“Um, sure. I need to make sure Jana doesn’t need me.” This day was more than I had bargained for.

  My dad and I walked toward Mabel Lu’s, it was only a few doors down. Awkward would cover it. We kept a nice distance between us and my dad wrung his hands as we went. I did my best to take in the gulf air. It was one thing I had missed.

  “Any special guy in your life?” Dad kept his eyes on his feet.

  That was his first question? “No.”

  He decided to look over at me. His eyes were filled with concern. “Well, I’m sure there will be.” I thought most dads would be relieved, but maybe it was worse for them to think that no one would ever want their daughter.

  “There could be, if I wanted there to be.” Indignation threaded through my voice.

  “Of course. You’ve grown up to be a pretty girl.” Implying I hadn’t been before.

  “Maybe this was a bad idea.” I didn’t need any more dents to my already fragile self-esteem that had taken years to build.

  He stopped and took my arm. “Did I say something wrong?”

  Was that a real question? “Yeah, you did. I know I’m not the belle of the ball like Maggie, but I’ve dated. I even had a man tell me loved me once.” Twice if you counted Jansen “And more importantly, I don’t need a man to validate me.”

  “You sound a lot like Mitzi.”

  I wasn’t sure I had ever heard him talk about her, at least not with a nostalgic ring to it.

  He pressed his lips together and sighed. “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. You’re a beautiful woman.”

  “You mean, I am now.”

  He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Maybe the fatherliest thing he had ever done. “I meant, I’m sorry you feel like I’ve never seen you clearly. And I’m sorry for being so blind.”

  I peered into his tired brown eyes. “I’m starved, how about you?” I wasn’t sure what to do about this unusual affection from him.

  “I could use some comfort food.”

  Me too.

  We walked into a packed Mabel Lu’s, but that didn’t keep Mabel Lu Adair from taking notice. She came running around from behind the counter. She was as lively as ever for someone close to sixty years old. Her long, braided gray hair and deep blue eyes made her look younger. “Look at you, sweetie.” She hugged me tight. “Mitzi is having a party in heaven today. Her girl has come home.”

  I caught my dad’s eye to see how he would respond to that. His smile had a hint of sadness to it. It was always weird having parents I felt like were anything but, and then having Mitzi, who I would have loved to call Mom.

  “I’ve missed you.” I gave her a good squeeze.

  She stepped back and rested her hand on my cheek. “I think the time away has done you some good. You’ve bloomed to be the prettiest flower this town has ever grew.”

  I shook my head. “You tell a good story.”

  “Now, honey, I don’t lie. And you know, my son Sawyer is still single.”

  I laughed. Sawyer ranked right up there with Sam and Blair—out of my league. I’m not even sure he knew I existed. “We’ll take a table for two.”

  “I’ll seat you and give you Sawyer’s number.”

  My dad cleared his throat.

  Mabel Lu gave him the evil eye. “Haven’t seen you in here for quite some time, Robert.”

  He squared his shoulders. “Now that Paige is back, that will change.”

  “Huh,” Mabel Lu gave him a flick of her head.

  His words surprised me too.

  All eyes followed us to our table, at least those who made Bella Port their home. Unfortunately, the town’s biggest gossip, Annette Barlow, took note. Her aged face lit up. It almost made me wave and say, “Hello, Annette.” She abhorred anyone younger than her calling her by her first name. Doing so would have been like asking for me to be the biggest headline for the next year at least. Her presence did mean, though, that my mother would know about our meal, probably before it was over.

  I did my best to ignore the attention. And what could I do about the gossip? Mitzi made sure there would be a whole lot of it.

  Brunch with my dad was uneasy, but not terrible. We talked about the weather and Seattle. He expressed regret over never coming to visit, not even when I graduated from college. Mitzi was there on the first row of parents. She did not hold her applause like she was supposed to when I walked across the stage to get my diploma.

  We stayed away from any tense subjects, like my mother, the will, and my non-existent love life. But at the end, he surprised me again.

  Dad pulled me in for an awkward hug. “I’ve missed you, Paige.”

