“So, I have some news that might seem a little strange. Your father and I have separated and he’s going to be staying somewhere else. He got a place not far from here. On the water, so that should be fun for you guys.”
Brooke set her taco down and looked confused and angry.
“Why?”
Mandy sighed. “Sometimes people are happier apart than together. Your father and I got married young and I think we’ve grown apart. We have different interests. Other than you kids, of course.”
“Is it us? Did we do something?” Blake asked. His lower lip trembled slightly and Mandy immediately got up and gave him a hug.
“Of course not, honey. This has nothing to do with you kids. Your father loves you both very much. It’s between me and him.”
“He doesn’t love you anymore?” Brooke looked dubious.
Mandy hesitated. “We both love and respect each other, but we’ve decided that this is best for us, right now.”
“I don’t understand this at all.” Brooke’s eyes watered, and Mandy gave her a hug, too.
“I’m so sorry, honey. I don’t really understand it either, to be honest. But it’s what we need to do. You’ll see your father this weekend.”
“We have to go stay with him? And leave you? I don’t know if I want to do that.”
“It will just be for one night. He’ll come get you on Saturday and bring you home on Sunday. It will be fun to see his place.” Mandy tried to sound positive and didn’t want to say anything negative about Cory. The kids didn’t need to know he’d cheated.
“I don’t like this at all.” Brooke took a final bite of her taco and seemed to have lost interest in the other one on her plate.
“I don’t either,” Blake said. But his appetite didn’t seem to be affected.
“I’m sorry, kids. I know it’s going to be a change for all of us. But we’ll figure it out. Brooke, finish your taco.” Mandy understood though, as she hadn’t felt like doing much of anything all week. “If you both finish your dinner, we’ll have some ice cream and maybe watch a movie. Sound good?”
“What kind of ice cream?” Brooke asked.
“Mint chocolate chip. I picked some up yesterday.”
That got a smile out of her. It was Brooke’s favorite flavor.
“Okay, but I get to pick the movie.”
Mandy smiled. “Deal.”
Later that evening, after they’d all snuggled together on the sofa watching a movie and the kids were sound asleep in bed, Mandy found herself wide awake. She couldn’t find anything she wanted to watch on TV and looked around for a book to read before remembering that she still had Gram’s diary in her tote bag. She fished it out, climbed into her pajamas and curled up in bed to read for a bit.
She thought she’d probably just read for a few minutes until her eyes grew heavy, but the opposite happened and she read for over an hour. And learned more about the mysterious Jay.
Dear Diary, Jay asked me to marry him! Of course I said yes. It was the most romantic thing. He took me to our favorite restaurant in the North End, Cantina Italiana and instead of our usual wine, he ordered a bottle of champagne and I didn’t think anything of it. I had no idea. I just thought he wanted something different. But once it was poured, and we put our orders in, Jay got down on his knees and held out the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. It was his grandmother’s, and it’s so delicate and pretty. I can’t stop staring at it.
The rest of the night was magical. I barely remember eating my pasta, we were so busy making our plans for our life together. We decided that we’ll aim for a New Year’s Eve wedding, so that gives me six months to plan. I’m so excited that I don’t think I’ll sleep a wink tonight.
The next few entries were more about the wedding planning and her grandmother’s search for the perfect dress. The search was put on hold though when the US entered the war and Jay promptly enlisted.
Dear Diary, We’re at war now. And Jay and his friends went down as soon as it was announced to sign up. I understand why they did of course and I support it, but I wish he wasn’t going. I won’t be able to fully relax until it’s over and he’s home. The wedding, of course, is on hold until he comes back. It might be sooner or later, no one really knows. It’s a scary time for all of us.
Her grandmother’s worry was evident in the next few entries, which spanned several months.
Dear Diary, It looks like this blasted war is never going to end. I write to Jay every week and hear back maybe once a month if I’m lucky and it’s a relief every time. He says he’s well, but I know he’s anxious to get home too. I have these awful dreams sometimes, nightmares really where he never comes home. It’s my biggest fear. But I try to stay focused on my job and I pray for him every night and every Sunday in church.
There were a few more entries and then nothing until nearly two years later.
Dear Diary, I know I have ignored you for the longest time. I just haven’t felt like writing for the longest time. My biggest fear has come true. A telegram arrived saying that Jay is missing in action and presumed dead. His plane was shot down. I held out hope that maybe it was wrong information. But his parents are having a service this Sunday, which makes it real. I feel like I’ve lost a piece of my soul. I don’t think I will ever be able to love anyone the way that I loved Jay. I miss him so much.
Mandy closed the diary through blurry eyes. Now she knew who Jay was to her grandmother and her heart hurt thinking of the pain she must have felt. She was only halfway through the diary, so looked forward to reading more and learning about when her grandparents met, and about Mimi’s Place.
