Page 1 of Love is Grand

• October •

Shell

“You back there, Sam?”

When I heard the woman’s voice coming from the front of Island Coffee, my dad’s coffee shop, I wanted to hide in the back room forever. Taking my time to grab an extra milk, I was in no hurry to wait on the customer whose voice was all too familiar. The sound of it used to make me smile, but now, hearing it made me want to run away.

Keeping secrets would do that to you.

“Dad’s not here,” I called out, making my way up front to the counter.

“Oh, Shell, what’s up? I haven’t seen you in a while.”

Rylan gave me a kind smile, but I didn’t deserve her kindness.

My friend stood there, glistening from her run but looking as beautiful as ever. The thing was, it was hard to hate her because she didn’t even know how gorgeous she was. Her smile was captivating when she chose to share it, and up until a couple of months ago, she’d been heartbroken. Now, her prince was back and living in the West Bay on the island.

Lucky girl ... unlike me.

“You okay?” she asked, pulling me from my unhappy reverie.

“Yeah,” I said. “Tired. Weezie is getting over a cold, and she’s been coughing at night.”

Knowing Rylan’s usual order, I poured a large coffee and added milk.

“This is the Caribbean,” she said. “We’re not supposed to get colds.”

I knew Rylan was kidding. Damn vacationers brought all kinds of viruses to the island.

“Exactly,” I said, teasing back, hoping she’d get leave quickly.

Another thing about Rylan was she pretended to not get involved in people’s lives, but she did. Especially mine. All. The. Time.

“Where’s your dad?” she asked.

“Took my mom to the eye doctor. No biggie. She just can’t drive after they dilate her eyes. Weezie went with them and is waiting in the car with my dad.”

“No school?”

Cripes, Rylan was a nosy one.

“Parent/teacher conference day. So, nope.”

She nodded. “These kids have it made. She’s in what, kindergarten now?”

I nodded.

Leaning on the counter with her coffee next to her, Rylan gave me an odd look. “So, how are you, Shell? I mean, really?”

Wiping my hands on my apron, I averted my gaze.

“Shell?”

“It’s been tough,” I said, keeping busy so I didn’t have to look my friend in the eye. “Weez misses her dad. As for me, I just wish he’d burn in hell for leaving us like he did. Sorry to say.”

“Of course you do. Ricky is slime, but you’re a better woman and the best mom.”

I shook my head. “I’m messing it all up.”

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