Yeah, Avery could relate. She may not have a boy anymore, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t still covet the one who’d been hers for such a short time.
“So, you’ve had three days to relax, get your mind headed down the right path again,” Delaney said. “How’s it going?”
“Good.” Avery looked at the charts and lists she had laid out around the table. “I’ve nailed down two cooks, a part-time baking assistant, four waitresses, four kitchen staff, and a commercial cleaning service. I just need to get them start dates. I also signed on with Shannon’s bookkeeper. But I’m still looking for an assistant for me and a manager for the café. Lots of applications, but I haven’t found those perfect fits yet.”
“Holy shit.” Delaney gave her a shocked-but-irritated look. “What happened to the decompressing part?”
“It’s called boredom.”
“It’s going to be called burnout if you don’t let yourself relax.”
“How can I not relax on this gorgeous beach with this perfect weather—”
Delaney stuck her fingers in her ears and squeezed her eyes shut. “La-la-la-la-la . . .”
Avery grinned and took another sip of her chocolate.
When Delaney stopped acting like a two-year-old, she said, “That is not the kind of vacation I had in mind. How’d you do all that from a little cottage by the sea?”
She rested her elbow on the arm of the chair and her chin in her hand. “Same way I’m doing it now.”
Delaney shook her head. “Well, when you get back you can turn in that tin can rental car. Kevin at Dent Pros pounded out the Jeep’s hatch and repaired the latch. It’s not exactly pretty, but it’s functional. It should tide you over until you can spare some cash for something nicer.”
Avery thought of Trace again. Wondered what other side effects he might be suffering from the trauma. Thought about asking, then pushed it aside. “That’s great. I’m so glad the insurance is going to come through for you.”
“I sent you the completed police report. I think
you’ll find it . . . enlightening.”
Avery made a face. “I’m not quite ready to read that.”
Delaney nodded. “Did you get my e-mail about your menus?”
“I did,” she said, thankful for the change of subject, “and I’ve streamlined the website offerings to coordinate with Wildly Artisan, which will cut back on the number of products and create a rotating schedule of items so there’s always something new available.”
“Sweet.”
Avery bit her lip against the urge to ask Delaney if she’d seen Trace. If he was okay. If he’d left town. If she knew where he’d gone . . .
Instead, she cleared her throat and tackled the hulking elephant clinging to her back like a chimpanzee. “I guess I should get someone to finish up the construction.”
“I walked through with the building inspector yesterday,” Delaney said. “He’s ready to sign off as soon as that corner of the roof is finished and the appliances are in. I have to tell you, he’s impressed as hell at the work Trace has done. Said he’s never had inspections go as easily as they have with Trace at the helm.”
Avery’s heart swelled and grew heavy. Her ribs felt small and achy. “Yeah, well, you know your contractors. I guess it’s time to toss me a few more referrals.”
“I’ll ask around, get numbers of people who might be available on short notice, and e-mail them tomorrow.”
“Thanks,” Avery said, suddenly tired and sad. “I miss you. How’s Phoebe?”
“We both miss you, too. She’s fine. Busy as usual.”
A moment of silence stretched, and Avery stared out at the strip of ocean illuminated in cool white light. The depression that had been circling for days now settled in, making her feel melancholy and lost.
“Do you want to talk about Trace, Avery?”
His name sent a shock wave through her chest. She looked at the screen. “I’m just still really . . . I don’t know, confused, I guess.” So many thoughts and feelings crowded her; she felt too small for her body. She shook her head, overwhelmed. “No, I don’t want to talk about him.”
Avery disconnected with her sister, feeling anxious and unsettled. She pulled on a hoodie with plans to venture out onto the sand for a long walk when the phone rang.