Island Thyme Cafe (Madrona Island Series Book 3)

by Andrea Hurst

  Once out front again, Jude took them on the upper trail into the woods. Sunrays pierced the pine needle laden forest floor, highlighting the tiny pink wildflowers that lined the path. They continued past the campsite area and down to the old army bunkers. Even though the conversation was minimal, Jude couldn’t be happier.

  Lindsey perched on a spot overlooking the bluff. “It’s a great park, Mom. Hey, do you think I could borrow the car sometime and come over here?”

  “Sure,” Jude said, “You’ve got your license and insurance, right?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “I figured you did. So, how’s your summer going so far?” Jude asked.

  “It’s okay. Ryan is a pretty good guy, you know. I like working in the kitchen. He’s letting me experiment on new recipes with him and take the food shots for the book proposal.”

  “You always had a good eye for photography,” Jude said. “And Chef Ryan’s a very talented man.”

  “Yeah, he is. I just wish there were some more people my age around.”

  Jude thought for a second. “You know Marco and Becca now, and they’re not much older than you.”

  “I went in to Tea & Comfort. It’s pretty in there and all, but kind of smelly. All that lavender. Kyla wasn’t there, but I did buy some hand cream Becca said would help with my new dishwater hands.”

  “Most people like lavender. It has medicinal properties, too.”

  Lindsey raised an eyebrow. “Now Marco, he is one hot guy. I might just spend a lot more time over there.”

  Jude let that one go by. They were doing so well. She would choose her battles wisely, and this one was low priority.

  Lindsey leaned against one of the towering cedar trees. “I can see why you like it here. But I think I’d be bored out of my mind if I had to live here all year.”

  “Well, it’s not for everyone.” Jude stood beside her daughter. “It sure is nice to have you here for the summer.”

  Lindsey shrugged. “I know it’s been kind of hard for you with me living with Dad and all.”

  “I just want you happy,” Jude said. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  Lindsey’s eyes softened. “Thanks, Mom.”

  “You have a lot more opportunities living with your dad. I can’t say I haven’t missed you, but I want you to do what makes you happy.”

  “Dad’s pretty active, he keeps things busy. I’m away at school now, studying and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.”

  “Got any ideas?” Jude asked.

  “Well, my major is business, mostly because Dad made the choice for me.” Lindsey walked across the emerald grass and stood at the edge looking over the rocky bluff. “After being here this summer, I’m thinking about doing something more creative. Maybe something with writing and photography and or maybe food.”

  “That would be an exciting career,” Jude said. “You could write while you travel and take pictures. And eat!”

  “I thought about that. Maybe I’ll start taking some journalism or creative writing classes when I get back. I have a year to go, but I think Dad will be pissed if I don’t graduate with a business major.”

  “Your life isn’t about making your dad happy. It’s about making you happy.”

  Lindsey smiled. “Yeah, but dad’s paying the bills.”

  “That doesn’t make him in charge of what you choose to do for a career,” Jude said.

  “I know that.”

  “I’m really happy that he’s paying for your education. But just remember, it’s still your life.”

  “I guess so.”

  “You guess so?” Jude said.

  “Let’s walk some more,” Lindsey said.

  Jude followed her down the dirt trail. “So you might remember where we’re going today? It’s a beautiful old turn of the century bed and breakfast,. Lily inherited it from her grandma, Maggie. You met Lily last week.”

  “She seemed nice. I do remember Maggie too. She used to bring those scones and cookies to the shop, right?”

  “Oh, that’s right, of course. You loved her cookies too.”

  “She was a really nice lady. You guys were pretty close, right?”

  Jude sighed. “We were. Maggie passed away a few years ago, leaving a hole in all of our hearts. Lily is her granddaughter. She came here after a pretty bad divorce in Los Angeles.”

  “Oh, divorce. It seems like everybody’s getting one.”

  “Not everyone,” Jude said. “I think Lily and Ian are headed into a lifelong happy marriage.”

