by Kay Correll
Maybe she’d already left for the bakery?
He jogged over to the bakery and went around to the back door. There, in the early morning light, Julie was loading up the van, limping as she walked.
“Hey, I thought you were supposed to stay off your foot.”
Julie turned at the sound of his voice. “I have work to do. I can’t just… sit. Susan picked me up early this morning and dropped me off at the bakery. She knew I wouldn’t stay home.”
“Let me help you, then. Show me what needs to be loaded up, and I’ll do it. I’ll ride along and do the deliveries, too.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“I’m not going to turn you down. Thank you. I’m walking pretty slowly and I have so much to get finished today. Yesterday’s… adventure… put me so far behind.”
She led him into the kitchen, and in no time he had the van loaded and they were headed out for the morning delivery run. Susan raised her eyebrows when he walked into the inn’s kitchen with the delivery from the bakery, but didn’t say anything. She just pressed a to-go cup of coffee into his hands and shooed him back out to the van. They finished the deliveries and returned to the bakery.
“I’m going to make sure we have everything ordered for the party this weekend. Why don’t you sit over there and grab yourself whatever you want for breakfast. The very least I can do is feed you.”
“The very least.” He winked at her, wanting to lean down and kiss her, but not sure how she’d take that with Nancy throwing curious glances their way. “What can I bring you?”
“I’ll take an apricot muffin and coffee, thanks.”
He went to the bakery counter, grabbed their breakfasts and two steaming mugs of coffee and went back into the kitchen. Julie sat with her head bent over her desk, a pen in hand, scribbling notes. He walked over and leaned close to her ear. “I really would like to kiss you.”
She looked up, startled, and he almost dumped the tray with their pastries. He laughed, and Nancy looked over at them again. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to.”
Was that disappointment he saw flash across her eyes?
“Or I could…”
Julie blushed a delightful shade of rosy pink. “Reed, I have work to do. And Nancy is watching us.”
He smiled and set her breakfast on the edge of her desk. “What can I help you with?”
“You’ve done more than enough. I’m going to go ahead and make up a few things for this weekend, everything I can do in advance, so it won’t be so crazy on Friday and Saturday to finish up the order.”
“I can help with that.”
Julie looked doubtful. “I thought you said you can’t cook?”
“I can’t, but I can follow directions. I can get things for you so you don’t have to walk on your foot so much.”
Julie cocked her head, looking at him. “That might work. That’s actually a good idea. I can use the help.”
“I’m a wealth of good ideas, trust me.” He grinned at her. “Eat, and we’ll get to work.”
* * *
Julie was feeling better. Well, her foot wasn’t, it ached from standing on it so much all day. Though Reed and Nancy had nagged at her to stay off her foot. Continuously. Reed had actually been a big help today and she felt like she had things more under control. She hoped, anyway.
Tally showed up after the bakery closed for the day. “I’ve come to whisk you away to Magic Cafe. Susan’s going to meet us there. You need to take a break.”
Julie looked around the kitchen. She was tired. Reed walked out of the pantry where she’d just sent him to put away a delivery of supplies.
“Reed.” A flash of surprise crossed Tally’s face, but she quickly hid it. “Good to see you. Didn’t know you were here.”
“I came to help Julie. Tried to keep her off her feet.”
“And how did that work for you?” Tally threw him a wry smile.
“We had a few arguments—she won most of them—but I tried.”
“You were a great help.” Julie touched his arm and saw a responsive gleam in his eyes. She quickly took her hand away.
“I’m going to take her to Magic Cafe for a girls’ outing.”
“Sounds like just what she needs.” Reed untied the apron Julie had insisted he wear. “I’m heading out now, but I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I don’t want you to spend your whole vacation working in the bakery. It’s your vacation. You’re supposed to be enjoying yourself.”
“Oh, I am. I assure you.” He winked at her.
Julie noticed Tally didn’t miss anything in the exchange. She was probably going to be grilled with twenty questions—or a hundred—when they got to Magic Cafe.
Julie walked Reed over to the kitchen door. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “I still want that kiss.”
And with that, he disappeared out the door, leaving her strangely jangled and confused. She turned around and Tally took one look at her and laughed.
“Look at you. You’ve totally fallen for that man, haven’t you?”
* * *
When they got to Magic Cafe, Tally placed a chair across from Julie and insisted she put her foot up. Susan sat down, waving a not-needed menu in front of her face, trying to cool off. The humidity was fierce today and the ceiling fans on the covered the deck did little to chase it away.
The waitress brought over three large glasses of sweet tea, and Susan pressed the cool glass against her cheek. “I can’t seem to get my internal thermostat to settle down these days.”
“It happens… more often than not at your age.” Tally smiled wryly.
“Thanks for that.” Susan took a long drink of the cool tea.
Tally sat quietly and listened to her two friends chat about their day. She was worried about Julie. The girl had experienced more than her share of hurt and desertion in her lifetime. Maybe Reed would be different? He sure seemed taken with Julie. But, he lived all the way across the country. That didn’t make for an easy relationship. But she could tell Julie was smitten with Reed.
