“Really, Ives. Who would she be hurting?” Shelly stepped closer to the RV, pointing out a detail to Daisy. “Look at the little reading mice in the corner there.”
The tension broke as everyone gathered to spot the whimsical details hidden throughout the mural. Ivy watched asLibby relaxed, answering questions about her favorite books and the challenges of driving such a large vehicle.
Still, she saw something in the young woman’s eyes. Wariness, perhaps, or sadness. She sensed the cheerful artwork might be concealing more than books.
Libby opened the rear door. “The inside is even better. Would you like to see it?”
Though the book club members were eager to look inside, Ivy hesitated, rubbing a tickle on her neck. The story of Pandora’s box sprang to mind. She blinked to dispel it.
“Come on, Ivy.” Shelly stepped inside. “Oh, my gosh. You need to see this. And I have to call Mitch. Be right back.”
Shelly wedged past her with Daisy, and Ivy wondered if Bennett was on his way. She glanced behind her. Not seeing him, she stepped into the bookmobile.
Instantly, she felt transported to a magical world.
5
Glad to have left City Hall and the challenges of the day behind him, Bennett ducked through the back entrance of Java Beach, the screen door slamming shut behind him. The coffee shop was closed, but Mitch often stayed to clean up and make dinner to take home to Shelly and Daisy.
Late afternoon sunlight filled the small kitchen, illuminating the stainless-steel surfaces.
Jerry Garcia’s voice floated over the clatter in the kitchen, with Mitch singing along as he worked.
Bennett chuckled. Once a Grateful Dead fan, always a fan. “Hey, where’s the party?”
Mitch spun around, spoon in hand, his spiky sun-bleached hair matching his attitude. “Right here, man.” He was in his element here, wearing faded jeans, worn kitchen clogs, and a vintage T-shirt that read,Life’s a beach and then you surf.
With a grin, Mitch turned down the music and crossed the kitchen for a quick bro hug. “Almost ready. I threw together tacos, burritos, and nachos. Everyone likes Mexican take-out night.”
Bennett breathed in deeply, savoring the aromas. “Smells great. Before you called, I planned to pick up tacos from Rosa’s and take Ivy to the beach for the sunset.”
“Change of plans, dude. That’s how Shelly and Ivy roll.” Mitch returned to the stove, stirring a green tomatillo sauce. He nodded to himself and turned off the burner.
“Do you know why?” Bennett had tried to call Ivy, but she didn’t pick up. Maybe she’d forgotten to turn on the ringer.
Mitch shrugged as he worked. “Shelly said there’s something we need to see at the inn, and I should bring you and dinner for everyone.”
Bennett leaned against the counter, snagging a slice of avocado from the prep area. “Any idea what this is about?”
“Nope. She was being mysterious. Guess she wants it to be a surprise.” Mitch ladled the tomatillo sauce into a container before turning to prep the tacos with rapid precision.
“That means they’re up to something.” Bennett watched Mitch add shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and sliced avocado. He garnished each with leafy cilantro and a wedge of lime. “Need help?”
“Sure, wash your hands and wrap these to go.”
Bennett moved to the sink. “Maybe it’s about the house. Reed might have found an issue. Though it was well built, that house is more than a hundred years old.”
Mitch shook his head. “Shelly wouldn’t sound excited about that. She was practically vibrating through the phone. Said we had to see something before tomorrow morning.”
Behind Mitch,old surf competition photos lined the kitchen’s back wall. The rest of Java Beach carried the same relaxed Polynesian vibe with vintage travel posters, nautical nets, and tiki torches.
After washing his hands, Bennett began to wrap the tacos and pack them in to-go containers lined up on the counter.
Mitch quickly folded flour tortillas with refried beans and shredded cheese into burritos. “I want to see what Reed’s been doing at the house anyway. Shelly wants a gardening shed, and I need my garage back. Maybe I’ll pick up a few building tips.”
Bennett grinned. “Because Daisy’s room addition worked out so well last time?”
“Hey, I have vision,” Mitch said, his eyes crinkling as he laughed.
