.”

“You don’t have to. Take it a day at a time.”

“That seems to be what everyone keeps telling me.”

“Maybe everyone’s onto something.”

Connie disappeared into the kitchen.

Leah waited a moment before looking at Emma. “Can I give you one piece of advice?”

Emma glanced toward Tess. “Is this official bar-owner advice?”

“No. It’s Leah advice.”

“That sounds more dangerous.”

“It probably is.” Leah leaned one hand on the bar. “When you do go back to Chicago, even if it’s only for a week, don’t leave the way you’d leave after a business trip. If there’s someone here you plan to come back to, make sure he knows it.”

Emma was quiet.

She didn’t ask who Leah meant.

After a moment, she took a small sip of tequila. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

From farther down the bar, Tess said, “Not in the matchmaking business.”

“I’m giving travel advice.”

“That’s what we’re calling it?”

“Yes.”

Tess came over with a bowl of plantain chips and put it in front of Emma.

“These are for staff,” Leah said.

“I know.” Tess looked at Emma. “But if you’re going to sit at the bar instead of the window, there are privileges.”

“Am I officially a regular?”

“You are.”

“What does that get me?”

“Nothing formal. Plantain chips when I’m feeling generous. Lloyd tolerating you. Leah’s good tequila when she decides you’ve earned it. The right to give me unsolicited advice when I need it.”

“When will that be?”

“Constantly.”

Emma laughed.

“I tolerate everyone,” Lloyd said.

“You don’t,” Tess told him.