1
“How about dessert?” Jo asked, reaching to remove her friend’s plate from the red Formica counter. “I’m running a special on hot fudge sundaes.”
“I couldn’t, not after that enormous veggie burger,” Junie said, sweeping her long, sun-lightened hair over the straps of her aquamarine cotton sundress. Yet she plucked the last sweet potato fry from the plate before Jo took it away.
“What’s your secret recipe for these fries?”
Jo smiled at Junie, who lived across the street from her on Sunshine Avenue. “It’s my special herb blend. Rosemary, oregano, and garlic with sea salt and pepper. Like the herbs in your garden.”
“I bet that would be good on the steaks Knox makes. We’re thinking of having a barbecue this weekend or next. Why don’t you come over with—well, I mean, anyone you like.”
Jo caught her meaning and lifted an eyebrow. “Slim chance of that.”
“Have you heard anything from him?”
“Not a word.” Jo wiped crumbs from the counter and quickly shifted the conversation. “How are you and Knox doing?”
Junie’s deep green eyes sparkled. “Never better.”
“Enjoy it. I mean that.”
Junie furrowed her brow. “Listen, Blue is a good guy, but if something happened back in Chicago, I’m here for you. I know there’s someone out there for you.”
“I thought I’d found him.” Jo quirked a corner of her mouth to make light of the situation. “I’m in no hurry, though. I’m fine on my own. After seeing what MaryJo went through in her divorce, I’m not settling for anyone. Hey, how about a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie? My baker, Dulcie, makes them from my grandmother’s recipe.”
Junie’s expression brightened. “Wrap one up, and I’ll take it to go. I have a meeting with a vendor at my shop to view their new lines.”
When Junie reached for her purse, Jo shook her head. “This one’s on me.”
“Thanks,” Junie said. “Want to go for a walk on the beach after work?”
“Sounds great. See you there.”
They agreed on a time, and after leaving a tip on the counter despite what Jo said, Junie whisked out the door.
In this small lull after the lunch rush, Jo restocked the bar with napkins and cardboard coasters emblazoned with her new Cuppa Jo’s logo on them. Junie’s sister Maileah had designed it for her.
This was part of a much larger plan she had for the diner. She had promoted one of her servers to assistant manager. Now she could work regular daytime hours and take weekday evenings off. In theory, that is. Her plan was proving more challenging than she’d thought it would be, and she still worked Friday and Saturday evenings, the diner’s busiest times.
Yet, she didn’t mind. This is what she loved doing. With the live music and all her friends gathering at the diner, it was more like a party than work.
For years, Jo had worked diligently to make Cuppa Jo’s the favored place for breakfast, burgers and fries, and other casual fare on Crown Island. Her friend Adrian played guitar most weekends, and sometimes she featured other musicians.
She was happy for Junie and Knox. Her friend adored Knox’s daughter, Penny, who was going into second grade in the fall. Junie had confided in her that she and Knox had been talking about marriage and expanding their family. Junie was thrilled because she hadn’t had children before being widowed at such an early age.
On the other hand, Jo had no excuse.
Of all the men who passed through her diner doors, Blue was the only one who’d stuck around. Off and on, that is.
Maybe it was because she comped police officers’ meals. That practice was good for keeping trouble away from the diner, especially during spring break, when hordes of college students, intent on partying, descended on Crown Island.
Despite Jo waiving the bill, Blue always insisted on leaving a tip that covered the cost. He’d taught his rookies to do that, too. Whether it was to avoid the appearance of impropriety or simply out of good manners, she appreciated it. Her staff worked hard. She always deposited his cash into the tip jar to be divided at the end of the shift.
Most had children, so they welcomed the extra tips.
As for herself, Jo had always dreamed of having a family. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t panic until she turned thirty-five, but she was getting close.
Lately, she’d found herself thinking about alternatives. A friend had spent a fortune on in vitro procedures. After an arduous journey on that path, they now had a lovely little girl. Jo wasn’t sure she’d want to take such measures, if it came to that. Besides, she loved being an auntie to the girl.
