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“It’s open this early in the season?” I asked.
“It’s brand new, and it was warm today,” Dad said, taking a seat at the head of the table.
It had been warm, which made me realize tourist season would arrive before I knew it. I needed to be prepared.
“I’m glad you had fun,” I said to Cammie as she took the phone from her grandma and scrolled through the pictures. In each one, she was smiling wide. “I’m sorry I missed it.”
Cammie smiled sadly, and I knew she was thinking about her mom, who’d missed it, too.
“Let’s put the phone away so we can eat,” Mom said, sensing what I had, too.
We gave Cammie the space to explore her feelings, but we didn’t want them to overwhelm her. I made a mental note to find a new therapist for her in town.
Moving was a big transition for anyone, and she’d had enough changes over the last year.
“Let’s say one thing we’re grateful for, and then we can eat,” Mom suggested.
The therapist had suggested we do that with Cammie a few times a day. It was a gentle reminder for her to look for the good, not to dwell on the bad and everything she’d lost.
“I’m grateful for splash pads,” Cammie said, and we burst into laughter.
That is why I moved there. For family dinners, time with her grandparents, and a fresh start. One where we weren’t haunted with reminders of our past.
Cammie’s carefree smile said I’d made the right decision. Sure, it was a transition, but we had more support, and eventually, I’d have more freedom from work. At least I hoped so. Remembering how Brooke was with her customers, I wondered if I’d been premature in thinking Bean Rush would be an instant success.
“I enjoyed spending the day with my granddaughter,” Mom said.
“Here, here,” Dad added.
Cammie looked at me. “What are you grateful for, Daddy?”
I leaned over to tickle her in the ribs. “I’m grateful we’re here with your grandparents, and I got to eat breakfast and dinner with my favorite girl.”
“Daddy!” Cammie squealed when my fingers found a particularly ticklish spot.
“Enough of that. Let’s eat,” Mom said, but her voice was filled with affection.
They were just as happy as I was that we’d moved back. Mom wanted us to do it for years, but she increased the pressure when Cammie’s mother died unexpectedly. We’d still been reeling. I held on for a little longer, thinking I could do everything myself. But eventually, I realized I needed to slow down and be there for Cammie. Maria’s parents lived in California and didn’t often visit, so they weren’t close to Cammie.
Cammie kept up a steady stream of chatter about whatever shows she’d watched that afternoon while we ate.
After we’d eaten, I helped clean up.
“How are things at work?” Mom asked as she washed the pots and dishes while I dried them.
“We’re planning on opening in two weeks. Maybe even having a grand opening party.”
She nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
“It’s not my style, but it’ll bring awareness to the business. I’ve already placed several advertisements in the paper, flyers in the mail, and some ads on social media.
“Sounds like you thought of everything,” she said absentmindedly.
“I visited Java Coffee today to check out the competition.” I wasn’t sure how Mom would take my admission. She’d always thought Brooke’s and my competitive spirits were a little over the top. She thought it was cute when we were kids, but I wasn’t sure what she would think of it now.
Mom gave me a concerned look. “You know Brooke owns it, right?”
“I do now. She’s great with her customers.”
