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“The reservation book at Orchid has really filled up,” he said with a smile. “Coinciding with when you took over as chef.”
I tried to look demure and sipped my coffee. “The staff is great.”
He grinned at me. “I think we both know it’s more than that.” A gust of wind blew in through the open kitchen window and I slammed my hand down on a napkin to keep it from flying away. “Good thing that storm went south. Well, good for us anyway. Hopefully, we have a calm storm season this year.”
At the same time, we both rapped our knuckles on the wooden table. I laughed, though hurricane season was no joking matter, and we were in July now. “Thefts and hurricanes would just be too much to deal with. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a nice, calm summer.”
Dad nodded and sipped his coffee. “You’ll get no argument from me.”
The sky outside was a stunning crystal blue and a light breeze wafted through the trees. “Looks like excellent fishing weather out there.”
He nodded. “The last week has been as good as it gets. The people on my charters positively gush about your daily catch specials.”
I reached out and squeezed his forearm, grateful for these rare mornings when the world seemed to pause just for us. He and I had come up with an idea a while back, and it occurred to me that now was a perfect opportunity to discuss it. “Do you think you’d be able to catch enough every morning for us to serve at Orchid? I love the idea of the family connection to my signature dish, and I’m sure guests will too.”
Dad nodded. “That shouldn’t be too difficult. And if for some reason I come up short, you can always get more from one of our suppliers. Orchid has always been known for its connection to the sea, and you’ve taken that to a whole new level.”
“I love working with the challenge the daily catch presents. Every day is different and a new chance to shine. It’s the perfect dish to make my reputation with.”
“And you certainly have, sweetie. Your mother would be so proud of you.”
“Thanks. I’d like to think so.” I smiled softly, the distant memory of her laughter like a warm blanket around my shoulders. “I miss her.”
“Me too, kiddo. Me too.”
We sat in companionable silence for a while, the only sound being the sharp squawks of seabirds outside and the occasional clink of silverware. No matter how busy life got or how far apart we were, these shared silences always brought us back together.
“If you don’t mind me butting into your business,” Dad said, breaking the silence as he took a sip of his coffee, “How are things between you and Aiden?” He’d had breakfast here a couple of times, but so far we hadn’t managed to arrange our schedules for a family dinner.
Soon.
I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Aiden—his blue eyes that seemed to see right through me, his laugh that reverberated in my own chest.
“Things are going well.” I smiled as Martin set my breakfast in front of me, but I wasn’t about to discuss my sex life with my dad. “We’re both more mature now and have a little more perspective on life.”
“Is it serious?” His brow arched, curiosity etched in the creases of his weathered face.
I stirred my oatmeal, considering how to answer. “It’s… messy and tangled.”
“Messy and tangled can be good. Keeps life interesting.”
“Maybe.” I sighed, my thoughts swirling. “We’re both trying to establish careers here. I don’t want to get involved seriously, and Aiden needs to focus on his medical practice. I’m lasered in on my goal, always reaching, while Aiden is trying to mix pleasure with his business. He even lives on a sailboat he’s restoring. In some ways, we aren’t alike at all.”
Though I enjoyed the nights I spent on his boat, the cabin was cramped and stuffy. We’d spent a night on deck, snuggled under blankets and under a starlit sky, which had been absolute heaven. But Aiden’s living situation seemed… tenuous, not in character with a man wanting to set down permanent roots in Dove Key.
“Your mother and I were night and day, Stella. She was all fire and passion, and I was content to let the world come to me. We ran a busy resort together and had five children along the way.” He reached across the table, covering my hand with his. “Work and love can coexist, you know.”
“I just don’t want to get sidetracked from what I’m trying to accomplish at Orchid.” My career was my identity. And Aiden, with his cautious nature and intense focus on his medical practice, seemed like another world away.
“Listen,” he continued, “just remember that taking risks is part of living. Your mother never hesitated to dive into life headfirst. I see her spirit in you every day.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, warmth spreading through my chest. His belief in me was a buoy I could always count on.
“I spoke to Hunter yesterday.” Dad’s voice was casual, but his eyes held a hint of concern. “He’s worried about the thefts at Orchid and is thinking about coming down to look into it himself.”
I nodded, swirling the last of my coffee in the cup. “Yeah, we talked about it too.”
There had recently been another theft, this one a glass sculpture that had stood near the entrance to Orchid. Right next to the path where the landscapers were adding a flower bed. I scowled at my oatmeal.
