Summer Beach: Coral Cottage

by Jan Moran

  “Axe can start at the first of the week. He called while I was in San Francisco and sent the proposal. I want to go over it with you first.”

  Marina still had an uneasy feeling about burdening her grandmother by running a business out of the cottage. “Are you sure you don’t mind a lot of activity around here? Between building a deck and giving dinners, I’m afraid of infringing on your privacy and relaxation.”

  “You sound as if you don’t know what I like,” Ginger said. “Since when have you ever seen me in a rocking chair in the corner?”

  With that image in her mind, Marina suppressed a laugh. “I didn’t mean that.”

  Ginger lifted her chin with determination. “We’ve got to live life as if it’s the greatest gift ever granted to us—because it is. I’ve loved every minute that’s been afforded to me, even the tough ones. I don’t plan to slow down for a long time, so let’s get this show underway.” The tea kettle whistled, and Ginger removed it from the stove and set it aside to rest. “Can you sit for a moment?”

  “I’d like that.” Marina turned off the mushroom mix and put the tart shells into the oven while Ginger poured hot water into the teapot to steep the tea.

  “There, I have a few minutes,” Marina said, sitting down to join Ginger.

  “I’m looking forward to having a lively household again,” Ginger said. “Bertrand and I always did so much entertaining—and with such fascinating people from all over the world. I couldn’t be happier about what you’re doing.”

  Marina could just see Ginger welcoming the guests like Auntie Mame, infusing the evening with a theatrical element. Seeing Ginger having a good time would almost be worth the effort alone.

  Ginger poured tea while they talked about the new deck. Marina showed Ginger the one she liked. “This will be a beautiful addition, even if the pop-up dinners are a flop—”

  “Don’t you dare put that vibe out into the universe,” Ginger said, bristling.

  Marina laughed. “You sound like Kai.”

  “Where do you think she got it from?” Ginger huffed. “Now, I won’t have that kind of talk. You will be successful, so charge ahead full speed.”

  “I’ll call Axe and tell him to begin the construction,” Marina said as she sipped her tea. Ginger was always exacting in how she made her tea, and Marina had to admit it was worth it. “Axe said the entire process won’t take long at all.”

  “He’s a good man, from what I hear.”

  The timer for the oven went off, and Marina rose. “Back to work.”

  Ginger glanced at Marina’s jeans and T-shirt. “I know this is the beach, but you will change before going over there, right?”

  “If I have time,” Marina said, noticing the clock. “I’ll spend most of the time in the kitchen prepping dishes. Ivy is going to make the announcement.”

  Ginger shook her head. “You’ll do that before everyone arrives. You must be the spokesperson for your company. No one better than you. After I finish my tea, I’ll help you assemble the cucumber and crab while you make the avocado emulsion. And I’ll keep an eye on the spareribs. That way, you’ll have time for a quick shower and dress. I’ll get Kai, and we’ll help you set up at the inn. Best foot forward, dear. Always.”

  After showering and changing while Ginger was finishing in the kitchen, Marina took the first trays of hors d’oeuvres to put into the car. When her phone rang, she leaned against her car and answered. “Hi Heather, what’s up?”

  Her daughter’s voice exploded across the line. “Mom, what in the world are you thinking?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You gave Ethan permission to leave school? After all your lectures about how important college is, how could you do that?”

  “That was his decision to make, and he did.” Marina bit her lip. She could tell this wasn’t going to be a quick call.

  “No, it isn’t,” Heather wailed, becoming even more distraught. “Ethan has left me here at school all by myself. Going to Duke wasn’t even my idea. I did it only because he got a golf scholarship. He begged me, told me he needed me to help him, and now he’s bailed on me. I have a final exam tomorrow that I know I’m going to fail because of him.”

  Marina thought she knew what was behind this. Somehow, she had to diffuse her daughter’s outbreak and get her on track for her exam. “Heather, is there someone you can call to study with?”

  “How could I make any new friends here with Ethan dissing every single person I met? No one was up to his standards. It was like he wanted me to stay with him all the time. So no, there’s no one I know to call.”

