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“Hold your horses. We need to talk and we will, but can we start by asking each other about our day first, like we normally do? I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but Agnes is right. We need to get back to some sense of normalcy. Wouldn't you agree?”

  “Of course. Let’s see, what does normal look like for us on a Wednesday evening? We have a delicious meal… check. We have each other… check. And, I have the pleasure of looking at your beautiful face, which is illuminated by the candlelight… that’s a double check for me,” he said, nestling his nose up against hers.

  A crease formed on her cheek from a partial smile. “Mike, you know what I mean. How was the rest of your day? In particular, how did the meeting go? Do we have a new contract in the works or what?” She pressed, eagerly awaiting his response.

  “We’re still working through the kinks. The owner has a lot of grand ideas, which has its place, but I had to remind him that Lighthouse Tours caters to a much smaller crowd. People who come to us love the island and the quaint feel. A lot of his ideas seem more suitable for a big city, which clearly we are not.”

  “No way. Big city ideas wouldn’t go over well with our customers. If people want a big city atmosphere, they can go to D.C.,” she said.

  “That’s what I tried to tell him.”

  “You know how the saying goes… you win some and you lose some. If this one doesn't work out, perhaps the next offer will be a win. Either way, just stay true to what you believe in. You weren’t called to be a business owner for nothing.”

  “Thanks, babe. I love how you’re always so positive and encouraging. Since we’ve been together, there’s never been a time where you didn’t support me, making me feel like I can do anything.”

  An inkling of guilt washed over Clara. He may not find her to be as supportive once she revealed her feelings about visiting his parents. She wasn’t ready yet. Perhaps it was out of fear, maybe even a lack of self-confidence, assuming his family was way out of her league. All she knew was she wasn’t ready to expose her short comings. Not now, and maybe not for a while to come.

  The only person I should probably meet is a therapist. How can I open up and share who I am with these people if I’m too embarrassed to share my story… or to talk about why I came to Maryland in the first place? Ugh, she thought.

  “Hello… earth to Clara… anyone home?” he asked.

  “Sorry,” she said, quickly straightening up and organizing the table.

  “Maybe I can move a few items over to the sink. I know she said not to, but it’s the worst when food hardens on the plates. It won’t take long.” She continued, trying to deflect the conversation.

  “Of course. Please thank your sister again for me. I’m not sure if she’d be interested, but you should say something to her about the food truck idea that you mentioned earlier. If she were to set up shop anywhere from here to North Beach, people would come out in droves to eat her food. Especially during lunch hour and after five o’clock.”

  “That’s a fantastic idea. Licensing would probably be a nightmare, but if she really wanted to pursue it, I’m sure she can figure it out. As long as she’s nowhere near the café. McKenzie would have a cow if Agnes took away her lunchtime crowd.” She chuckled.

  “True. Okay, so maybe she can find another location somewhere on the island, but think about it… she could cater on her off days when she wasn’t working on the food truck. Clara, you know how much of a visionary I am. I love everything having to do with entrepreneurship.”

  “I know you do, love. The real question is, will Agnes like the idea? If so, where will she get the startup capital? She needs to start with a regular job, don’t you think?” she asked.

  “Yeah, well, all of these points are valid, but you’re right… she has to buy into it and like the idea for herself. I get it,” he said.

  “Now we’re talking. I’ll mention something and see what she says. In the meantime, I’m going to grab my cardigan. I hear the dock calling my name.”

  “Do you want to go sit by the boat? The one you never use, if I might add.” He chuckled.

  “Ha ha, funny guy. Yes, come… take a walk with me.”

  Outside, they walked hand in hand, feeling the coolness of the September evening. It didn’t matter what time of the year it was. Clara couldn’t deny the peace she felt whenever she heard the sound of the tranquil water or whenever her feet sank into the sand.

  “Clara.”

  “Uh, oh. I recognize that sound in your voice,” she said.

