“Hi.” Olivia reached for a server apron, tied it on, and headed over toward her aunt. “Ethan is out there for dinner again,” she whispered, making sure that Melody couldn’t hear her.
“That’s like three nights this week.” Evelyn grinned and turned toward Melody. “Mel, could you go see if anyone needs a refill on tea?”
“Of course.” Melody dried her hands on a towel and headed out into the cafe.
“Oh, that was smooth,” Olivia laughed. “Sending her out there knowing Ethan always orders a big glass of sweet tea.”
“I’m doing what I can. I swear, Melody just cannot see that he’s interested in her.”
“And poor Ethan. He’s so shy. I’m not sure when or if he’ll get up the nerve to ask her out.” She grabbed an order pad and slipped it into the pocket of the apron. “Okay, I’m off to work. Looks like we’re really filling up this evening.”
She worked steadily for hours, taking orders, bringing out meals, clearing tables, and chatting with customers. The time sped by, and she glanced at the clock and frowned. Later than she had hoped. When she heard the door open again, it took everything she had to keep from groaning at the last-minute customer as she turned around.
Instead she saw Austin, and she smiled in delight as she hurried over to him. “I was hoping I’d get to see you tonight.” She gave him a quick kiss.
“I just have a couple of minutes. Something’s come up.” Worry clouded his eyes. “My sister called, and Mom isn’t doing well. I booked a late flight out. I’m already packed and my suitcase is in the car. Wanted to see you to say goodbye, though.”
“Oh, Austin, I’m sorry about your mother.” She wrapped her arms around him and held him for a moment.
“I am, too. She was doing better. This relapse—” He sighed. “Well, I want to get up there ASAP.”
She let go of him and kissed his cheek. “Go, then. Call me when you get in, okay?”
“I will. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll still be here.” She gave him an encouraging smile.
He nodded and kissed her quickly. “Got to run. I’ll call.”
And with that, he slipped outside. Her heart ached for what he was going through. Watching his mother suffer and fight her cancer. The roller coaster of remission and relapse. She wished she could do more to help him. But no matter how much she’d like to ease his burden, there wasn’t a lot she could do except be here for him.
She turned and headed back to the kitchen, her heart heavy and her mood somber. Evelyn looked up from where she was putting leftover muffins away in the fridge. “What’s wrong?”
She plopped down in a chair. “It’s Austin’s mother. She’s taken a turn for the worse. He left to go fly up and see her.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.” Evelyn came over and rested her hand on her shoulder.
“I wish I could do something.”
“I know you do. It’s a hard time for him, I’m sure.” Evelyn squeezed her shoulder. “Why don’t you run along home? I’ll finish up here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, go. And the walk home will do you good. Nothing like a nice evening walk to raise your spirits.”
She slowly rose and nodded. “Okay, I think I’ll take you up on your offer.” She hung up her apron and headed out. The soft breeze and fresh, salty scent of the air helped, just like Evelyn had promised it would.
She was in no particular hurry and took the long way along the harbor, enjoying the familiar sights of her town. A few boats moored in the harbor bobbed in the moonlight. Someone was staying out on one of the boats. She could tell because faint lights shone through the cabin windows. Must be peaceful to sleep out there on a boat in the harbor. That’s something she’d never done in all her years here.
The Jenkins twins were sitting outside on their porch. She waved to them as she passed by, and they called out a greeting. As she neared her home, she was pleased to realize she was feeling a bit better.
The house was all lit up when she arrived. Her daughter must be home. Music greeted her when she walked inside.
Emily looked up from where she perched on a stool by the kitchen counter with Blake beside her. “Hey, Mom. We’re doing homework.”
They had schoolbooks scattered in front of them and looked like they’d been hard at their assignments. Both were great students and took their studies seriously.
“Hi, Livy,” Blake said. “Was it busy at the cafe tonight?”