  “I wasn’t aware of that, honey.” Heather and Ethan had had arguments in the past, but nothing like this. Marina needed to calm Heather, but she was aware of the minutes ticking by, too. She didn’t want to be late for her first event, but she had to support her daughter.

  “Ethan abandoned me. When he needed me, I was there, but when I begged him not to leave, it didn’t matter at all to him.”

  “I understand why you feel that way.” Marina knew what it was like to feel abandoned—and on national television, no less. But this was about her daughter. Thinking fast, she said, “School is almost over for the year. This is when all your hard work and careful notes count.” Even though Heather prepared well for tests, she was often nervous. Maybe her hysteria over Ethan was due in part to that.

  “I haven’t been able to study because of Ethan,” Heather cried as she broke into a sob.

  Marina wished she could be with Heather to put her arms around her and soothe her. The first year away from home had been rough on the kids, and Heather and Ethan had never been separated.

  Still, Ethan had made his decision. Even if Marina didn’t fully agree with it, she could see his point. Maybe he’d change his mind and go to another school in the fall. But where did that leave Heather?

  On her own for the first time in her life.

  Marina saw Ginger look through the window. She was clearly concerned about the time, too. “Heather, honey, is there anyone you can talk to there?”

  “No one. Ethan never liked my new friends. He said they were shallow rich girls, and the guys were even worse. And the smart ones he called show-offs.” She sniffed. “I hate it when he’s so right.”

  “It’s a challenging school with high academics,” Marina said, wondering if she’d made a mistake in sending her children across the country. “But for you, I thought Duke would be a good fit.”

  “It’s not Duke, it could be anywhere. Ethan’s gone, and I can’t focus on anything else. I’m going to fail my exams, and that will be all his fault.”

  Now Marina understood. Heather had been Ethan’s support for schoolwork. On the other hand, Ethan, with his ability to make friends easily, provided the social support that Heather needed. “Sweetheart, you can do this without Ethan. I know it’s too late in the year to make friends and get the support you need, but right now, you have to take a deep breath and put everything in perspective.”

  “I don’t know what you mean by that.”

  Marina looked back and saw Ginger at the door, tapping the watch on her wrist. Marina nodded. While her food debut was important, Heather needed her now.

  “Show Ethan what you’re made of,” Marina said. “He looks up to you and your academic ability. Maybe he’s even intimidated by it, or a little jealous. Golf might be the right choice for him, but for you, your academic record has always been a source of pride. You have the ability to excel in whatever you put your fabulous brain to work on. Can you find a different place to study? Someplace where you can focus, but you’re not alone?”

  Heather sniffed. “I think so.”

  “I know you’re so angry you feel like smashing Ethan right now, but remember, he’s also your biggest cheerleader. And he will feel horrible if you fail out of school. So will you, sweetie. Just set your mind on what must be done—nothing else—and get through this next week. I know you can do that. After you finish your finals, come to Summ
er Beach. You’ve earned some beach time.”

  “But what about next year? I don’t want to stay here without him.”

  “I’m sure there’s a solution, maybe one we haven’t even thought about. But for now, go for a run and try to clear your mind. Worry about you right now, not Ethan. I know you can pass your exams with high grades, but you’ll have to focus and commit the time to study, starting now. Can you do that?”

  Heather sniffed again. “I guess so.” Her voice sounded small, but at least she had stopped crying.

  Despite the minutes slipping away, Marina had to stay calm for Heather. This moment could change the course of Heather’s academic career. “I love you, honey, no matter what. But if you allow this to drag you down, you may regret it. Can you pull out those running shoes I gave you for your birthday?”

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Do that, and I’ll wait.” Marina prayed that she could help Heather out of this. If she failed her exams, it would be harder for her to transfer schools, if that’s what she wanted. Not impossible, but failing courses would devastate Heather.