Tally knew all the words of warning and caution she wanted to give to Julie wouldn’t do a thing once the girl had made up her mind about something. She only hoped Julie was being cautious, leaving up some walls around her heart. Though to be honest, that was no way to go into a relationship.
Which was why Tally avoided any and all entanglements with males. There was no way she was going to tear down any of the perfectly crafted walls she’d built to protect herself.
But Julie was young. She needed to experience great love. Know the soaring feeling where your feet didn’t touch the ground and every other thought—if not every thought—was wrapped up in your happiness with being with this person. Tally had that once. Years ago. But the hurt that went with it? She’d never put herself in a position to have to go through that pain ever again.
“Tally, what do you think?” Susan looked at her.
“I… I’m sorry. I was lost in thought. What were you asking?”
“She was asking if you agree with her, that I should stay away from Reed.” Julie shifted her foot on the chair and rolled her eyes.
“I think… that’s a choice you have to make for yourself.” But what she really wanted to say was run away. Run very far, and very fast. And yet, she also wanted to say grab it with both hands and hold on for the ride.
So she said nothing more.
“I want to get to know him better. We’re not really dating.”
“He just chooses to spend his whole day with you, working in your kitchen.” Susan shrugged.
“We’re… friends.”
“Well, be careful. He’s changed his mind before. I don’t want to see you hurt.” Susan leaned forward. “But, I do want you to be happy, you know that, right?”
“I know. You two always look after me, I appreciate that. But I am being careful. I’m going in with my eyes wide open. I know he says he’s dealt with his past, but I’m not conv
inced, not fully. I will be careful, I promise.”
Tally decided it was time to change the subject. “So, how’s the foot doing?”
“It aches today. Feels good to put it up for a while.”
“Why didn’t Reed go get your van and pick you up instead of having you walk back to the inn with it cut like that? I was so surprised when he came in carrying you from the beach.”
“He doesn’t drive.”
“At all?” Susan’s forehead wrinkled.
“I guess not. He just said he couldn’t drive.” Julie looked at the sea for a moment, then back towards her friends. “You know, he doesn’t ever drink either. I wonder… well, I wonder if he got a DUI or something, got his licenses taken away. He even turned down Willie’s newest concoction. A basil-motonic. It’s delicious, by the way.”
“Maybe he never learned to drive?” Susan scowled. “If it was a DUI, then… well, I don’t know what, then.”
“All I know is he said he couldn’t go get the van. He couldn’t drive.”
“That is a bit strange, but people have all sorts of reasons for the things they do. Did you ask him?” Tally moved the chair Julie was using to prop her foot a bit closer to her. Julie nodded in thanks and adjusted her foot.
“No, I didn’t ask him. I was too busy hopping on one foot and worrying about the incoming storm.”
“You looked like a drowned rat when you showed up.” Susan grinned.
“Thanks for that.” Julie crooked the corner of her mouth. “Anyway, I don’t know what’s up with Reed and driving. I assume he’ll tell me in time.”
“I think you should ask him.” Tally thought Julie should get to know all she could about Reed before rushing into some kind of friendship, relationship… or heartbreak.
“Maybe I will.” Julie didn’t sound convincing.
* * *
Julie knew her friends were only trying to help her, and they were worried about her. She couldn’t blame them. Reed had ditched her in an on again, off again way. But he swore he’d sorted out his past now.
But does a person ever really sort out their past and make peace with it? Her past came up and tormented her when she least expected it. This, after swearing she’d dealt with it all. Sometimes the past crept up and laughed at her misguided assurances that everything was safely placed behind her.
Sometimes, she was that young girl again, never knowing if she’d still be staying in the same home, same bed, for more than a night or two. Only once did she let her guard down and dream she’d found a family to live with. A real family.
And how had that worked out for her?
Her friends were right. She should keep up a wall of defense. Get to know Reed, but not let him totally in, not let him have her heart. He was leaving, after all. They could just have a little vacation thingie. Or maybe they were just friends. Though she’d never had a friend who kissed like that and made her heart flutter.
She was in over her head already. Might as well admit that.
Susan’s voice brought her out of the depths of over-thinking, her specialty, it seemed.
“We’ve almost got the inn ready for our guests this weekend. It’ll be nice to be full for a change. I have some part-time help coming in. I hope everything goes smoothly. I think we even have the elevator working again. Oh my gosh, I hope so. I can’t imagine dealing with Camille if the elevator is out. I’m not thinking her mama’s friends are the type that like to deal with three flights of stairs.” Susan sighed. “How about you, Julie? You all set for catering their party?”
“I think so. Camille called and also ordered pastries for Sunday morning for the people staying at their main house and guest house. Last minute addition, but I expect no less from Camille. I’ll just do them with my normal deliveries on Sunday.”
“I hope it all goes well for you two this weekend.” Tally pushed away from the table. “I better get my pre-dinner chores finished. Oh, and Julie, don’t even think about walking home. Susan drove here and is going to drop you off.”