  “I think it’s fair of me to ask what’s on your mind. It didn’t go unnoticed that you quickly changed the subject when I asked you about coming to Florida this Friday. Plus, you seemed distracted. You know I’ll do anything for you, but I don’t want to go down this road of not openly communicating with one another. If you don’t want to meet my folks, just say so.”

  She tucked her hair out of the way and kept looking forward.

  “It’s not that I don’t want to meet them. I do,” she said.

  “Does it have to do with Agnes?”

  “No. Not really.”

  “Well, then help me understand. I feel like I’m at a major disadvantage here. If it’s not my parents and it’s not Agnes, then I’m clueless as to what it could be,” he said.

  “It’s me, Mike. Not your parents… not you. I’m the one who needs time.” She knew this would be the perfect time to reveal her insecurities, but she couldn’t. She stood there, unable to speak and unable to think clearly.

  “Is this your subtle way of breaking up with me?”

  “No. No… not at all.”

  “Okay,” he said, fumbling nervously for his pockets.

  “I wish there was something I could say to help change your mind… anything. A part of me is so dumbfounded by all this. One minute we’re doing great, the next there’s a turn of events in your life and ever since, it feels like everything is falling apart. Life doesn’t work like this, Clara. You can’t just run every time it gets hard. Earlier this year when Joan’s niece tried to threaten your safety, I was right here by your side. I didn’t run. Then, when your crazy ex showed up, again, I was here. I didn’t run and I darn well could’ve. Now, all I’m asking you to do is show up for me for one lousy weekend… and the only thing I get is… it’s not you, it’s me. Maybe I was foolish to get all excited about you meeting my folks. I probably got way ahead of myself, envisioning us being a-” He stopped himself, realizing he’d already gone too far, allowing his emotions to get the best of him.

  “Never mind,” he said.

  Clara didn’t know what to say.

  “I probably should head home. Tomorrow is a big day with the staff luncheon, and I should get a little more work done before I turn in for the night.”

  “Yeah, you 're right. Everyone is so excited… we should be well rested and ready for the festivities,” she responded.

  Mike held up his finger as if he had one more point to make, but let it go.

  Instead, he said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He turned about face, heading back toward the house. She sank her face in her hands, silencing a heart wrenching cry.

  Chapter 16

  “The crab cakes are absolutely amazing,” Tommy said, patting his mouth with a napkin.

  “I decided to go with the brisket… I have two words for you, Mackenzie…. mouth… watering.” Jan added, giving her the thumbs up.

  Mackenzie picked up the next glass to refill, feeling pleased that everyone was enjoying their meal.

  “Good, that’s what I like to hear. There’s more where that came from. Chef Harold has been preparing for your arrival today. He saved his very best for the Lighthouse team,” she said, leaning in so the other customers wouldn’t hear.

  “Thank you, Mack. It warms my heart to have the entire team here today. In my mind, the café is the heart of the Island. I’ve met so many wonderful people here,” Mike said, glancing at Clara who was sitting a few seats away next to Jan. Mike stood up a
nd raised a glass before everyone, gathering their attention.

  “Good afternoon everybody.”

  “Good afternoon,” they responded.

  “I’m not one for long speeches, but I want to say a few important words to the group and give you an important update. My entire goal for bringing you here today was to create a bond and give us an opportunity for fellowship. So far, I overheard Nicholas, Tommy, JP, and Jonathan trading tour stories with one another, and the ladies have been sharing some of their craziest customer service experiences they’ve had since they started working for the company. Since Ms. Mae has been here the longest, I think she has you all beat by a long shot.” He joked. Everyone responded with a hearty laugh knowing he was right.