  Marina saw the front door swing open as Ginger and Kai hurried out with trays of appetizers covered in plastic wrap. Marina pressed a hand against her heart. “Thank you.” Pointing at the phone, she added in a whisper, “It’s Heather. She’s upset about Ethan.”

  “We’ve got this,” Kai said. “Just take care of her.”

  Heather came back on the phone. “I’ve got them,” she said, sounding stronger.

  “Okay, put them on.” Marina could hear the sound of Heather doing just that.

  “Now, grab your keys and headphones and ID.”

  “Mom?” Heather sounded calmer.

  “Yes, darling?”

  “I think I’ve got this now. I’m still mad at Ethan, but I’ll show him that I can do this without him. I’ll be okay. I’m going for that run now, and then I’ll head to a coffee shop and start jamming on the books. Thanks, Mom. I love you for understanding.”

  “I love you, too, sweetie. You’ve got this.” Marina sent her a couple of air kisses before hanging up. Being clear across the country was challenging, but at least Heather sounded better. As for Ethan, she’d have a talk with him, too.

  Between them, Ginger and Kai had finished loading the car for her while she was on the phone.

  “We can still make it just in time,” Kai called out. “We’ll take the rest of the food. Now go, and we’ll meet you there.”

  Marina slid into her little car with her heart pounding. Just in time was good enough.

  Chapter 18

  Driving as quickly as she dared without jostling the trays of hors d’oeuvres in the back seat and trunk of her car, Marina wound through the streets of Summer Beach. Heather’s call had her running behind, but Ginger and Kai had stepped up to help, and she was so grateful. She eased into the rear parking area behind the Seabreeze Inn and came to rest where Ivy had told her to park—right next to Ivy’s cherry red, vintage Chevrolet convertible.

  Marina turned off the car and gripped the steering wheel for a moment to gather herself. She hadn’t been this nervous since her first day on the air reading the news. Creating food that people loved is what she yearned to do now. Still, everyone had different tastes in food.

  Too much salt to some was merely a good start to others.

  Marina glanced in the back seat to check on her trays. She’d made a variety of appetizers to appeal to different palates, but she knew there could be harsh critics among the strangers. She’d also taken special care in creating her sample dinner menus to take into account health and dietary restrictions.

  Ivy emerged on the back steps of the grand old house and waved. She wore a flowing, flowery top with a turquoise necklace, jeans, and leopard-print kitten heels. The effect was casual but carefully coordinated with stylish pieces. “Need a hand?”

  “Sure. Kai and Ginger are right behind me, too.” Marina hugged Ivy in greeting. She was so happy to have reunited with her old friend in Summer Beach. And she was glad she’d heeded Ginger’s advice and changed clothes. She’d found a canary-yellow sundress that still fit around her pleasantly expanding waistline and borrowed coral accessories from Ginger.

  “I’m excited for you today,” Ivy said. “I’m sure you can make a go of this venture. Your intimate dinners can be highly personalized to diners. People will enjoy that. But it’s a little selfish on my part, too. I want to see you stay in Summer Beach.”

  Marina opened the door to the back seat. “That will all depend on if I can build this business.”

  “I understand that,” Ivy said, taking a tray that Marina handed to her. “Was Boz helpful at City Hall?”

  “He gave me a flurry of forms and sent me on my way. I’m afraid I might have been a little overwhelmed and frustrated that day, but it didn’t have anything to do with Boz. Still, I gained valuable insights from him.” She brought out another tray.

  Marina and Ivy hurried up a ramp to the rear door, and Shelly held it open. “When I first met Boz, I didn’t make the best impression either,” Ivy said. “I think he’s used to stressed-out city people when they first arrive in Summer Beach.”

  “But we all get our chill on after we’ve been here a while,” Shelly added. She wore a short white sundress with her long chestnut hair piled high in a casually twisted topknot.

  Marina noticed that Ivy and Shelly were as different as Marina and Kai were. And then there was Brooke, the earth mother of the three Moore sisters, who was so busy with her family that Marina and Kai hardly saw her anymore. Brooke barely had time for an occasional text, but Marina was determined to see her soon.

