“The dark-haired guy in the blue shirt.” Jo’s eyes twinkled. “He asked me to look out for a woman by herself, but I didn’t know he meant you. Blind date?”
“Courtesy of my sister.”
Jo lifted her chin toward a booth. “He seems all right. He’sbeen here a few times and always tips well. Doesn’t hit on my servers.”
Generous was good, Maileah supposed. She glanced over, catching sight of an attractive man tapping his foot to the music. She still felt like fleeing, but she’d come this far. “Thanks, Jo.”
As she turned, she spotted Sailor at the end of the counter, and they shared a grin. He raised an eyebrow at her, amusement evident in his expression. He started toward her.
Did he know she was meeting Todd?
“I’ll take care of Sailor,” Jo said, glancing at the open portal to the kitchen. “He told me about your earlier date.”
Maileah shook her head. “That wasn’t a date. It was more like an interview.”
Jo swooped toward Sailor with a plate of hot fries from the kitchen. “Here, this is on the house. Why don’t you tell me about that surfing competition coming up. Hawaii, right? I’m so jealous.”
Maileah gave Jo a grateful look as she approached Todd’s booth. She might have to call Sailor for a lifeline in a little while, but for now, she was going in with an open mind.
Sailor’s father was jamming with another musician on one side of the diner. Adrian owned Regal Bikes on Orange Avenue, and her mother and Deb had gone to school with him. His fingers flew over the guitar strings as he rocked an old Bruce Springsteen tune. His gray ponytail swung to the beat.
Anything goes on Crown Island, Maileah thought. She had loved living in Seattle with its atmospheric rainy days, brainy young colleagues, and incredible food. On the other hand, sunny Crown Island had a perpetual holiday vibe going for it. If she could create work for herself, she could stay here.
At this time in her life, she wanted her family close, especially if she started a family. She dreamed of her children playing with Junie’s and having her mother nearby to call on. She’d never told anyone this because they’d all laugh andthink she was kidding. She was aware of her reputation among her family and friends. That was another reason she wanted to start over here.
In truth, she’d grown weary of being the life of the party.
As she approached Todd’s table, Maileah’s nerves eased a little. He looked relaxed, as if he was enjoying himself. Maybe this wouldn’t be too bad.
Todd looked up as she neared, a friendly smile spreading across his handsome face. He was attractive in a conventional country club sort of way. Frankly, he was more Junie’s type than hers. Polo shirt, khakis, an extra serving of confidence. He extended his hand. “Maileah? I’m Todd. It’s great to meet you.”
“And you, too,” she managed.
“I hope this isn’t too awkward,” he said, grinning.
“I was thinking the same.” He seemed genuine, so she relaxed a little.
As they sat down, Maileah noticed Sailor watching them from the counter. Her emotional support surfer was on the job. But so was Jo. Her boyfriend, Blue, sat next to Sailor. Blue was on the police force, so Maileah felt doubly safe.
Todd turned his full attention to her. “Junie mentioned you know Crown Island well.”
“Sort of. We visited our grandmother often when we were kids. I’m looking at it with fresh eyes now.”
“I just moved here myself.”
“Did you find a job? Not that it’s any of my business,” she quickly added, aware of how that sounded.
Todd chuckled. “I have an online accounting company. I can run it from anywhere, so I thought this would be a good place to land.”
“That’s interesting,” Maileah said, leaning forward. “I’ve been thinking about that, too.”
As they continued to chat, the music swelled around them.
Adrian launched into a soulful rendition of an old Beatlessong. “Yesterday,” he sang, his voice carrying over the buzz of conversation.
Maileah let her guard down, drawn into an easy conversation with Todd. Maybe Junie had been right about this setup.
From behind the counter, Jo watched them with a satisfied smile while Sailor tried his best to look uninterested, failing miserably.