Chapter 16
Billy’s flight from New York arrived Thursday night a little after six. Jill smiled when she saw the familiar tall, lean figure get off the plane and walk towards her. He left his power suit at home and looked comfortable and still very handsome in faded jeans and a navy button-down shirt and a chocolate brown leather jacket. He grinned when he saw her and pulled her into a bear hug that lifted her in the air.
“Is Nantucket ready for me?” he asked as he set her back down.
She laughed. “That remains to be seen.”
They walked to the luggage area where a baggage handler was wheeling out a rack of bags. Billy spotted his duffle bag and grabbed it.
“You just have the one bag?”
“I’m only here for a few days. Though you’d probably need a bag just for your shoes?” He knew her well.
She smacked his arm. “Very funny. Let’s go.”
They put Billy’s bag in the back seat of Grams’ white Volvo sedan and Jill drove them home. The house was quiet when they walked in.
“Where’s Emma?” Billy asked.
“She’s working tonight. We’ll see her later or tomorrow morning. Mandy says hello too. We thought we might all do brunch with you on Sunday before you head out?”
“Great. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them.”
“Are you hungry? I thought we could get some takeout and just relax in tonight. Maybe go sightseeing on Saturday and out to a restaurant after work tomorrow?”
Billy set his bag down and flopped into a chair at the kitchen table.
“That sounds good to me, and I could eat.”
Jill laughed. She knew that was Billy’s way of saying he was starving. She fished a Thai takeout menu out of a drawer and handed it to him. “Take a look and let me know what sounds good. I have some wine and cheese and crackers we can snack on for now.”
She opened a bottle of cabernet, poured a glass for each of them and set out a plate with a container of creamy pub cheese, a block of cheddar and an assortment of crackers.
A few minutes later, she called in the order for Thai delivery and settled at the table across from Billy, who was slathering pub cheese on a cracker. They talked shop for the next hour while they waited for their food to be delivered. Billy caught her up on everything going on in the office and once they finished their Thai food, they opened a
second bottle of wine and spent the rest of the night laughing and talking about everything under the sun. Jill realized how much she’d missed Billy’s company. More than anything, they really were best friends and often finished each other’s sentences.
The thought crossed her mind, when their hands accidentally brushed against each other and Billy immediately jumped and apologized, that there was absolutely no vibe between them. And there likely never would be. But if Billy was never going to be more than a best friend and business partner, she was very much okay with that. And she was looking forward to working with him the next day.
When Emma got home a little before eleven, she poured herself a glass of wine and joined them.
They were still sitting around the kitchen table. Jill put out some fresh crackers in case anyone felt like snacking again. Billy and Emma immediately reached for the cheese.
“Was it busy tonight?” Jill asked.
Emma nodded, her mouth full. “We were steady. It seemed pretty good for a Thursday night. Paul tried out a few new menu items as specials and they went over well.”
“Oh, what did he make?” Jill suddenly felt hungry at the mention of food and reached for a cracker and a slice of cheese.
“A lobster pot pie, lobster mac and cheese, and tater tots smothered in short ribs, melted cheese and sour cream. They were all ridiculously good.”
“Luxurious comfort food. I like it.” Jill thought it all sounded amazing, and she knew how good the short ribs were.
“Can we go there for dinner tomorrow night?” Billy asked.
“We could. I’d love to get your feedback on the restaurant, too.”
They chatted for almost another hour, before Emma started yawning and it started a chain reaction.
“I’m going to head up.” Emma stood and rinsed her glass in the sink.
“I think I’m about ready to call it a night too,” Jill said.
“Sounds good to me.”
Jill led Billy upstairs to one of the extra bedrooms and showed him where the linen closet was.
“Jump in the shower whenever you feel like it tomorrow. I’ll be up early and coffee will be ready when you are.”
Billy grinned and pulled Jill in for a hug. “The service is good here! Thanks for everything. I’ll see you in the am.”
Even after a late night and several glasses of wine, Jill was still an early riser and rolled out of bed the next day a little before six. Emma and Billy were still sleeping, so she made her way quietly downstairs, fired up her laptop and made a cup of coffee. She always loved the early morning hours when she could savor her coffee while she browsed the news online and looked through her email.
Billy came down an hour later, laptop in hand. He’d already showered and was in an old t-shirt and sweats, with damp hair.
“Help yourself to coffee. Sugar and K-cups are by the machine, cream is in the fridge and coffee mugs in the cupboard by the sink.”
Billy silently made himself a cup of coffee and joined her at the kitchen table.
“If you’re hungry, there are bagels and eggs.”
“I’m good with coffee for now, thanks.”
“I was thinking we can do a Zoom call with the office at eight-thirty and have a mini-job order meeting. What do you think?”
He grinned. “Great idea. They were teasing me yesterday about taking today off and slacking. I told them we were working here today.”
Jill set up the Zoom call and had everyone in the New York office dial in at eight-thirty and after a few minutes of joking around, they had a lively and productive meeting. Billy had a new client and several really hot jobs and as he talked about them, everyone, including Jill got excited to work on the searches and to see who they might already be working with who could be a good fit.
