Page 6 of Captiva Book Club

“I understand, and I appreciate your concern. I’m ready. Cooking has always been my passion, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring something to this inn.”

Maggie smiled, seeming satisfied with his answer.

“That’s what we like to hear. What kind of cuisine do you specialize in?”

“I’ve dabbled in a bit of everything over the years, from French to Italian, even some experimental fusion. But what I love most is using fresh, local ingredients to create something unique and memorable.”

Maggie nodded, her eyes lighting up.

“That’s exactly the kind of creativity we need here. We pride ourselves on offering our guests something special, something they can’t find anywhere else.

Iris chimed in. “The island has some great local produce and seafood. It’s a chef’s dream.”

Oliver smiled, feeling a spark of excitement. “I look forward to exploring that. There’s something special about creating a dish that reflects the place it comes from.”

Iris leaned forward, her curiosity evident. “Oliver, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s your approach to handling a busy kitchen? We have our fair share of rushes, especially during tourist season.”

“Communication is key. I believe in clear, concise instructions and fostering a team environment where everyone feels responsible for the success of the meal service. It helps keep things running smoothly, even when it gets hectic.”

Iris nodded. “I agree, communication is everything.”

Oliver could see that although it was Maggie and Riley who were most in control of the interview, he noted that Iris was given as much time as possible to ask questions. He could see himself working alongside Iris Bowman, and hoped she felt the same.

Maggie leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“You mentioned wanting a quieter life. What else drew you to Captiva?”

Oliver paused, carefully choosing his words.

“I’m renting a small bungalow on the beach. It’s a simple place, but it’s perfect for me. I wanted to live somewhere where I could enjoy the little things—morning walks on the beach, watching the sunset, things I never had time for before. It’s a rent-to-own situation. I know the owner.”

“Well, if it’s quiet you want, you’ve come to the right place,” Maggie said, and then suddenly realized where Oliver was living. “Are you renting the Gately cottage? I know Frank Gately. He was one of the few people who welcomed me to Captiva when I arrived four years ago. I know exactly which house you’re renting,” Maggie added.

Oliver nodded. “Yes, he’s moved in with his daughter in Naples because of his health. He’s been welcoming and supportive in helping me get acclimated.”

Riley nodded. “I heard his health wasn’t great. I guess it’s worse than we thought if he’s selling.”

Maggie nodded. “You might be right.”

Maggie turned back to Oliver. “Would you be willing to create an entree or two for us? It might be an unconventional way to interview, but I think it would help us all see how you work in the kitchen.”

“Absolutely, and it’s not unconventional at all. I’ve done it in other interviews. Should we get started now?”

Iris beamed with anticipation. “I’d love that, if you could stay for a bit.”

Oliver nodded. “Just point me to the kitchen, and I’m ready to go.”

For the first time in over a year, Oliver felt a surge of excitement to demonstrate his culinary talents. Maggie’s request for him to cook on the spot was the clearest sign that he might truly have a chance at this job.

What Maggie Moretti couldn’t know was that she’d given him a sense of purpose that had been missing for so long. A purpose as simple as having a reason to get out of bed in the morning and put one foot in front of the other.

He accepted that it might take a while before he could stop thinking of himself as walking wounded—alive, but not really living. For now, he would focus on the work and his new friends at the Key Lime Garden Inn. Life beyond that was impossible to imagine, so he didn’t try.

The sun was high in the sky the next morning as Maggie and Chelsea stood on the inn’s front porch, waiting for Sarah. The air was crisp, and the scent of saltwater mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Maggie sipped her coffee and thought about how she would tell her daughter and her best friend about the lump. She took Paolo’s advice and decided that while they were having lunch, she’d tell them at the same time.

“These to-go cups are the best thing you’ve ever purchased,” Chelsea said, and then took another bite of the blueberry walnut scone.

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