  How could he miss me? Did he know me?

  “Let’s make this a once-a-week date.”

  I arched my eyebrow. “Okay?”

  “I’ll look forward to it. And if you find anything at Mitzi’s that’s unusual and you want to talk about it, call me. In fact, call me anytime.”

  I was getting more and more confused. “Should I be looking for something?”

  He kissed my forehead. “No. But keep an open mind.”

  Chapter Three

  Brunch with my dad perplexed me for the rest of the day. It made it hard to focus on learning the accounting and payroll software, but I figured I should learn that first. One thing I knew, employees like to be paid. And I knew what it was like to live paycheck to paycheck.

  Around closing time, I had another visitor. It was a day full of surprises.

  Adam Kennedy stood at my door. “I hope I’m not interrupting you.”

  I looked up from my laptop. “Mr. Kennedy.” I stood up. “It’s so nice to see you.” I couldn’t remember the last time I had.

  He looked worn and worried. His hair was full of gray now, but he was still a tall, handsome man, like his son. I suddenly felt guilty about his worry-filled face.

  “Do you mind if I come in?”

  “Not at all.”

  He too shut the door. I wasn’t looking forward to the conversation, which I knew would be about his son. He took the seat my father had used earlier. “You’re all grown up. It’s been an age since I’ve seen you. But Mitzi spoke of you all the time. She was sure proud of you, Miss Paige.”

  I loved his Southern manners. Maybe he could give some to his son. “I miss her.” I sat back down.

  “So does Josie, my wife. She doesn’t get out much since she had a stroke a few years ago, but Mitzi visited her once a week. It was a bright spot for her.”

  “I’m so sorry; I had no idea.”

  He waved his hand. “It’s better that way. Josie doesn’t like people to talk about it.”

  “I can understand that.”

  “I can tell you’re an understanding woman, like your aunt. That’s why I wanted to talk to you.”

  I braced myself.

  “Sam mentioned there was a misunderstanding between the two of you this morning.”

  I blew out the deep breath I had been holding. “I wouldn’t categorize it that way. I’m pretty sure I understood exactly where he was coming from.”

  Mr. Kennedy leaned forward and gave me a crooked grin. “Sam has his own ideas, but I set him straight and he assured me there wouldn’t be any more issues. We’d sure hate to lose your business, and we already ordered all the supplies for the new stone patio.”

  I bit my lip, not sure what to do. I should have looked at the contract Mitzi had with them, but knowing her she had done it on a handshake and good faith.

  “Miss Paige, I’m not one to beg, but business has been slow and medical bills high with Josie’s condition. I promise you there won’t be any more problems.”

  I took a few seconds to think. “The grounds do look beautiful and the wood deck should have been replaced years ago.” I knew Mitzi would be disappointed in me if I said anything else.

  Mr. Kennedy’s grin erased some of the worry in his eyes. “You won’t be disappointed, Miss Paige.”

  “By chance, is there anyone besides Sam that could take care of it?”

  “No, ma’am, it’s just him and me now.”

  “Oh. All right.”

  “You two will get along just fine.” He stood up to leave.

  Yeah . . . I wasn’t counting on that.

  “Josie and I would love to have you over for dinner. How about Sunday?”

  That was unexpected, but not in a bad way. “I would love to. I’ll bring dessert.”

  “Your aunt always used to, too.”

  I’m sure she did. “Have a good evening.”

  “You too, Miss Paige. I’ll have Sam back out there Saturday, if that will work for you.”

  “That should be fine.”

  “See you Sunday. Come hungry.”

  That wasn’t normally a problem for me. But I had other problems, like living back in Bella Port.

  ~*~

  Friday saw me at home. The moving truck was set to arrive, and I needed the day to process the last whirlwind of a month. What I really needed was a vacation, but that wasn’t happening anytime soon. I had a business to run and a home to take care of now. I had rented a small condo in Seattle, so home ownership was something new to me. I decided that morning that the furniture would have to go, at least into storage—I wasn’t ready to give Mitzi’s things away yet, but the place needed to be updated to the twenty-first century. Maybe Aimee could visit and take me furniture shopping. That was her forte.