  Lindsey just nodded. “We should probably get going now. What’s wrong with your friend?”

  “Betty has cancer,” Jude said. The word caught in her throat. She couldn’t even imagine Betty sick. Betty, who had just climbed on a roof last week. Betty, who was helping to build the animal shelter and always one step ahead of everyone. Betty, who just had her first chemo treatment.

  “That’s too bad.”

  “It’s somewhat advanced,” Jude said. “But her treatment is going well so far.”

  As Jude opened the car door, hot stuffy air poured out from it. “We probably should have brought something for her.”

  Lindsey fastened her seatbelt and rolled down her window. “Knowing your friends, she’s probably got everything she needs and more.”

  Jude turned down the lane toward Betty’s home. “I don’t know. Lily’s probably cooking for her. Her sister, Shirley is a pretty good cook, too, so I doubt Betty needs any food. She has her sweet dog, Zinger, too. He’ll cheer her up.”

  “Sounds good, Mom.”

  The day was going well. It seemed Lindsey was starting to mature and understand that her mom was just a person, too. When they pulled into the B & B, there were a few other cars there. Jude’s heart dropped when she saw the doctor, shoulders slumped, walking out of Betty’s front door toward the driveway.

  “How’s Betty doing?” Jude asked the doctor.

  “That woman is amazing,” he said. “I think she’ll outlive us all.”

  “Oh, I hope so.”

  “Don’t stay too long,” the doctor said. “You don’t want to tire her out. Not like anything tires that one out. She’ll probably be mowing her lawn next week.” He shook his head and got in his car.

  Jude and Lindsey walked to the door and knocked. Shirley greeted them, dressed as always in full makeup and sporting a coiffed hairdo. “Hi, good to see you, Jude. And Lindsey, yes?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Shirley, Betty’s sister. Come on in, join the crowd.”

  Betty was sitting on the floral couch with her feet up on an ottoman, a hand-knit shawl draped over her shoulders. Zinger was at her feet. She waved them over. “You guys, too? What’s the whole town come to visit me? I’m fine, I’m fine.”

  “Betty, you remember Lindsey.”

  “Of course, I’ve been seeing her around your café. Nothing wrong with my mind. I remember when she was a little girl.” Betty patted the couch beside her. “Come on, sit down.”

  Lindsey sat at the end by Zinger and petted the dog’s head.

  Lily, Ian, and Luke were sitting off to the right and Jude introduced them to Lindsey. The concerned look on Lily’s face made Jude nervous. She took a seat in the pink wingback chair next to them.

  “So, did you see the doctor on your way out?” Betty asked.

  “We did,” Jude said. “He said you’re amazing!” She did look pretty good considering. A bit weak, but steady.

  “Of course I’m doing great. Don’t think anything is gonna keep me down. You girls, stop worrying. I’ll beat this thing, you’ll see. Besides, I’ve got a whole lot of projects. If I don’t get them done, who will? Certainly not Shirley, sitting there in her nice outfit. She won’t even lift a hammer. And that dog shelter’s counting on me.�
��

  At the word dog, Zinger sprung into the air and landed on the floor. He turned in circles with an expectant look aimed at Betty. “Hey, Zinger. You need a walk?” Betty started to rise. “You’re not going anywhere,” Shirley said.

  “I’ll take him,” Lindsey said. “I’m happy to take him for a walk.”

  “Okay,” Betty said. “He’ll go with you if you rattle the leash.”

  “Come on, Zinger,” Lindsey said, shaking the leash.

  Jude watched as Lindsey leashed the dog, petting and talking to him sweetly. They looked cute together.

  “Just take him right down the path there,” Betty said. “He likes walking along the sand. It’s a nice beach, but don’t get too close to the water here.”

  Jude moved over to the window. “Looks like the tide’s pretty far out. You should be fine.”

  “I know what a tide is,” Lindsey said. “I’ll keep a watch. We’ll be back soon.” She headed out the door with the dog traipsing behind her.