  “When I look around the table, I see lots of wonderful people with unique skills and talent, but the one thing we share in common is we’re all a part of the Lighthouse Tours family. I planned today, so we’d have an opportunity to bond. We are and will always be better together than we are apart. It goes without saying, the better we are together, the better our company will be. As for updates, those of you who’ve been around longer know the Annapolis team would normally be here as well. However, I want to announce that as of this week, I’m officially the sole owner of the Solomons and North Beach locations. My partner Kenny and I made an agreement that included us buying out his half of the business… and I should add, there’s no need to worry. We’re still on wonderful terms with one another. The decision was just in the best interest of him and his family.”

  Mae clapped, causing a genuine outburst of cheer around the table.

  “Thanks, everyone. Outside of the ownership change, everything else remains the same. I’m going to work really hard to ensure we do this quarterly, or at a minimum, a couple of times a year. Continue being the great staff you are… and for now, continue to eat, socialize, and be merry. Cheers, everybody.” Mike held up his glass.

  “Cheers.”

  After everyone finished their meal, some remained for dessert and others mingled around the table, catching up with one another.

  Brody congratulated his boss and then snuck over to the front counter. “Hello, beautiful,” he said to Mackenzie, who’s face lit up like the Fourth of July.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be at the luncheon right now?” she asked.

  “I’m going back, don’t worry. There was no way I could come in here without saying hello and telling you how beautiful you look today.”

  “Oh, Brody, stop.” She smiled.

  “I’m serious.”

  “So am I. I’m wearing an apron, for Pete’s sake. There’s nothing beautiful about my work uniform,” she said.

  “We might have to agree to disagree then. I think you’re cute. You always look good in anything you put on.”

  She looked down at the floor, feeling unusually shy.

  “I’m not saying it just to butter you up. I think it’s obvious that I’m into you. I came over here because I was wondering if you were free to go out again this weekend?” he asked.

  “Oh, I’d like to, but this is the first weekend where Stephanie doesn’t have anything going on, and I already promised her we’d figure out something to do together. I’d hate to go back on my word and hire a babysitter.”

  “Would you be open to finding something the three of us can do? October Fest is open this weekend. Maybe we can go pumpkin picking, visit the corn maze, and eat a few candy apples… you know, pretty much all things fall related.” He smiled.

  Mackenzie thought about it. She knew Stephanie would enjoy herself, but this would be the first time she was bringing her daughter around a date.

  “If it would help put your mind at ease, I hope you know I will be the perfect gentleman in front of Stephanie. I have a niece and nephew of my own, so I know how impressionable young minds can be,” he said.

  “I appreciate it and don’t doubt that you would be a gentleman. Bringing her out with a guy would be a first for me so, how about I talk to her about the idea and see how she reacts? If I know Stephanie, she’ll probably be over the moon, but I just want to be certain.”

  “I completely understand.”

  Clara walked up to the counter with a grin, admiring their interaction as a couple.

  “Well, well, well. I don’t know if there’s enough room in this place to accommodate the huge smile on your faces. I’m happy to see firsthand just how much you two are hitting it off,” she said.

  “Something tells me this would be the perfect time to head back over and let you two talk.” Brody admitted, saying his goodbyes to Mackenzie.

  The women watched him walk away, clearing a good distance before Clara tried to get the scoop.

  “Sooo… it looks like you two are really hitting it off,” she said.

  “We’re having a nice time, there’s no doubt about it. We get along well, we have a lot in common-”

  “But? I feel a but coming on,” Clara responded.

  “Not really, he just asked me out this weekend.”

  “Yeah, and…”

  “On a family friendly date, that would include Steph,” Mack said.

  “Ahh, I see. How does that make you feel?”

  “Well, he promised to be a gentleman, which I already knew he would, and we’re planning to go to October Fest, so that shouldn’t be an issue. I’m sure Steph will love it and all...”

  “So, what’s the hesitation, then?”

  “I’m always concerned about Stephanie getting too attached. He’s a really nice guy, but what if things don’t work out?” McKenzie asked.

  “What if they do? He’s not Bill, Mack. This guy wants to meet your daughter. He wants to connect with the most important person in your life. I say give it a chance. Ease into it, of course, but take a leap of faith at the same time. October Fest is a great place to start.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yes! Absolutely.” Clara reassured her.

