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“We’re glad to welcome you to the Harbor Inn. Here is your key, ma’am,” said the receptionist kindly as she stood.
Jackson couldn’t help but do a double take when he recognized the girl from baggage claim, who just then caught his glance and seemed equally as surprised. He laughed as he extended his hand. “Hey, what a small world. Jackson Thorne, pleased to meet you…again.” The woman grinned as a pink blush crept into the apples of her cheeks. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Callie Winthrop. I’m helping my aunt with managing the inn this week.” Thelma Ward looked from one to the other of them. “Oooh, I like this, Liza,” she seemed to say to her purse. Both Jackson and Callie looked at her.
“Oh, I almost forgot to introduce you,” Thelma said, opening her bag and pulling out a very ruffled-looking tuxedo cat wearing a jeweled collar. “This is Liza Minnelli.” Glancing at the clock on the wall, she added, “And it’s time for her snack.” She transferred the cat to the crook of her left arm and kept rustling within her purse with her right hand, finally drawing out a bag of Cheez Puffs. She popped open the bag and took out a single puff, holding it out to the cat, who began eagerly licking off the bright orange powder.
Jackson didn’t know whether to be amused or disgusted, and from the confused look on her face, he was pretty sure Callie was feeling the same way. “Luckily, we are a pet-friendly establishment,” she quickly recovered, resuming the role of hospitable hostess. “You’ll find extra pet supplies in the pantry off the kitchen, right that way,” she pointed.
“Oh, thanks, dear, I’ll just get settled in my suite first. The Wheelhouse room, right?” Callie nodded as Thelma hurried off with Liza Minnelli and the Cheez Puffs.
Jackson stepped up to the counter as Callie tucked a strand of her sandy-colored hair behind her ear. She was even prettier now that he had a chance to really look at her closely. He couldn’t help but wonder if she had a boyfriend. She held a key out to him. “You’re in the Driftwood suite,” she said. “It will be the third door on your left on the second floor.”
“Thanks. Guess I’d better get some rest. Have a good night.” Even though he wanted to talk to her further, she was obviously working, and he didn’t want to risk bothering her or coming off as intrusive. An hour later, after he’d unpacked and finished washing up for bed, he took out a thriller and settled back against the pillow he’d propped on the bed, determined to get Callie Winthrop off his mind before the official matchmaking began.
˜*˜
CALLIE
Callie awoke with a start and looked at her alarm clock. She hadn’t even realized she’d finally drifted off after tossing and turning most of the night. The shock of seeing Jackson again filled her with anticipation and excitement.But why?She already had a boyfriend. She shouldn’t be feeling like a teenager with a crush on the new guy at school. Throwing back the covers, she decided the best remedy would be to focus her mind on something else–quick. Even though it was earlier than she usually got up, she figured a bit of extra time should help her prepare some especially fine breakfast dishes for her guests as they kicked off the weeklong series of events.
Callie looked through her closet with dissatisfaction. When was the last time she’d taken the time to update her wardrobe? None of her outfits looked appealing. Finally, she chose a simple jean skirt and twin set, opting for a classic look with pearl studs and no makeup save a swipe of mascara. She pulled her hair into a ponytail as she headed towards the kitchen and took out her favorite recipe book, compiled by women in some small southern town that she had discovered at a used bookstore. Each woman had included a small tidbit about the history of the dish, whether it was handed down from their ancestors or held a special religious or sentimental meaning. Callie liked to imagine the women and their lives as she cooked and hoped the care and connection she felt translated into the food she prepared.
For today, Callie chose fresh apple waffles, a sausage souffle, and crispy bacon. Aunt Fran joined her in the kitchen and turned the radio to the oldies station. A couple of hours later, as they finished setting the buffet, the guests began to wander into the dining room, eyeing each other as they filled their cups with coffee and tea.