  “Come, sit next to me,” Betty said to Jude. “Tell me how everything’s going with you?”

  Luke took Jude’s place at the window, and she gave him a grateful smile. The tides could change in a flash.

  “The restaurant’s packed with movie people for a few more weeks. I think they are staying on the island longer than planned. Lindsey’s working in the kitchen to help Ryan out,” Jude said.

  “Everything looks good out here,” Ian assured them from where he stood by the window. “Ryan mentioned Lindsey’s a talent in the kitchen and is going to assist with the wrap-up dinner at the winery, too.”

  “A relief for me,” Jude said. “So, where’s Kyla?”

  “Kyla had to go into the shop today. Becca had some plans with Marco, so Kyla went in to relieve her for the day.”

  “Becca’s that new girl, right?” Betty asked. “How’s she doing running the shop?”

  “Pretty good,” Luke said, “And it’s nice to have my wife home more, even if she is in the lavender fields half the time”

  “So have you and Ryan worked out all the details for the closing dinner?” Jude asked.

  “We sure have,” she said. “Cast and crew only.”

  “It should be quite an affair,” Lily said. “Let me know if you need help.”

  Shirley came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of heavenly smelling chocolate chip cookies.

  “Cookies anyone?” she asked, passing them around.

  “None for me,” Betty said.

  Shirley frowned. “But they’re your favorite.”

  “All right, leave one.”

  Shirley made sure everyone had their share and then sat down on the rocker next to her husband, Don.

  Jude let Betty know she was there for anything she needed, any time. The grateful smile she received warmed her heart. She couldn’t imagine life without Betty. She was an intrinsic part of the town and very close to Jude’s heart.

  Betty yawned. “How am I supposed to get any rest with you guys watching over me? I’m telling you, I’m going to be fine.” She waved for them to go.

  “Okay, okay,” Lily said, “I get the hint. Come on, Ian. Let’s give this lady a little rest.” Lily and Ian headed for the door. “Just let us know if you need anything. We’ll stop by later either way.”

  “You don’t need to stop by later,” Betty said. “But thanks.”

  Jude waved goodbye. She was happy to see Lily and Ian were so close by, but she hated seeing Betty like this. She could tell Betty had lost weight and her once sun-worn face was now pale.

  Jude started to stand, but Betty stopped her. “You wait here with me until your daughter comes back.”

  “So, Betty,” Jude said with a smile, “It must be about killing you to have to rest.”

  “You know it girl. I’m not convinced that rest is the best thing. Tomorrow I’m getting into the garden a little.”

  “You sure you’re up to it?” Shirley said.

  “What, I’m going to sit around like you all day?”

  “I can take care of it,” Shirley said.

  Betty laughed. “And get your manicured hands dirty!”

  Shirley threw her hands in the air. “All right, well, if you’d don’t need me then, my husband and I have some errands to do. We’ll be back with dinner later.”

  “Fine, fine. I could use some peace and quiet,” Betty said.

  Jude reached over and took Betty’s hand. “I know you’re going to beat this. I’ve never seen anyone more vibrant and alive than you.”

  “Thanks,” Betty said. “I do too, but it’s nice to know someone’s on my side.”

  The two friends enjoyed a few minutes of local gossip before they were interrupted by the sound of steps on the front porch.

  “We’re back,” Lindsey said, popping in the door with Zinger. She released the dog’s leash and Zinger bounded up, jumping onto the couch and right over Jude into Betty’s lap.

  “It’s time for Zinger and me to take a nap,” Betty said. “You two head off. I know you have work to do.”

  Jude reached over and hugged Betty. “Please let us know if we can do anything.”

  “And if you need a dog walker,” Lindsey said, “I’d be happy to help.”

  “I may take you up on that,” Betty said.

  Jude and Lindsey walked to the car. “It’s a beautiful place, isn’t it?” Jude said.

