“That must be difficult for you to say,” I reply, teasing lightly; it’s that or linger, pathetically, on hearing that Jack told Dad to apologize.
“I was worried. Sometimes I forget just how grown up you are.” He sighs, hand scrubbing over his jaw. “I didn’t mean for my... arrangement with him to come out like that. And I certainly didn’t mean for it to come between the two of you.”
“That wasn’t why I left.”
“No?”
“We want different things.” My voice is thick suddenly. I occupy my mouth with a bite of croissant.
He regards me with serious, concern-filled eyes. “I’m glad you discovered a passion for the restaurant business. It’s obvious now, how serious you are about it. Do you want to hear about the project in San Diego?”
“To do what?”
“Be our project manager, to start.” He takes out his phone, pulling up a few photos. “For a new restaurant we’re looking to put together. Take a look. We’ll have space for corporate events, weddings, parties. It used to be a private home.”
I look at the photos of the property. They show a beautiful manor, picturesque and clearly well-loved, framed by rambling grounds and a view of the Pacific.
“We already have an extensive network of small farms in California to approach for partnerships,” he adds. “And an excellent chef onboard—Chef Sydney Strauss. You’d like her. If everything goes well, you could become a managing partner.”
“It could be California coastal chic,” I muse. “Farm to table with a touch of glam. With a location like that, you could emphasize freshness, healthy eating...” I break off, imagining light wood accents, natural fabrics, a sparse and very clean menu.
“That’s exactly in line with what we were thinking.” Dad reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. “Of course, there’s no pressure to take the job, we can discuss other opportunities, but—”
“I want to do it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Jack can have New York City.”
“It’s a very large city.”
“I’ve always wanted to spend more time in California.”
“Perhaps you can head out after the new year, then,” he says with a careful nod. “I’m trying to trust that you know what you need.”
I can’t speak for a moment. Dad doesn’t push me. After a moment I slide out of my chair, giving him a sideways hug. Things aren’t suddenly perfect, but I feel like he understands me a little more than he did in the past.
“Thank you,” I whisper, against the scratchy wool of his sweater.
Despite the heartache that I’m becoming increasingly convinced will never fade—a permanent wound, a forever mark on my soul—I feel like I can breathe a little easier for the first time since I left Florida. My family is still my family. I love them, and they love me. San Diego might not be Diamond Bay, but I’ll find a way to love it.
Chapter 51
Ice Bath
Jack
“I’ll be here waiting, baby,” I hear Chester murmur to Kiara, hugging her close. “Take all the time you need.”
I avert my eyes to give them privacy as Kiara whispers something back. It’s a breezy morning on the beach, but beautiful, mild and balmy and full of soft sunshine. It’s a shame that Poppy isn’t here to experience it. I’ve been checking the weather in New York every day, and they’ve had a miserable stretch of rain.
It’s one of a dozen things I can’t seem to stop doing, where Poppy is concerned. And soon I’ll really need to stop, because she’ll be in California. When Douglas called the other day to offer me the Green Street job after all, he mentioned that Poppy won’t be in town come the new year.
San Diego. A brand-new venue for her to work her magic on, a managing partnership like she deserves. She’ll do well out there.
Even so, I know I won’t stop looking for her face in every crowd.
Kiara walks over to me, her bare feet sinking into the sand. She has Sal’s urn tucked against her chest. I do my best to smile. Chester gives us a wave, heading back to his truck.
