A Haven on the Bay - Nicole Ellis Page 0,47

tables.

“What. A. Day,” Shawn said, enunciating each word dramatically.

“No kidding.” Meg leaned against the back of the chair and sighed. “I’ve never been so nervous in my life, not even on my first day in a professional kitchen.”

Zoe rolled her eyes. “You had nothing to worry about.” She looked over at Tia. “Tia and I had to deal with the Great Flood.”

“I still have no idea how that happened,” Shawn said. “I did a quick check of everything this morning and it was just fine.” He shrugged. “But that’s kind of how things work with plumbing. It’s just fine until it suddenly isn’t. Anyway, the plumber got everything fixed up and the flooring should be dried out before our first guest arrives tomorrow.”

“That sounds so crazy,” Meg said, her voice full of wonder. “Our first guest.”

“I know,” Zoe said. “It all happened so fast.”

“Not fast,” Celia said. “At the right time.” She smiled serenely. “Everything happens at the right time, you just may not know it until later.”

Tia watched them, feeling slightly out of place. She was the only person present who didn’t hold an ownership stake in the resort. An easy camaraderie flowed between the others, but she’d only been working at the Inn for two months. Although her friendship was growing with Zoe, it was still in its infancy. Would she ever have the close relationships they seemed to have with each other?

“You’re being awfully quiet,” Celia said to Tia. “Did you have fun today?”

Tia smiled. “I did. And I think everyone else did too. I can’t imagine a better grand opening.” She laughed. “Well, without the flood.”

“You were a big part of making this event successful.” Zoe regarded her thoughtfully. “You know that right?”

“Eh. It’s my job.” Tia felt the heat rising into her cheeks, grateful that no one would be able to see it in the waning light.

“Your job was to help coordinate the event. I’m pretty sure there wasn’t anything in your job description that included mopping up bathrooms—or my tears.” Zoe scooted to the edge of the loveseat she shared with Shawn, the flickering candles casting shadows on her face. “If it hadn’t been for you, I’d probably still be up there in that bathroom, bawling my eyes out.”

Shawn reached out to rub Zoe’s back, but didn’t say anything.

“And you talked me down from the ledge too,” Meg added. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Their praise hit Tia hard, and the emotions rising in her chest made it difficult to breathe. “Thank you. I’m happy to be here, working with all of you.” She pasted a bright smile on her face. “And I’m so glad the grand opening was a success.”

“We are too, honey.” Celia reached an arm out toward her walker. “Now, who’s ready for some celebration cake and champagne?”

Shawn leapt up before Celia could stand. “Sit, Grandma. I’ll get the cake from the kitchen.”

“And I’ll pour the champagne.” Meg removed a bottle from the ice bucket.

In all of the bustle, Tia almost didn’t hear the little ping from her phone. She pulled it out of her small event purse and turned it on. It glowed brightly on the dark porch, revealing two missed calls from her mother.

She stuffed the phone back in her purse. Her mom could wait. This was a special night and she wasn’t going to let her mom’s overbearing negativity spoil it for her.

“Here you go, dear.”

Tia looked up to see Celia holding out a bubbling glass of champagne.

When Shawn returned, his grandmother gave him one also. He raised his glass in the air. “To the Inn, and to sharing it with good friends and family.”

“Cheers!” Everyone clinked their glasses together, creating a beautiful sound in one of the most perfect moments Tia had ever experienced.

12

Samantha

Sam paced the living room of her one-bedroom apartment. The tenant below probably wouldn’t appreciate the extra noise, but she needed to work off some of her nervous energy. It was the last day of August and she still hadn’t heard back from any of the teaching jobs she’d applied for. At this rate, it was either time to find a new career or move to a different area. She had no desire to do either, but with only a few months of rent saved, she’d need to find something soon.

Tonight, though, she was determined not to let any of it bother her. Meg had fixed her up with her friend, Taylor, and he’d be there any minute to take her out on a