  “Okay, as long as Stephanie is open, then I’m all in.”

  “Excellent.”

  Mackenzie set up a couple of placemats at the counter while she continued talking with Clara.

  “So, I talked to the owner of the café yesterday. He adjusted our meeting time because of some rescheduling on his end. Turns out the reason he hasn’t been conducting his monthly visits is because he’s really sick. His brother-in-law is going to be filling in for him until he’s able to get his health back in order.”

  “Did he say what was wrong?” Clara asked.

  “No, only that he needed some time, that he was pleased with the way I was managing things, and the numbers were looking good. He also asked for an update regarding the staff, but you know how he is… this place has always been more of a hands-off investment for him more than anything else. I never complained because I appreciate the freedom to run the ship how I see fit. Despite that, I always thought he’d want to be a little more involved. Either way, I never like to hear about anybody getting sick. I wished him a speedy recovery and told him I was looking forward to meeting his brother-in-law, so we’ll see how that goes.”

  “He’s pretty lucky to have you as his head manager. You take good care of this place and the customers as if it were your very own,” Clara said.

  “We almost lost the café before the change in ownership. I’m just grateful, that’s all. This place has always been there for me, putting food on the table for me and my girl. I try to remember that always. But, enough about me… are your bags all packed for your trip tomorrow?”

  “Not quite,” Clara responded, knowing Mack would disapprove.

  McKenzie looked surprised.

  “Don’t look at me like that. I told him I’m not ready to meet his parents yet.”

  “You did what? Have you lost your mind? You might as well have told the guy you’re not interested in being with him in a relationship anymore. Is that really the kind of message you’re looking to send?”

  “Okay, which question do you want me to answer first?
Actually, forget it… I change my mind. I’m not answering any of them here. It’s not the time or place. Just know that I thought long and hard about my decision. This is all so spur of the moment and unlike the Sanders family. My life story isn’t as squeaky clean as theirs,” Clara said.

  Mackenzie took her friend by the hand and dragged her in the back to the kitchen.

  “Hey, Harold. Don’t mind us,” Mackenzie yelled to the chef.

  Clara waved, feeling slightly embarrassed and out of place.

  “I’m only going to say this once, so make sure you catch every word of it. No one is perfect, and no one makes perfect decisions. If Mike loves you, then his parents will love you and want the best for the both of you. Period. End of story. Stop allowing these false ideas to take up residence in your mind, Clara. All of it is a lie from the pit of-”

  “Mackenzie, I get it. Take a deep breath. You’re yelling so loud I can see the customers looking this way through the window.”

  “I don’t care who hears me. You’ve got yourself a good man and you’re about to mess things up because of your own…” She stopped herself, not wanting to crush Clara.

  “Insecurities? It’s okay, you can say it.”

  Mack took in a deep breath, leaned forward, and held her friend by the shoulders.

  “Look. Women like myself pray to find guys like Mike. He’s driven, good looking, kind, honest, he adores you, and did I mention how good looking he is?” She laughed.

  “Yes, I think good looking was on your list.”

  “Okay, just making sure I didn’t miss that one. Basically, he checks all the boxes. As your friend, I will not stand here and try to talk you out of this, but I will caution you to consider one thing. Ask yourself one very important question… is it worth it? Whatever reasons you’ve been coming up with to not go on this trip… is it really worth potentially losing Mike over?”

  Clara started to answer but was interrupted by Ms. Mae, who was peeking through the swinging door.

  “Surely you two aren’t going to stay back here and miss out on all the fun. Somehow, Tommy and the guys managed to attract Violet’s friends from the bridge club over to our table. I’ve never seen old women flock to a bunch of good-looking men so fast. Clara, I’d be careful if I were you. The one with the cane has her eye on Mike,” she said, cackling loud at her own sense of humor.