  While I waited for the movers, I went through the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen. Everything was in its place and well organized, just how Mitzi liked. I also found another note in the pantry.

  My Dearest,

  Looks like you’re baking. Bravo. That means you are dealing well with my untimely departure. I’m just as upset about it as you, but we will rise to the occasion and do what Hollis women do. Bake.

  I laughed at her.

  But on a more serious note, you should know that snickerdoodles are Sam’s favorite. And I told him what a fabulous little baker you are. Make sure to make some and offer him a few. It gets awfully hot in the summer and it would be rude not to invite him in from time to time. I promise you, it is well worth it. And make sure to take a peek outside. His shirt comes off on occasion. If only I had been twenty years younger. Have lots of fun for me. Let me know what it’s like when you get your hands on him. I’ll be waiting.

  Love, love, love, you.

  Mitzi

  Wow, was all I could think of to say. I wasn’t sure if I should be impressed by her taste in attractive men or disgusted that she was lusting after a man young enough to be her son. I knew one thing for sure, I was never making Sam snickerdoodles. He could come here and build my new porch and mow the lawn, but after yesterday, I wasn’t going out of my way to be kind to him. If it wasn’t for his dad, I wouldn’t have even let him back on the property.

  The movers arrived late morning and filled the living room with boxes. They placed my limited furniture where I directed them. I didn’t have much and I wasn’t sure what would stay or where it would go. But I had to say it was nice to be able to afford professional movers and not have to beg your friends for their assistance. I tipped the nice men and looked around at the mess.

  Books first, I decided. I had made room on the bookcases in the study for my treasures. Books I had edited, books I loved, books I meant to read someday. Books I dropped on my foot and danced around with tears in my eyes, swearing aloud. Books for me to prop my swollen foot on with an ice pack. Clumsy Paige strikes again. At least I could limp around. I didn’t think anything was broken, but my foot throbbed.

  I spent Saturday at the bookstore; it was a good thing, too. It was raining and the tourists flocked in from the beach. I liked tourists—they didn’t know me or how I came to own my namesake. There were a few who did, but they did no harm. They only offered heartfelt condolences and a couple recited memories of Mitzi. By the time I returned home after working and going grocery shopping, I was spent and my foot was swollen. At least Sam and I hadn’t crossed paths, but I could tell he had been there—the lawn had been mowed, the hedges and bushes trimmed, and the deck had been obliterated. All that was left were the steps leading to the back door of the house. He had been busy. He must have had help.

  I hobbled up the steps with my bags in hand. After putting the food away, I finally took that bath I had been meaning to. I soaked my cares away and went to bed early. I was twenty-eight years old, and I had the night life of a senior citizen. It wasn’t all that bad.

  Jansen’s parents, Norma and Bill McClain, paid me a visit on Sunday afternoon. The McClain’s were the proud owners of a chain of car dealerships in the Pensacola area. Bill tried to sell me a nice Ford, but I already had one car too many. Mitzi’s Mercedes sat in the detached garage untouched. I couldn’t bring myself to drive it even though it was a heck of a lot nicer than my Civic. But it wasn’t me. This whole life wasn’t me.

  After the McClain’s visit, I made Mitzi’s blue-ribbon-winning nectarine crisp. It probably wasn’t as good as hers, but I did my best. The crisp and I headed to the Kennedy’s. They lived off Gulfshore Boulevard in a small beach house right off the coast. They, like me, lived off a private beach, which was nice this time of year since the public beaches were packed. It reminded me that I really should visit the dock when I got home tonight.

  I parked my car in their drive and hobbled my way to their door. My foot was still aching, but the swelling had gone down some.

  Mr. Kennedy greeted me at the door. “Miss Paige, welcome to our home.”

  A delicious smell escaped the well-kept house. “Thanks for having me, Mr. Kennedy.”

  “Please, call me Adam.”

  “Okay.” I smiled.

  He led me into their quaint home decorated in the popular beach house nautical theme. I liked the pops of red and blue.

