AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wow. That’s quite the change of pace, I’m sure. You couldn’t have picked a better town. What do you do for work?” Remy asked.
“She’s not going to work at your café, Rem. She’s a business owner herself,” Jasmine interjected, taking a cookie off the cooling rack.
“Oh, you are? What kind of business?” Remy asked, adjusting Zoey on her other hip.
“I’m opening a yoga studio.”
“Good. We need more women in business in this town.” Remy smiled.
“Are there many?” Mia asked.
“Besides my café, and Jasmine’s bed-and-breakfast, there’s the book store, but I can’t think of any other businesses owned solely by a woman.”
“You own a bed-and-breakfast?” Mia asked Jasmine.
“Yes, The Lighthouse Inn. About two miles down the coast from where you found me stranded.” Jasmine turned to Remy. “Doesn’t Charli own the bar?”
Remy shook her head. “No, her husband’s parents still do, but she basically runs the whole place. I never see Zeke or Claire there anymore.”
Jasmine nodded.
Zoey reached for the remaining cookie in her mother’s hand.
“She’s just like her mommy—a sugar addict.” Remy smiled.
“Let’s hope that’s all she gets from me,” Jasmine said, seemingly hiding behind a smile as she handed over a large cookie crumb to her daughter.
Remy’s expression morphed into concern. “You’re doing an amazing job. She’s loved and fed and clothed. What more could a baby want?”
“Mia needs some caffeine,” Jasmine said, quickly changing the subject, taking Zoey back in her arms.
“What can I get you?” Remy asked.
“Just a black coffee, with one of your lavender scones,” Mia answered.
“Coming right up.” Remy walked back out into the main part of the café and started making the coffee.
Jasmine spoke. “I just wanted to thank you again for helping me out today and letting me vent. I’d really love to pay you back in some way. I’m having a barbecue at The Lighthouse Inn this evening. Remy will be there, and my brothers—just a few friends and fellow local business owners getting together to have a drink and some great food. Remy is making dinner. I’d love if you came as my guest.”
Mia smiled as her chest tightened. She liked Jasmine, and the woman seemed genuine and friendly. She could use a friend right now—hers were thousands of miles away on the other side of the country.
You have to put yourself out there.
“Sure. That sounds fun. Let me know if I can bring anything.”
Remy came back into the kitchen, handing her the coffee and a wax paper bag. Mia wrapped her fingers around the warm paper cup, breathing in the delicious aroma. “Thank you. How much do I owe you?”
Remy shook her head, her braids swaying with the motion. “It’s on the house.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Do you have any family out here?” Remy asked.
Mia sipped the coffee before shaking her head. “No. My mother died last year and my father passed when I was a child.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Remy said.
Mia gave her a polite smile.
