Page 4 of Captiva Book Club

“When are Emma and Gareth coming home?” Maggie asked.

“I’m not sure. Her email said that she’d be home for Christmas, but no additional info. I have no idea of the exact date. I’ll email her back and see if she knows her schedule yet.”

“It will be nice to see her and Gareth again. I’ve heard from Crawford that Finn and Jillian will be here for Christmas too.”

“It’s going to be exciting. I’ve got to get back home. I’ve got a million things to do. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning at nine,” Sarah said and then got into her car.

“I’ve got to get going, too.” Maggie added, “I’m interviewing a new chef this morning. I can’t wait to meet him.”

“Him? The Key Lime Garden Inn hasn’t had a male chef. How does Iris feel about that?”

Maggie shrugged. “She’s fine with it, at least that’s what she said, and when I asked her directly if it mattered to her whether she worked alongside a male or female chef, she said it didn’t matter.”

“Who is he? Where does he come from?”

“He’s from the Orlando area. I believe he’s worked there for several years. He’s moving back to Bonita Springs and wanted something close to his home. I’ve seen his resume and it’s impressive. He’s worked in Paris, New York and San Francisco when he was younger. He hasn’t worked in over a year though, and I’m not sure what that’s about.”

“How old is he?”

“I believe he’s forty-one. Young enough to relate to Iris but old enough to have some experience under his belt. Beyond that, I don’t know much about his personal life.”

“Sounds like he’s single.”

Maggie nodded. “Possibly. Anyway, I’ll know more in a couple of hours. I best get home and see if Iris and Riley need anything. Riley is helping us with the interviews and anything else we need before she leaves after Christmas.”

“I still can’t believe Riley is leaving Captiva,” Chelsea said.

“I know what you mean. I feel that way too. I’m happy for her though. She and Andrew make a wonderful couple, and I can’t wait to see what they do with their new restaurant.”

Maggie kissed Chelsea on the cheek. “I’ll catch up with you later. I haven’t forgotten our lunch-bunch video get-together this Friday. I’m looking forward to hearing what’s new with our friends up north. Oh, I forgot, what happened with Steven’s house-hunting? Did he put an offer on that house we looked at?”

Chelsea shook her head. “Nope, and you won’t believe why. He said he’s decided to buy land and build one of his container homes on it. I’m not sure how much land there is on Sanibel, but we’ll see.”

“That’s exciting. I’ll look forward to hearing more about that. I wouldn’t mind watching something being put together.”

“Me too. Well, you better get going. Let me know how your interview goes with this new guy. By the way, what’s his name?”

“Oliver Laurier, why have you ever heard of him?”

Chelsea shook her head. “No, just curious.”

Maggie nodded, “I’ll call you just as soon as the interview is over.”

CHAPTER 2

Oliver Laurier took a deep breath, standing at the entrance of the Key Lime Garden Inn. He was a striking figure, tall with sandy-brown hair that fell just above the chin, and expressive hazel eyes that held a hint of sadness.

Running his hand through his hair, he repeated the same words he’d said to himself on the drive to the Key Lime Garden Inn.

You’ve got this.

He’d taken a few minutes before his interview to walk around the property and look over the vegetable and flower gardens. No one seemed to notice him as he admired the soft pastel colors of the building which contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery. A faint scent of citrus hung in the air and for a moment he closed his eyes and tilted his head back, facing the sun. His mind began to imagine the meals he could create with the abundant and freshest vegetables outside the inn’s kitchen.

When he was ready, he straightened his collar, trying to shake off the nerves that had settled in his stomach, and walked to the front of the building. As he raised his hand to knock on the door, it swung open, revealing a woman with a warm smile.

“You must be Oliver,” she said.

“Yes, that’s right. Oliver Laurier,” he replied, extending his hand.

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