  “You have a lovely home.”

  “Thank you, but it’s not as lovely as my wife, Josie.” He waved to the couch where the most elegant of ladies sat. She reminded me of a middle-aged Audrey Hepburn with her delicate features.

  “Miss Paige,” Josie spoke. It was slow and you could tell it took some effort. Effects of her stroke.

  I approached her. “It’s an honor to finally meet you. I hope you like nectarine crisp.” I held out the pan I was holding.

  “Anything sweet, like you.” She smiled, but only half her face moved.

  “I’m not exactly sweet.”

  “That’s not what we hear,” Adam gave his two cents.

  “Mitzi was biased.”

  “For good reason.” Adam took the crisp out of my hands. “Dinner will be done in a minute. You two pretty ladies can get acquainted while I finish grilling the chicken.”

  Josie patted the spot next to her and I took it. She was a beautiful woman up close, with porcelain skin. She shared her hazel eyes with Sam. I had been trying not to think about him, but being in his parents’ home made that difficult. Their walls were filled with pictures of him. There were even a few with Blair in them. I missed him.

  She laid her hand on top of mine. She had long slender fingers that belonged in a lotion commercial. “You miss Mitzi.”

  “Very much.”

  “Me too. She helped me with my puzzles.” Each word and thought was a chore for her to pronounce.

  I smiled. “I like to put puzzles together.”

  Her face lit up. “After dinner?”

  “I would love to.”

  Dinner was delicious. Adam grilled a fantastic honey-lime chicken. But what was even more fabulous was the way he cut his wife’s food and carefully helped her. I was watching the most beautiful love story ever written, right before my eyes. I had certainly never witnessed anything like it in my home growing up. I wasn’t even sure if my parents loved each other. Now I knew why Sam was so kind to me when I was growing up—he had the perfect examples. Too bad he was such a jerk now.

  Speaking of the jerk, he showed up with his girlfriend. His mom and I were seated at her puzzle table putting together a beautiful European castle while Adam washed the dishes, when Sam walked in with his girlfriend. Of course he had a girlfriend. He was a jerk, but there was no denying he was gorgeous. But to my annoyance, his girlfriend was Brianne Coulter—prom queen, head cheerleader, and it just so happened she was leading the committee for our ten-year high school reunion. Yay!

  For some reason, Sam’s and my eyes met first thing. His smile took a quick downturn. I could tell he wanted to say something unkind to me, but he took a deep breath and smiled at his mom, who was grimacing at Brianne. Interesting.

  Sam held up a bag in his hand and addressed his mom. “I’m just dropping off your prescriptions I picked up in Pensacola.”

  Adam came out of the kitchen with a dishtowel in his hand. He, too, did not looked pleased by Sam’s sidekick. “Sam, Brianne, do you both know Paige?”

  Brianne’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, Paige James. Is that you?”

  I nodded. She still looked like she did senior year. Perky and gorgeous with beach blonde wavy hair and a body to die for.

  She left Sam’s side and headed for me.

  Please no.

  “You haven’t RSVP’d for our ten-year reunion in July.”

  “I must have missed the invitation.” More like threw it in the trash upon arrival without opening it. I didn’t need to relive any of my high school years.

  “I can fix that. You inherited the Hollis Mansion, right? I heard you’re worth millions now.”

  Could this get any more uncomfortable? The answer was yes.

  Sam came and stood by Brianne’s side and glared at me.

  Not to be intimidated, I glared back. “I don’t think I’ll be able to make the reunion.”

  Brianne swatted my arm. “Why ever not? Look at you. I mean, who ever thought you would grow up to look so pretty?”

  Wow. Did she really say that?

  Adam cleared his throat and gave Sam a warning glance. “Would you guys like some dessert? Paige made the best nectarine crisp I’ve ever had.”

  I was trying my best not to be affected by the slight or Sam’s obvious hatred of me.

  In a motherly move, Josie took my hand on top of the table.

  Sam narrowed his eyes at me before addressing his father. “We should get going.”

 

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