A Haven on the Bay - Nicole Ellis Page 0,82

I’m sure I haven’t been easy to live with.” Her eyes scanned over everyone. “Many of you know that my friend’s death hit me hard. I’d like to do something to honor her, so I’ve decided to organize a fundraising event for a local cancer charity in Diana’s memory.”

“Oh wow,” Libby’s eyes sparkled. “Mom, that’s awesome!”

“That’s such a great idea,” Meg said. “I’m sure all of us would love to help.”

“Definitely,” Sam said, watching her mother’s face. Debbie’s smile widened even further seeing the support of her family. Her enthusiasm was contagious, brightening Sam’s own sagging spirit. With a possible new job on the horizon, things were turning around.

“Thank you, girls.” Debbie beamed at them and Peter regarded his wife with pride. “Also, I’ve decided to hire an assistant to help out with the catering business to give me a little breathing room.” She looked at Libby, as if seeking her approval. “Does that work for you?”

Libby nodded. “If that’s what you need, I’m fully behind that decision.”

“Let us know what we can do to help with the fundraiser, okay?” Sam took a bite of the lasagna, savoring the tangy sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly spiced meat. There was a reason why her mom’s catering business was so successful.

“I will.” Debbie grinned, then looked around. “Does anyone else have any news to share?”

Sam set her fork down. “Well, I have a job interview on Friday.”

Libby stopped eating. “A job interview? Do you not like working at the high school?”

Sam tried not to squirm and met her sister’s stare head on. “The district had some funding issues and my contract wasn’t renewed for this term.”

“Oh no,” Meg said softly. She patted Sam’s arm. “These past few months have not been kind to you.”

Sam sighed and looked down at her plate, then back up at her family. “You know, maybe it’s been for the best. I think my life needed a little bit of a shakeup.”

“What is the interview for?” Debbie asked. Next to her, Peter continued to shovel food into his mouth.

“A private school in the area, Bayside Prep. Have you heard of it?” Sam said.

Debbie nodded. “It’s supposed to be a great school.”

“I’ve heard really good things about it,” Libby said. “That’s exciting. You’ll have to let us know how it goes.”

“I will.” Sam breathed more easily than she had in weeks. She’d been concerned that her family would be upset about her not telling them she’d lost her job, but they were taking it better than she’d expected.

“We have some good news too.” Libby smiled at her husband. “Gabe’s been offered a full-time position with the company he’s been temping for.”

“Oh, honey, that’s wonderful.” Debbie sighed with happiness. “I’m so thankful that everything seems to be working out for all of you girls, even if it’s been in a roundabout way. We’re so glad to have Taylor with us today.” She shot a meaningful look at Meg, who immediately blushed.

Taylor grinned. “I’m happy to be here.” He gazed lovingly at Meg.

“Yeah. I’m glad you’re here too,” Sam said. “It takes some of the attention off of me. What took you so long to ask Meg out anyway?” She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

Taylor’s face turned as red as Meg’s. “Uh…”

Sam laughed. “I’m just kidding. But seriously, I’m glad you’re here.” She meant it too. She’d never seen Meg so relaxed and happy as she was tonight with Taylor. It gave Sam hope that, one day, she would meet someone who would make her light up as much as Meg did around Taylor.

Meg

That Friday, Meg and Taylor picked up BBQ pork sandwiches in town and brought them back to the Inn at Willa Bay to eat. They spread a thick, plaid picnic blanket on the ground outside of the barn and laid out the feast. Although they’d only officially been dating for a week, their longstanding friendship made it seem like they’d been together forever.

They leaned against the exterior wall of the barn and ate their sandwiches while watching the sun sink below the horizon. This time, she didn’t mind when he wiped a smear of BBQ sauce away from her face, and he didn’t panic and run away after doing so. Taylor wiped his hands off on a paper napkin and tucked their garbage away in the sack their food had come in.

“I think we should be able to get most of it done after the cleaning party next week,” he said. “Then there should just be a few