Page 73 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

No matter. I reminded myself that I wasn’t the best for Ian. I couldn’t give him all of me, and it wouldn’t be fair to him. As soon as I got home, I changed, picked up Tyler from Lee’s place, and drove back home.

I had missed calls from Kate and Ian. I’d thought it was best I didn’t talk to Ian, so I messaged my sister.

Abby: I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me. I’m going to bed. Don’t come over.

I lied, of course, but my sister didn’t come over.

The next day, after I dropped off Tyler at school, I went for a run instead of working. I needed to clear my thoughts. I needed to stop thinking about that damn kiss that had ruined me in more ways than one. Jogging wasn’t working, so I sprinted as fast as my legs and lungs would allow. That didn’t work either.

Ian’s face replaced the trees, the cars, the houses, and every which way I turned. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of Izzy’s Café.

I walked in, sweating, and looked behind the cash register to spot dark hair peppered with white. Not her daughter.

“Izzy,” I chirped, a bit louder than I meant to.

She jerked back and held her hand to her heart, panting. “Goodness, dear. What’s gotten into you?”

Just the sight of her made me smile, my worries pushed to the side, even if she sounded a bit annoyed.

“I’m so sorry. It’s so good to see you. You weren’t here the last time I came.” Probably best not to tell her that a part of me had thought she’d died.

She leaned forward, her elbows on the front counter. “I took a couple of weeks off, and I’m so glad I did. So you met my daughter.”

“Yes, I did. She’s lovely.”

“Thank you.” She straightened and grabbed a paper mug. “Same latte?”

“Do you even need to ask?” I gave her a sly smirk.

“So …” Izzy got busy making my drink. “I have something to tell you.” She paused for good measure, inhaled a deep breath, and said, “I sold the café.”

“What? No. Izzy.” I frowned, unable to hide my disappointment.

“I’m getting too old, and I’d like to do things before I die, Abby.” She snorted and grabbed the soy milk out of the fridge.

I lowered my head. “I understand. When’s your last day?”

“End of next month. Jason and I are going to do some traveling. Go visit our grandkids and live life. I’ve been stuck to this café for so long.” She cupped the hand I had rested on the counter, and her expression turned somber. “I’ll miss the people. I’ll miss you.”

I gave her a warm smile as tears pooled in my eyes. “I’m going to miss you, too.” More than she would ever know. I not only came here for the delicious lattes, but for the guidance she didn’t know she was giving me. Just talking to her made me feel better.

She patted our clasped hands and went behind the machine to whip the latte. “So, how are Tyler and Kate?”

“Kate is engaged.”

She beamed a smile. “Oh, that’s wonderful. When? How?”

As I gave her details on how Ian and I had helped Lee, a pang stabbed my chest.

Izzy narrowed her eyes behind her glasses. “Did something happen? Who is this Ian? Why haven’t you told me about him before?”

I laughed nervously. Izzy knew my life story, and she could read me like a book.

I glanced to the door to see if anyone was coming, then focused back on her. “Ian is Lee’s friend. I met him four years ago, but we’ve become good friends recently.”

She gave me a suspicious sidelong glance. “What do you mean by good friend? Men and women can’t be friends, especially when both of them are single. But that’s just my opinion.”

I disagreed, but said nothing. “It’s complicated.”