He stood to greet her “Yes, ma’am, Ms. Ella. And you, too.”
Maileah knew Jo and Blue were dating; she often saw him at Jo’s house across the street. Junie had helped them reunite after a misunderstanding.
Jo looked up from behind the counter. “Hello, ladies. Would you like a table?”
Ella gestured to the red vinyl bar stools. “We’ll take two at the counter.”
Maileah sat beside her. “We went to an early morning yoga class. It’s not as easy as it looks, and now I’m starving. What’s the special?”
“Eggs and bacon on a croissant, California-style,” Jo replied. “That’s with avocado and sprouts. What will it be, ladies?”
“One of your green protein smoothies for me,” Ella replied.
“I’ll take the special, but hold the sprouts,” Maileah said. “And a side of fruit.”
Jo made a note on an order pad. “We have pineapple, watermelon, and strawberries today. Is that okay?” When Maileah nodded, Jo tore off the order and passed it through the kitchen window.
As Jo poured coffee and water for them, she said to Maileah, “You and Todd looked like you were getting along well the other night. He sure is easy on the eyes. Do you like him?”
Ella turned with interest. “Did you have a date, dear?”
“Junie set me up with a guy she met at the Majestic. Todd is an accountant, and he just moved to the island,” Maileah replied, dodging Jo’s question. “We had dinner at the Ferry Cafe last night.”
“Your sister is looking out for you,” Ella said, sipping her coffee.
Considering their earlier conversation, Maileah caught her meaning. She owed Junie an apology. She also saw guarded approval in Jo’s eyes.
She didn’t feel much attraction to Todd yet, but wasn’t his type what she was supposed to want?
As if on cue, her phone buzzed. Todd’s name flashed on the screen.
“And here he is.” Maileah answered his call while her grandmother looked on.
Todd’s voice was warm and engaging. “I hope this is a good time. I was wondering if you’d like to do something fun this weekend?”
“Sure. What did you have in mind?” She could use a day at the beach or on the water.
“There’s a cooking class at the Majestic with Chef Gianna on Saturday. I can hold my own in the kitchen, but it’s fun to learn new techniques. There will be other couples, and we’ll eat what is prepared. The chef has two spots left, so I grabbed them.”
Maileah’s heart sank a little.Cooking?The last time she’d boiled water for pasta, she’d burned the pan and set off the smoke alarm. Yet, Todd sounded so eager.
“I’m sure we’ll both get a lot out of it,” she said. It might be fun to watch a real chef prepare food. Maybe they’d get to mix up something in a bowl or toss a salad.
After she hung up, she told Jo about the date.
“He sounds consistent,” Jo said with a wink at Blue, who was taking a break at the counter. “I like men I can depend on.”
“That’s always a good trait,” Ella said. “Does he have others?”
Maileah grasped for something. “He’s well spoken. And dependable.”
“Yes, I believe we established that,” Ella said, arching an eyebrow. The front door chimed, and she looked back. “Why, Sailor is here. He can join us.”
Maileah turned. His wet hair was slicked back, and he looked like he’d come from the beach.
“Hey, Jo,” he called out cheerfully. “Got a protein smoothie and a daily special for me?”
“You got it,” Jo said, putting in his order.
