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“When I get Tillie’s up and running, I’m going to need someone I can count on to work the front,” I said. I’d wanted to broach the subject with her, and it seemed like a perfect time.
“Oh, yeah?” Grace asked with a grin.
“Yeah. So, if you know anyone, maybe say a writer who is finishing up her degree and looking for somewhere beside Tino’s to work next summer?”
“You’re on,” she said, nodding. “Thank you. That’s the best news.”
I grabbed her hand across the table, smiling. “Tino’s was a disaster, but it did bring one good thing. I’m glad we met,” I said.
“And also, Tino brought you Leo. So, there’s that, too. Other than that, the place is trash,” Grace said. I laughed and agreed.
We headed out to the boardwalk after our coffee to do a little people watching and to do a little browsing. Grace wanted to get a new hat—at least that was what she claimed. I knew it was just an excuse to scope out the new boardwalk store workers and see if there were any prospects. She was talking to a guy with a surfer vibe at the counter of one of the stores. I browsed the tourist wares, eventually making my way to the counter.
And that was when I saw it. The tabloid paper: “With Leo Turner Gone, How Will His Parents Survive?” A saddened picture of his parents was plastered on the cover, the mansion in the background.
I was sure the story inside was some sort of lie and twisted tale. I didn’t even bother reading it. I was sure that with all that had happened in Leo’s career, they weren’t about to be homeless after a few weeks.
Still, though, seeing the snapped photo, I felt bad. Leo was happy here, and I was so excited about our blossoming story. But he was also hiding from his family and his dream. I knew he wanted a break, but singing was his life, just like the coffee shop was what lit me up. I’d seen it when he was playing his guitar and singing the song he’d written for me. He was meant to be behind a guitar.
There was still a lot of summer left—but was being in Ocean City where he should be? And what about his dreams he was leaving behind?
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Nerves settled into my bones, but the best kind. The kind that means your life is heading in a wild, crazy, over-the-top direction, but that you’re also doing something you love.
I stood outside the exterior of the previous Casa de Bonita, waiting for them to arrive. I took a breath and told myself it would all be okay. I told myself I needed to have conviction. I told myself it didn’t matter if Dad was disappointed. I needed to make the leap.
The car pulled up, and Dad parked. Mom sped toward me, curiosity in her eyes. “Tillie, what’s going on?” she practically shouted. Dad, calm and collected, strolled up the sidewalk behind her, hands tucked in his pockets, still in his suit from work.
“Well, first, I want to thank you for all your support. I know having your daughter move back in at thirty after a failed business isn’t on everyone’s bucket list. But you two welcomed me and helped me get through the toughest time of my life. I appreciate you.” The words were true. Even though my parents could be frustrating, overbearing, and my mother liked to play matchmaker, they were there for me in ways I could never repay them for.
“Darling, of course,” Mom said, wrapping me in a hug. Dad gave me his signature nod.
“I’ve made a decision. I’m going to open up Tillie’s Seaside Brews. I’m hoping to get this building. I’ve done my research, and I know I can make it work. I know it feels ridiculous after failing in New York. I know it’s sort of crazy after everything, but this is what I want.” The word tumbled out quickly, so I didn’t have time to rethink my plan to admit my new path to my parents. My stomach was burning with fear as I stood outside of the broken-down building. It was crazy. Sheer craziness. I looked expectantly at my parents, waiting for them to try to talk me out of it but hoping they would say it made sense. I was beyond needing validation from others for my dreams, I thought at least. It still would be easier to proceed if I knew they had my back.
Mom let out a squeal. “My girl’s staying in town. That’s the best news, isn’t it Allen?” Mom jumped up and down. “You stay with us as long as you want. Oh, and Jacques can work out a deal with you to use your coffee at the hotel. Oh, so many ideas.” Mom did the Connie Ashby thing where she started spiraling with thoughts and getting way ahead of herself. But her excitement emboldened me, admittedly.