Julie wouldn’t think of arguing with Tally. Ever.
* * *
Reed sat on the balcony to his room and watched the night sky darken. Stars blinked in the far distance. The moon was bright tonight, bright enough to illuminate a few groups of people walking on the beach.
It was so peaceful just… sitting. When had he given up just savoring the moment? How had he let himself get into the constant motion, never-sit-still life? The night air wrapped around him as he stared out at the ocean. A light breeze, the perfect temperature, drifted across the balcony, and the only sounds were the waves and some people talking and laughing on the inn’s deck.
He wished Julie was sitting out here with him. He’d like to be sharing this moment of peace and quietude with her. They wouldn’t have to talk. He’d like to just hold her hand and be next to her, sharing the moment.
Loneliness swept through him and chilled him to his very bones. He was so very tired of his aloneness. He knew it was time to move on. He felt he was ready, finally, to come out of years of hibernation. With that thought, he felt the loneliness slowly fade away, like a morning fog dissipating as the sun rose.
Today had been such a great day. He’d enjoyed working side by side with Julie. Helping her out. Laughing with her. Teasing her. Watching her green eyes twinkle with amusement.
He played scenes from today over and over in his mind like a movie. He sat up straight, startled at his thoughts… because he was positive he wanted this movie to have a happily-ever-after ending.
Chapter 15
By Friday evening, the inn was teaming with guests. Wonderful, paying, much-needed guests. Susan bumped into Jamie, dropped a stack of papers, and clutched her son’s arm to keep from falling.
“You okay, Mom?” Jamie steadied her.
“I’m fine. I’d just forgotten how crazy it gets when we have a full inn with almost everyone checking in at the same time.”
“We need a better computer system. A faster one. And a couple more terminals so we can check in more people at once.” Jamie bent down and scooped up the fallen papers.
“We’ll put it on the list of things we need.”
Jamie laughed. “Seems all we do is put things on that list, but rarely have the time or funds to actually do anything on that list.”
“At least the elevator is working.” Susan was willing to count every little blessing at this point.
Mandy, their event planner who was working this weekend to help everything run smoothly, came rushing up to them. “We’re running low on ice. The ice maker can’t keep up. I think every single guest is out at the beach bar and wanting a mixed drink with ice in it. Haven’t these people heard of beer or wine? At least those don’t take ice.” Mandy gave a half smile. “Oh, and the TV reception is out on all of the first floor, I believe.”
“Great.” Susan sighed.
“I’ll go get a load of ice then take a look at the TV system and see if I can fix it.” Jamie reached into his pocket and took out the keys to the inn’s van. “I’ll be back as quick as I can.”
“Thanks, Jamie.”
Jamie hurried away. Susan felt Mandy’s hand on her arm. “Oh, and Susan?”
“I’m afraid to hear what you have to say next.”
“I heard some guests talking about meeting at eleven for the breakfast buffet. It was a group of about thirty people. I know you usually close up at eleven, just thought I’d give you the heads up.”
Susan tucked a curl behind her ear. “Okay then. We’ll plan on keeping the buffet open longer than usual. I’ll let the cook know in the morning.”
Mandy gave her a quick hug. “It’s all going to be okay. These are just little things. And if it helps, I heard quite a few of the guests talking about how charming the inn is.”
“That does help. We’re hoping to get repeat guests from this weekend if all goes well.”
“I bet you will. The outside turned out great, didn’t it? It looks magical with the whit
e Christmas lights and the lanterns on the poles around the edge of the deck.”
“You had a good idea on that.”
“Thanks.” Mandy smiled. “Well, I’m back at it. Let me know if I can help with anything.”
Susan watched Mandy walk back outside, wondering what they’d do without her. Mandy had been one of Tally’s finds. Tally had sent her their way after she found out Mandy had worked as an event planner at a big resort on the East Coast. Mandy had a couple of young kids and only wanted to work part-time, so the alliance had worked out great for everyone. Mandy’s knowledge of event and wedding planning had been just what they needed while they tried to tap into more of that business.
“Susan?” Dorothy called from the reception desk.
Susan didn’t know what they’d do without Dorothy either, she knew more about the running of the inn than anyone else after years of working here. Susan sighed and headed over to the desk, hoping it wasn’t another problem.
* * *
It was late Friday night, or more exact, very early Saturday morning. Julie knew she should be sleeping, tomorrow—today— was a big day, but she couldn’t turn off her mind. Three times she got up to jot down notes of things to remember to do. The food for the party had to go off without a hitch. It had to be perfect.
She finally got up, made a cup of chamomile tea, and went up to the widow’s walk to sit. She hoped the peacefulness of the night air and the tea would help settle her.
She sipped the tea and stared out into the night. It had been such a busy week. She’d gotten everything ready in advance that she could for Camille’s party. Reed had shown up each morning at the bakery and helped her all day long. They’d chatted and laughed and gotten to know each other better as the hours went by. They hadn’t, however, talked about her foster care days, and he hadn’t once mentioned his wife or how she’d died. Or why he didn’t drive, for that matter.