Aunt Fran grabbed a napkin and offered it along with a plate to Benjamin Green, who had just managed to spill his coffee down his shirt. “Please take a plate and feel free to help yourselves, everyone,” Fran announced as she passed plates to Amberley and Margaret, who were both entering the room, Amberley yawning while Margaret appeared well-rested and bright-eyed. “Thank you,” Margaret said softly as she accepted a plate, exclaiming in delight when she saw the apple waffles and accompanying cinnamon sauce on the table. “Oh, that looks fabulous.” She generously spooned the sauce over the waffles, added fresh red and green apple slices, and sprinkled a few walnuts on top from the side dish.
Amberley, who was sporting another pair of stiletto heels and a full face of makeup despite the early hour, selected a small portion of the souffle, a couple of pieces of bacon, and some fresh fruit. “So, where are you from?” she asked Margaret. “Do you recognize me? Because I’m kind of famous, you know. I’m on TV.” Margaret’s eyebrows knit together as she looked at Amberley and sat down at the dining table. “Um, maybe you look kind of familiar, but I’m not really sure? I’m from Ohio.”
“Oh then, probably not. I’m the weather girl for a Dallas news station.” Amberley looked a little crestfallen. “How about you?” She turned to Professor Green. “My name is Amberley Drake.” Looking a bit shocked to be addressed directly by the voluptuous blonde, he replied, “Ben Green from Atlanta, nice to meet you.”
“Well, you look like a math professor,” Amberley said as she popped a blueberry into her mouth.
“Then you would be entirely correct,” Ben smiled but then asked worriedly, “Is that a good thing?”
Amberley laughed and chugged some orange juice. “Oh, yeah, I tend to go for nerdy types. You know how to treat women with respect.”
Tony Rizzoli strode into the room and began heaping food onto his plate. He looked around as everyone stared at the pile, slowly forming a small mountain on his plate. “Hey, I’m Italian, what can I say? We like big food.” He grinned and sat down next to Amberley, eyeing her up and down as he said, “Now, how’re you doing, sweetheart?” She rolled her eyes in response and muttered, “Like I was saying…”
Callie stifled a laugh. She was starting to see why her aunt wanted to own a bed-and-breakfast. She was having more fun already than she’d had in the three years she’d been working at the firm.
“What did I miss?” asked Jackson as he walked purposefully toward the buffet and accepted a breakfast plate from Fran, who was refilling her mug with hot water for tea.
“Hey, man,” nodded Tony in greeting between mouthfuls, “I think the ladies around here should introduce themselves.”
“Yes, why don’t we all introduce ourselves since you and the other guests will be staying with us for the week?” asked Fran, who had sat down next to Margaret.
Jackson chose a seat beside Callie as he greeted everyone. “Good morning to you all. I’m Jackson Thorne. I run a contracting business out of Tampa.”
Margaret piped in, “Oh, it’s nice to meet another business owner. My name is Margaret, and I’m new to being an entrepreneur myself. However, I’m finding it to be very stressful. I’m afraid I’m much better at doing the crafts I sell in my shop, such as knitting and quilting, than selling to my customers. I just don’t think I’m cut out for marketing.”
“My mother was a quilter. God rest her soul,” commented Tony as he put his fork down to make the sign of the cross.
“Good morning, everyone!” Thelma called loudly as she came rushing into the room, her leather tote bag banging against her hip. Callie could smell her perfume from across the table and tried not to wrinkle her nose, grateful for the gentler aromas wafting from the sweet cinnamon sauce and peppery sausage on her plate. Thelma grabbed a slice of bacon from the serving tray and took a big bite as she pointed in Callie’s direction. “Thank you so much, young lady, for pointing out the extra pet supplies you have on hand in this place. Liza Minnelli told me to thank you for getting Favored Feline canned food. It’s her favorite brand, and the salmon pate is her favorite dish.”
Amberley looked confused. “Liza Minnelli’s here?” she asked.
“Yes!” Thelma gestured upstairs, “she’s in my room getting her beauty sleep.” She plopped her full plate at the head of the table and sat down.
Callie leaned over and whispered, “I believe she’s referring to her cat.” Upon hearing this, Amberley instantly perked up, turning to Thelma. “Oh, you brought your kitty here? I love kitties.”
