“So, about this latest gossip,” Maileah began. “Any truth to what’s going on between you and our good-looking cousin?”
Jo put a hand to her mouth in surprise. “There’s gossip?”
Maileah smiled. “You’re well known in town. A lot of people saw you with Rocky. He’s really easy on the eyes. If he weren’t my blood cousin, and I weren’t engaged?—”
“Stop right there,” Junie said, poking her. “Are you concerned about Blue hearing about it?”
“Too late,” Jo replied. “He invited me over for a makeup dinner last night. Cooked for me and everything. I thought he was going to propose. But I think he only wanted to reassert his boyfriend status.”
“And did you reconcile?” Junie asked.
“For a little while, before I found out he didn't have any intention of that.” Jo shook her head. “I proposed to him, in fact.”
“You didn’t,” Maileah said with surprise.
“Well, why not?” Junie asked. “We’re not living in the Dark Ages. If you want something, go for it. Right, ladies?”
“Blue had plenty of time to think about it,” Jo said, sipping her drink. “He doesn’t want anything about our relationship to change. You know I want more.”
Her friends nodded solemnly and reached for her hands.
Clasping their hands tightly, Jo blinked hard. “So now I’m planning a coffee launch party instead of a wedding.”
Junie looked at her with compassion. “Maybe he’ll change when he realizes what he’s lost.”
“Or you’ll find someone better,” Maileah said. “I think you might have already.”
Jo managed a brave smile. “I don’t know. I’ll miss Blue, grouchy as he can be.”
Her friends knew how devastated she was, but what choice did she have? If Jo stayed in the relationship, she would grow bitter over being denied the marriage and family she’d always wanted.
This was the right choice for her. Maybe not for everyone, but for her, it was.
Moments later, Chef Gianna appeared behind them, holding a cup of coffee.
The aroma was instantly recognizable to Jo. It was her Kona coffee.
“Hello, ladies,” Gianna said. “My staff and I decided to try your coffee before you left.”
Jo caught her breath, dreading Gianna’s assessment, but also eager to hear what she thought. “What do you think, Chef?”
“They’re all quite nice, but this one…” Gianna lifted her cup and gave Jo a serious look. “If you can supply enough, I’d like to serve this at the Majestic as a special, elevated coffee, and feature your brand. Ryan takes supporting local businesses seriously.”
Junie added, “That’s what differentiates the Majestic from competing corporate hotels that have no personality. We’re an island resort, and our guests like discovering unique items and experiences.”
“I’ll talk to the grower and let you know,” Jo replied, thrilled at Gianna’s assessment.
Her friends around the table looked equally excited for her.
Gianna smiled. “Check with your sources, and we’ll work out the details later.”
Jo shook her hand with enthusiasm. “Thank you, Chef. Thank you so much.”
After she’d gone, Jo turned to her friends. “She loved it,” she cried, her spirits soaring at the professional validation.
Success might be the best way to get over a relationship after all. More reason than ever to go for it, she decided.
9
