Page 10 of Beachside Kisses With My Enemy

“Might have something to do with the fact I came in late last night and surprised her so bad she tossed bananas at my head.”

That has my sister giggling. “She didn’t.”

“I have a bruise on my jaw to prove it.” I point to a small spot that’s been aching since last night. Who knew a banana could do so much damage? Then again, maybe it had more to do with the vehemence with which it was thrown.

Marilee laughs again, then sobers as she takes another drink. Her eyes study me over the top of the mug. She sets it down. “When I told you at the wedding that my other roommates were moving out and that I’d always have a room for you, that was the total truth. I’m not planning to get another roommate. The third bedroom is still open and available whenever you are here.”

That both warms my heart and strokes my guilt. Because I know that weasel of an ex-husband Donny left her in some debt, though she won’t tell me how much. If I had any money to spare, I’d give her enough to cover it in a heartbeat. “Squirt, don’t forego another renter on my account.” In other words, don’t forego the money.

She shrugs and cuts another piece off her omelet. “You own half of this house fair and square. You should have access to a room as often as you’d like.”

Technically, she’s right. We used the life insurance money left to both of us from my parents’ death to pay down the mortgage. Then I took the rest of my portion and invested it to buy an upgraded food truck, because the one that I’d started as a side gig in college was basically falling down around my ears.

I’m pretty sure Donny squandered Marilee’s half.

“Yeah, well. After this visit, if you need to fill my room, please do.”

She reaches for my hand across the table, squeezes. “I know that you and Lucy have a problem with each other, but I hope that won’t scare you off from staying for a bit.”

“I don’t have a problem with her.” Not that I really blame her for having one with me. “And no, it’s fine. She’s your friend, and I’ll be on my best behavior. Scout’s honor.”

“Good.” She smiles. “How long are you planning to stay?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Itching to do something with my hands, I stand and crack a few more eggs into the bowl. I’m not really hungry, but I could definitely use the steady calm that cooking brings. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to stay through the summer. Probably something like the end of July, beginning of August.”

Marilee sets down her fork. “Seriously? Of course it’s okay with me.” She cocks her head. “But can you really be away from work for that long?”

“That’s the thing. I finally sent Dale a business plan. Asked him to invest. And he went for it.”

“Wait, what? You’re going to get your own restaurant?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Oh my goodness! I’m so proud of you. You’ve been dreaming of this for…forever.” Her hands go every direction in her excitement, and I halfway expect her to knock over her coffee.

Smiling, I flip my omelet. “Thanks. It’s not a done deal yet. First, I have to come up with some new recipes. Dale doesn’t think I have enough, so that’s what I’ll be doing while I’m here.”

“Our kitchen is small, but it’s all yours.”

“You aren’t using it to make cakes?” We didn’t get much time to chat when I was catering the wedding, but she did mention that she’d made the wedding cake. I took a peek at it, and it was incredible—tall and glittering and perfect.

“I’ve done a few here and there, but…” She shrugs. “With my schedule at the bakery, there’s not really time to do a lot on the side.”

I feel like there’s more she’s not telling me, but maybe now isn’t the time to broach the subject. Besides, we have all summer to get into the details. And that’s good. Really good. Being here, it feels right.

Grating some cheese over my omelet, I then fold it over and plate it. “I actually won’t need our kitchen. I brought the truck.”

Marilee shifts in her seat, turns to face me fully. “Really? Are you going to open up shop here?”

I think of Dale’s words back in L.A. over a month ago. “What better way to test recipes than with a live audience?”

“Great idea.” Marilee drains the rest of her coffee and stands. “Won’t it take a while for you to get permits and such, though?”

“Already done.” I take a bite of my food. Hmm. A bit too salty, but still decent. “The second Dale told me to take the summer off, I got on the phone with the town council and started applications. In fact”—I peek at the clock over the stove for the second time this morning—“I’ve got a meeting at eight with Thomas Montrose to sign everything and get my truck set up in its new location.”

My sister brings her dishes to the sink and sets them down. Turning to me, she gives me another hug where I’m standing beside the counter. “I couldn’t be happier about this, Blake. I wish I could catch up more, but Marla’s expecting me at The Blackberry Muffin.”

I kiss the top of her head. “Go. I’ll clean up.”

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