  Inside, the kitchen was a vintage throwback to the 1950s. Twin turquoise refrigerators hummed away. She and Ivy placed the trays on long counters that must have been used for large dinners and catering in the old home.

  “I’ve made room in Gertie if you need to put anything in the fridge,” Ivy said.

  Marina looked at the old units. “You’ve named the refrigerator?”

  “And the other one is Gert,” Shelly said. “Gert and Gertie just seemed to fit them, though Gertie is the harder working one of the two.”

  “We weren’t always this nutty,” Shelly said. “You’ll see. Once you relax and get in the groove here, you’ll forget what your uptight old self was like.”

  Thinking of the old oven Ginger called Myrtle, Marina laughed. “I think I’m going to like living in Summer Beach.”

  “You have to come to my yoga class,” Shelly said. “I gave you a pass when you stayed here because of your foot. But that ankle looks pretty good now.”

  “Most of the time,” Marina said. She glanced at a large kitchen clock shaped like a seashell. She didn’t have much time to set up. “We’d better get the rest of the hors d’oeuvres in here.”

  Between the three women, they quickly unloaded Marina’s car, and Marina shared her idea of a food festival with Ivy, who agreed to mention it to the crowd to build interest. Ivy excused herself to check on guests while Marina set up in the kitchen.

  “We have some large platters if you need them,” Shelly said. “That’s what Mitch uses for his cookies. Might save you some trips back into the kitchen.”

  “That would be better,” Marina agreed. She was short of supplies, but she was trying to conserve expenditures, especially with what the deck would cost, even though Axe had quoted a reasonable price.

  “I’ll get them from the butler’s pantry.” Shelly disappeared and then returned with an armful of beautiful antique platters. “They came with the house, among other treasures.”

  Marina turned on the oven to warm the walnut-mushroom tarts and the luau spareribs.

  Just then, Ginger and Kai arrived. “Tell us what to do,” Ginger said.

  Marina directed them to place the cold cucumber and crab rolls on a platter while she assembled the pear and crisp prosciutto, being careful in stacking them. They worked quickly, and soon everything was ready.
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br />   “Let’s go,” Marina said, hefting a platter onto her shoulder for support. Inside the music room, she placed it on a table where Ivy directed her.

  Antique chandeliers lit the graciously appointed room. A grand piano stood on one side, and a marble fireplace flanked the other. French doors stood open to the veranda, letting in the late afternoon breeze. A few guests reclined by the pool, and beyond them, waves rolled onto shore. Marina couldn’t imagine a better place for her debut.

  “These look sensational,” Poppy said, surveying the hors d’oeuvres. “I’m glad you brought extra. We invited some local people and new summer residents to help spread the word.”

  “That’s wonderful, thanks,” Marina said. This event could cement her future in Summer Beach. Or, if the guests hated her food, it could spell the end of her new career. Anxiety gripped Marina, and she glanced up at a French, gilded ormolu clock ticking loudly on the fireplace mantle. She’d soon find out which it would be.

  After setting up, Marina clasped her hands to keep them from trembling. Guests were arriving at the afternoon tea-and-wine event, with outfits ranging from stylish beach cover-ups to cocktail dresses. A teenage girl sat down at the piano and began to play “What a Wonderful World,” and Marina could feel the mood in the room instantly lift.

  She watched the guest’s reactions as they selected her handcrafted hors d’oeuvres from a platter and tried them. This was the best market research she could have. Mitch rushed in with a tray of fresh oatmeal cookies studded with cranberries, macadamia nuts, and white chocolate. Evidently, these were a known favorite, as guests immediately scooped these up, too.

  Standing beside Marina, Ginger greeted people she knew, while Kai hummed along with the music. Marina smiled when she saw Leilani and Roy

  “How is the new garden doing?” Leilani asked.

  “Everything is thriving,” Marina said, spotting Jack at the door with his friends Vanessa, Denise, and John. The two children darted toward the cookies, and then made their way to the open doors to the veranda. “As long as Scout stays out of it.”