Home > Coral Cafe (The Coral Cottage at Summer Beach #2)(5)

Coral Cafe (The Coral Cottage at Summer Beach #2)(5)
Author: Jan Moran

Marina didn’t have much time to talk about this. She gazed around the kitchen, where supplies filled every surface. “Kai is upstairs in the bath, but I’ll have this organized and put away shortly.”

“I’ve given this cafe idea a great deal of thought,” Ginger said, placing her hands on her hips.

“And I’d love to hear those thoughts.” Marina blew a wisp of hair from her forehead as she unloaded supplies. “Maybe later?”

“We can talk while I help you put these away.” Ginger opened another cabinet to shift items to make room, falling in sync with her granddaughter.

“I won’t say no to that.” Marina smiled to herself. Her grandmother was efficient—and persuasive.

“While I’ve enjoyed having the most interesting guests in residence every summer,” Ginger began, “I’ve decided to put that structure to better use. I’m sure Bennett can help Jack can find another place to live for the remainder of his sabbatical. Besides, now that Jack has young Leo, he should stay on in Summer Beach. See the boy through school and be a real father to him.”

Marina bit her lip at that thought. She had thought a relationship with Jack was developing, but she was mistaken. Who knew what went on in the minds of men?

“About Jack…” A faraway look filled Ginger’s eyes. “Why, when Bertrand was in the diplomatic corps, there was an irresponsible young man who took in a nephew he’d never met. That shaped up the scoundrel in a hurry. Even he said it was the best thing that could have happened to him. Not so much for the boy, of course. Still, with Jack—”

“Excuse me,” Marina said. Ginger loved reminiscing, and while Marina usually enjoyed hearing her stories, she didn’t have the time or inclination to listen to her grandmother go on about Jack. She and Kai planned to be at the marina before Anne and Charles in case they were early. They’d need every minute to prepare.

“You said you’ve been thinking about the cafe,” Marina said. “I can get by with the patio this summer, but I hope to move into a proper facility next year. While I appreciate it, I can’t use your kitchen forever.”

Ginger smiled. “Then I should tell you that I visited City Hall this week and had a long chat with Boz in the planning department. Bertrand and I purchased this house first, then the lot for the guest cottage, which we had built. That lot is outside of the Summer Beach city limits and zoning. Technically, I can do whatever I want on that property. That’s why I plan to enlarge the kitchen in the guest cottage for the cafe. You can work from there.”

“Really?” Marina could hardly believe what Ginger was saying. That might be the answer to her dilemma. Excitement bubbled through her, but then her pragmatic side surfaced. Marina wrinkled her brow with concern. “More space would be welcome, but what about the cost and inconvenience to you?”

Ginger lifted her chin. “According to my calculations, the insurance funds will cover most of it. However, you might want some kitchen upgrades.”

“I’ll cover that cost,” Marina said quickly, thinking about the equipment and increased capacity she would soon need to grow the business. Investing limited funds was risky, but didn’t every new venture carry an element of risk? She drew a breath to quell her nerves. “I still have funds from my settlement.”

As long as Marina made a reasonable profit this summer, she’d have money for the portion of Heather’s tuition not covered by school loans at Duke University. The investment in a new business was necessary to replace her old income, as her agent hadn’t managed to find another anchor position for her.

Marina had to be realistic. At her age, her options in front of the camera were growing more limited every year—even though she felt like she was at the top of her game.

However, a cafe was more than a second-place option—it’s what she’d dreamed of doing for years. And she’d be the boss, not some trust-fund hipster who was playing television producer at one of his billionaire father’s acquisitions.

Her former boss Hal had been more interested in on-air eye candy than reporting the news. Yet as a single parent with two children, Marina had needed the security of a paycheck at the time. In the end, that illusion of security had been subject to Hal’s whims. It might have taken her years to realize it, but now Marina was determined to create more reliable security on her own.

She’d already taken the first steps toward her dream—perfecting her recipes, creating a vision, and building a clientele at the farmers market. Except for a couple of small disasters—including her debut at the Seabreeze Inn—her business was off to a fairly good start. Still, she’d had to be careful not to make mistakes or get derailed.

“We can discuss the finances later,” Ginger said, checking her watch. “Let’s look at the guest cottage. I thought you’d like to start planning your workspace before you have to leave.”

“I don’t have much time, Ginger.” Just then, Marina heard Kai’s soprano voice soaring into show tunes.

“Kai takes a long bath. And she’s only just beginning the Sound of Music.” Ginger checked her watch. “Axe Woodson is also due here shortly.”

“Lead the way then.”

The two women made their way past freshly planted bougainvillea plants, replacements for the voluptuous, ruby-flowering vines the tornado had shredded and unearthed. As they reached the front door, a late-model pick-up truck eased to a stop in the driveway. A tall, rugged-looking man in a plaid shirt stepped out. His cowboy boots stood out in Summer Beach, though probably not in his home state of Montana.

“We’re out here, Mr. Woodson,” Ginger called out with a wave.

With a roll of plans under his arm, Axe strode toward them. His sandy, sun-bleached hair contrasted with a face weathered from the outdoors. “I brought the plans so we can make notes of any changes you want.”

Kai’s vocals drifting from the bathroom’s open window drew Axe’s attention. He paused, nodding thoughtfully. “That’s quite the song.”

“Isn’t it?” A smile touched Ginger’s face with pride.

Smoothing a hand over his chin, he said, “I didn’t realize Kai was so talented.” His rich voice rumbled in his barrel chest.

“With her gift and flair, she could easily play on Broadway.” Ginger nodded toward the plans, drawing his attention back. “Marina will also have input on the new design.”

Marina greeted Axe, whose crew had been repairing the damaged roof. They walked inside the guest cottage, which had been cleared of furnishings. The old stuffed sofa had been drenched, and the wooden desk warped. A musky aroma hung in the air.

“It was time to redecorate anyway,” Ginger said, tapping the damaged desk.

“Summer Beach can use a restaurant this close to the beach. You should draw a crowd.”

“That’s the idea,” Marina said. “But when I spoke to Boz a few weeks ago, he mentioned that chain restaurants in the next town were running a lot of specials to attract Summer Beach visitors. That’s hurting a lot of restaurants in town.” That was the unknown part of her venture that disturbed her. “Do you know Rosa at the fish taco stand in the village?”

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