Page 27 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

It had been ages since I’d had a male friend, but Ian wasn’t just some guy. He was Lee’s friend and was safe to let into our lives. Cautiously. I glanced at my phone when it beeped.

Ian: Looks like the three of you are having fun, but where are you in the picture?

I let out a small laugh and sent a picture of the selfie I had taken of the three of us.

The message came fast.

Ian: Better. Enjoy, and drive safe coming back home.

I debated asking him what he was doing, but I let it go when the dots rolled. Another text came through.

Ian: I’m stopping by with a client tomorrow.

“Abby.” A hand waved in front of my face.

I peered up, squinting into the sunlight. “Justin. Oh, sorry.” I put my phone facedown.

“Looks like you were deep in thought. Anyway, how was everything?” He gestured to the empty table.

Kate had cleaned up while I had been glued to the phone, debating what to say and what picture to send. So much thought was put into a simple text. Good grief.

“It was perfect,” I said. “How long are your parents on vacation?”

Justin’s expression turned somber. “My dad had a stroke. I’ll need to hire someone to manage this place, or I’m going to have to sell it.”

“I’m so sorry, Justin. Will he be okay? How bad is it?”

“It happened a couple of days ago. We’ll know more soon.”

I nodded, my lips pressed tight. “Please, give my love to your dad. He doesn’t know me, but I wish him well. And I know his customers will miss him.”

“Thanks. Anyway, I should get back inside. It was nice seeing you again.”

I watched him walk away and wondered if I would ever see him again. His grief and worry were familiar to me, and reading those feelings in Justin’s face reminded me of Steve. Life was so fleeting and sad, but there was also joy. I looked over to my son, my love, my happiness. He gave me a reason to wake up every morning.

“Let’s go get some dessert, shall we?” I said, to lighten the oppressive mood.

“Aye, Captain. Shaved ice, here we come.” Tyler licked his lips and tugged Kate out of her seat.

Chapter Ten — Back to Work

“Good morning,” Stella chirped when I pushed through the front door at the gallery the next morning.

The wind chimes tinkled, soothing and sweet to my ears.

“How was your weekend?” I headed to the table, swinging my purse off my arm. “Fun, I hope.”

Stella blinked with surprise like I had spoken in another language. “Fi … ne.” She sounded unsure. “You sound happy.”

I narrowed my eyes, confused. I greeted her the same way I did every day. Before I could say anything, Kate strolled in with her hips swaying, wearing her bubbly mood in a warm smile and bouncy step. Heels instead of flat sandals clicked on the floor.

Kate adjusted her shirt, a cute coral front-tie, and straightened her white linen pants. Instead of pulling her hair back into a ponytail, she had curled it. Soft makeup highlighted her eyes, cheeks, and lips. She looked stunning.

“You going to paint wearing that?” I poured myself a coffee and took a sip.

Kate waved at Stella and frowned at me. “I’m going to wear an apron, of course. Lee is taking me out to lunch. He’s coming by with Ian.”

As if Kate had dropped a bit of juicy gossip, Stella swirled her desk chair around and gave me a once-over.