When Emma came down to the kitchen a little after ten, she stopped short when she saw both Jill and Billy on their phones and typing away on their computers. She made herself a coffee and a bagel and took both of them back upstairs to get away from the chaos in the kitchen. Jill had to laugh as she knew how loud they could get and how energetic. At times, Billy paced around the kitchen, gesturing with his hands as he talked to a candidate.
When they were both off the phone, they had several fires to put out and situations to discuss. It was fast-paced and exciting, and Jill loved every minute of it. She and Billy both fed off the energy of the other and it made them both work better.
When they stopped for lunch Jill made turkey sandwiches, and they ate quickly while they worked. The rest of the day flew by until about four o’clock when the madness stopped and they both took a breath and called it a day as Emma left to head into the restaurant. They told her to save them a table if she could.
“That was wild,” Billy said as he shut his laptop.
Jill was still on a high from a fun, productive day. “It was awesome. We always did work well together. I really miss the energy of the office,” she admitted.
Billy frowned. “You know we all miss you too. Can you cut this experiment short? Can’t your sisters cover for you, maybe?”
Jill shook her head. “No, I really can’t. Remember the terms of the will? We all have to be here for at least a year together.” She sighed. “It’s really not that bad. And a year will go by fast. When I’m able to, I’ll come back more often, maybe on a Wednesday night and work in the office Thursday and Friday, then come back here for the weekend.”
“Or you could come Thursday night and stay through the weekend…” Billy wore a teasing grin.
Jill laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Is it time for Friday happy hour yet?”
“Almost. I haven’t showered yet today. I should probably do that, and then we can walk into town and grab a drink at the Club Car maybe and eventually make our way over to Mimi’s Place.”
“I’m going to take a power nap, then. That sofa in the living room is calling to me. I’ll be ready to go when you are.”
Jill went upstairs and took her time showering and getting ready. She knew Billy was good for a solid hour nap. He could fall asleep anywhere easily. It was a little cool out, so she decided on a soft cashmere v-neck sweater in a pretty burgundy shade and her favorite slim jeans and charcoal gray cowboy boots. She blew her hair dry and used a curling iron to add a few waves here and there.
Billy sat up when he heard her footsteps coming down the stairs. Her boots were loud against the hard wood floors.
They walked to Main Street and down to the Club Car. It was just a little after five but already getting busy as lots of people were eager for after work Friday cocktails. Jill found two seats at the end of the bar and they settled in. Once they had their drinks, a cabernet for Jill and a Jack and Coke for Billy, they looked around at the parade of people walking along Main Street.
“This is a busy place,” Billy commented.
“Weekends are always busy here. And I think one of the ferries must have just landed.” They saw people strolling by with luggage. The atmosphere in the Club Car was festive. People were happy to be done with work for the week or on vacation, even if just for the weekend.
“I can see why you like it here. It’s a beautiful place,” Billy said.
“It really is. As much as I love Manhattan, Nantucket will always be home. It’s nice to be here again and to be around my sisters. We really hadn’t spent much time together in recent years. We talk on the phone of course, but it’s just nice to hang out more.”
“I bet. Maybe your grandmother knew what she was doing. Even if I don’t fully approve.” Billy said.
Jill grew silent for a moment, thinking of Grams. “It’s strange that she’s not here. And that we’re staying in her house. I miss her.”
Billy reached over and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I know. She had a good, long life. Crazy to think she owned a restaurant and none of you knew. What was up with that?”
“I’m not entirely sure. She won it in a bet of some sort. That’s all we
know. Mandy is reading her diary, so maybe she’ll be able to fill us in at some point.”
“Hey, I forgot to ask. How did your date go the other night?”
Jill was surprised by the question as it had been over a week and she’d thought Billy would have asked about it sooner.
“It was fine. He’s a nice guy. He’s not from around here, so I probably won’t see him again.”
“Hmm. I thought you said he lived in New York?”
“Well, yeah, he does. But I’m not exactly living there at the moment,” she reminded him.
“Right. But, if you start coming home more often, you never know.”
Jill didn’t feel like talking about Mac, who she hadn’t heard from since their date. Though the way they’d left it she was supposed to get in touch with him if she was coming back to the city. She sighed.
“Do you want to head to Mimi’s Place soon?”
Billy finished his drink and set it down on the counter.
“Lead the way.”
Jill was glad to see that Mimi’s Place was busy when they arrived. Every seat at the bar was full. Emma was at the hostess station and smiled when she saw them walk in.
“You’re in luck. I just had a cancellation and their table is ready. You guys can have it. It’s being set up now.”
A moment later, Emma led them to a cozy table for two by a window overlooking Main Street.
They ordered a bottle of Charles Krug Cabernet from Anna, their waitress, and as she poured the wine, she told them the specials. Two of them were the same from the night before, which Jill was happy to hear.
The Restaurant Page 12