  “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind living on a farm like this someday, right on the water, maybe married and with my own dog and—”

  “Oh really?” Jude said. “You see yourself married and settled?”

  “Not right away, Mom. Don’t get excited.”

  “Oh, don’t worry. I don’t want to see you marrying too soon. And by the way, Marco and Becca. They’re kind of in a relationship.”

  “Of course. The only young people in town and they’re both into each other.”

  “Doesn’t mean you can’t be friends with them,” Jude said.

  “Yeah, maybe I’ll head down there when we get back. We chilled the other night together. They did seem kind of into each other.”

  Jude turned the corner on Main Street and pulled into the drive. “Why don’t you go off now, have some fun?” Jude said.

  “Thanks, Mom. I’ll see you later.”

  Chapter Nine

  Jude watched the assistant director holding court at an almost predawn breakfast meeting that took over the large table in the dining area of the cafe. Joining him were several of the key crew members and Kate, the publicist for the film. Jude had been instructed by the AD that this meeting was important and was not to be disturbed except for the delivery of food. Whatever they wanted was fine with her. She asked a waitress to come in early to wait on the table and be as inconspicuous as possible.

  Things had been going pretty well the last week, but she was counting the days until these ever-demanding movie people were long gone. Between trying to feed them and handle the summer rush of tourists, she was exhausted and summer wasn’t half over yet. At least things were going fairly smoothly with Lindsey.

  Jude ground coffee and stocked the cream and sugar containers for the morning coffee service. The chocolate syrup dispenser was full. She was considering how long to wait between her first cup before she could have a mocha break on the deck, when the meeting started to disperse. The crew members herded out the front door for another big day of shooting. Jude was just about to lock the door until opening time when the AD and Kate walked over to the bar, took two seats, and ordered cappuccinos. The meeting was obviously not over yet.

  Jude started their drinks and caught bits and pieces of the conversation between grinding and steaming the coffee. Mostly gossip, Jude decided, and let her thoughts drift elsewhere. She placed the foamy drinks before them and they barely acknowledged her presence. Not local folk,
for sure.

  “Morning,” Ryan said as he walked out of the kitchen. “Early start today. How’d it go out here?”

  “Sure is,” Jude said. “Great breakfast, thanks.” She rolled her eyes toward the two at the bar. Ryan winked at her, a mischievous smile widening across his face. They were both ready for normal business hours to resume again soon. Summer rush had taken on a whole new meaning with the Hollywood cast and crew in town.

  “Here’s the menu for the specials today,” Ryan said. “Fresh baked honey bread, crab quiche, and blackberry cobbler starting at 10:00. Full menu at 11:00.”

  Jude noticed the AD staring at Ryan. Protectively, she stepped in front of Ryan to block their view. “Do you know them?” she asked.

  Ryan glanced over to the bar and shook his head. “I’ve seen them around town. Who’s the well-dressed woman?”

  “Kate is the publicist for the film.”

  Ryan frowned and took Jude’s hand. “I try to avoid the press,” he said. “I think I’ll go back to my domain and handle lunch.”

  Jude couldn’t help but watch and admire him. His dark shirt was cinched at the waist by a black apron tie, and his sun-lit hair, tied back in a ponytail, playfully spilling over his collar. She wanted to follow him into the kitchen and take him in her arms.

  “I’d heard they scored Chef Ryan Folger as the chef at this place, hard to believe he’s dropped so far from his days in San Francisco.”

  The words from the AD drifted over to Jude and she froze in place by the kitchen door with her back to the bar. What did they mean by “so low?” She wanted to turn around and pound them.

  “Maybe he’s hiding out here,” Kate said. “You know, after all the scandal around that chef’s death.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” he said. “Peyton couldn’t dump him fast enough after that.”

  Kate sipped her cappuccino and lowered her nasally voice. “Well she does seem to have her claws out in his direction again.”

  Jude turned slowly until her gaze settled on the two seated at the bar.

  The AD was smirking. “We all know Peyton’s unquenchable appetite.”