“That makes sense.”
“And, of course, she’s not going to forgo the annual Free Christmas Dinner, even if Grandpa’s not up to being back at the grill by then. She said that just because she and Grandpa are going through a trial doesn’t mean they turn their backs on those who’ve fallen on hard times.”
“That sounds like her. But who’s going to be with your grandfather while you and Grace are running the restaurant?”
Luna rubbed her forehead in an attempt to stave off an oncoming headache. “Believe me, I’ve brought that up, too. But it doesn’t seem to matter. Apparently we are opening on Monday at the normal time, no matter what. Full steam ahead.”
Connor nodded. “Well, I have a solution.”
Luna’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? Because I feel like all I’ve come up with are more problems. A solution would be a refreshing change of pace. Whatd’ya got?”
“At opening time on Monday, it won’t just be you and Grace. I’ll be there to help.”
Luna’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”
“Seriously. Then you guys can switch off spending time at the hospital and taking orders. I’ll run the grill.”
“Holy shit, Connor. That’s…can you even do that?”
He shrugged. “I mean, it’s been a few years since I worked the grill with Serge but, I think I can come up to speed pretty fast.”
“No, Connor,” she chuckled. “I meant, can you take time off to do that? I mean…God, I don’t even know what your job is. Are you sure they’ll be okay with it?”
He inclined his head toward the automotive parts on the kitchen table. “You’re looking at it. I restore classic cars. I’m working on a ’71 Charger for Jet Valentine right now. Trust me, when I explain about Serge, he won’t mind the delay. In fact, he’ll probably insist on it.”
Luna felt a warmth in her belly that was only partly due to Connor’s offer. It was also about the town. She knew Jet Valentine, just like she knew most people in town, and she knew Connor was right. There was no one in Valentine Bay who wouldn’t do just about anything they could to help her grandparents. Or her, for that matter, even though she hadn’t been back in ten years. This was a really special place - and one she’d stayed away from for far too long.
“That’d be great, Connor. Beyond great. Thank you.”
He leaned forward and nudged her knee playfully. “There’s another big advantage of me helping out at the grill, you know.”
“Oh, really? What’s that?”
“We can get a head start on that whole ‘keeping in touch’ thing.”
Chapter 9
Luna
Strolling down the main street of Valentine Bay after leaving Connor, Luna was overwhelmed by one of the strongest sensations of déjà vu she’d ever experienced. If she hadn’t known better, she would’ve sworn she was wearing jeans and a tank top with converse on her feet, her de facto uniform in high school.
God. It was weird. It wasn’t that nothing had changed. Some of the stores were different. In fact, she noticed a new one that had some beautiful artisan items in the window—pieces of pottery, a painting, and even some glasswork.
She glanced at the sign above the door, which said, “Everthing Ella.”
Huh. She’d had a friend named Ella in high school. Could there be a connection?
She pushed through the door, setting off a delicate chime. The minute she saw the adorable woman with the bouncy blonde curls, a smile lit her face. “Ella! Is this your place?”
Ella’s face split into a matching wide grin as she wrapped Luna up in a hug. “Oh my gosh, hon! I hoped we might see you, although I’m so sorry about the circumstances.”
Luna squeezed back. “It’s so good to see you, Ella. This place is gorgeous, by the way.”
Ella pulled back and gestured wide, encompassing the space. “Yep. This is my kingdom.”
Luna turned in a slow circle, taking in all of the varied and beautiful objects lining the shelves. “Oh, my word, El! Is this, like, an artists’ cooperative? Like, selling things on consignment?”
Ella flushed with pride as she replied, “Nope. It’s all me. That’s why it’s called, ‘Everything Ella.’ It’s my artistic outlet. And I’m lucky enough to have been able to make it my livelihood.”
“Whoa, Ella. You are crazy talented. I’m so proud of you!”
The flush on Ella’s face turned into a full-blown blush. “Thanks, girl. That means a lot coming from you. So, tell me, what’s going on with your grandfather? We’re all praying for him.”
Tears sprang to Luna’s eyes but she pushed them down. She’d spent too much time crying since she’d gotten that terrifying phone call from her grandmother. She took a deep breath to steady herself before speaking. “He’s going to be fine. That’s what everyone says. It was just so strange, seeing him hooked up to all of those machines.”
Ella’s hand pressed to her chest. “Oh, honey. I can’t even imagine! You have to let me know if there’s anything I can do. And if you have time while you’re in town, I’d love to catch up.”
Luna’s heart warmed. Just something about the idea of catching up with an old friend, someone who’d known her and loved her forever and who she’d known and loved just as long, was so comforting. It felt like sinking into a warm bath. She reached out and grasped Ella’s hand. “Oh, yes. Definitely. That sounds so good to me right now.”
Ella’s eyebrows shot up and she tilted her head to the side. “Oh. Yeah...I know that’s not what you meant, but what are you doing right now? Because Genevieve and Abby are going to be here in about five minutes. We’re going to lunch. Care to join?”
“Oh, that’s a great idea!” Gen’s voice sounded as the bell chimed again, and Luna turned to the front door to see her walking in, with their other high school friend Abby right behind her.”
“Yes! Please come!” Abby said, and Luna’s heart warmed yet again. Being around friends—not just acquaintances, but real friends—was a feeling that was so far removed from her that it actually struck her as nostalgic, like a blast from the past.
It was what she needed right now. It was a support for her to lean on. “Yeah, that sounds awesome,” she agreed, and the three girls gave little cheers.
“Here, let me just lock up and we can go.”
As the group stepped out on the sidewalk, the freaking tears that kept coming back and torturing Luna again and again popped back into her eyes, and she sighed. “Oh, man. It feels wrong to be going out to lunch here on Main Street and not be going to my grandparents’ place.”
Abby frowned sympathetically. “Oh, God, it really does.”
Luna wiped the moisture that had collected at the corners of her eyes and looked left and right, letting her eyes roam the length of the quaint downtown street. “Guys, I’ve been gone for so long that I don’t even know where else there is to eat. Where should we go?”
Gen shrugged. “Only one choice in the downtown area. Hope you like Thai food.”