Page 21 of Coral Memories

Heather sauntered in the kitchen. “Are we recipe testing again? That’s my favorite.”

Kai wiggled in a little happy dance. “Ginger agreed to help you and Marina write the cookbook. Want to help me set up a website page to take preorders?”

“Sure,” Heather replied. Marina offered her a salmon slider, and she scooped it up. “Count me in, but I have to go. Blake is picking me up any minute.”

“And how is your young man?” Ginger asked.

Heather smiled, and her face flushed pink with happiness. “We’re really happy.”

Kai nudged her. “What exactly does that mean?”

Ignoring her aunt, Heather bit into the slider. “Mmm, this is delicious, Mom. I like the coleslaw and the blackened fish. Our customers would love this.”

Ginger lifted her chin toward the window. “Here’s Blake now.”

“Could I have another one for him, Mom? We’re going to a beach barbecue, but it could be hours before the food is ready.”

“Sure,” Marina replied. “I’d like his opinion, too.” She would consider each dish on taste, presentation, ease of preparation, and cost.

Marina watched as Heather waved Blake inside through the kitchen door. He was a good-looking aquatic veterinarian withclosely cropped hair and a fine physique. Since he’d moved to Summer Beach a few months ago to head ocean rescue operations, the two of them had spent a lot of time together. Still, Blake insisted that Heather keep up with her homework. Marina liked that about him.

When Blake stepped inside, Heather stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I have something for you. We’re recipe testing. Are you hungry?”

He grinned. “I’m famished. My team had to rescue a sea lion today, so we worked through lunch.”

Marina served up more sliders, and soon everyone was tasting them and offering opinions. “I’ll make some adjustments on the next batch.” She made a few more notes.

Ginger turned to Kai. “I’d like to see this video you mentioned.”

“Not in the kitchen,” Marina said, waving them away.

“She’s still a little sensitive,” Kai said in a loud stage whisper. “Come with me.”

Ginger and Heather followed Kai into the dining room, though Blake stayed behind. He rocked on his heels and cleared his throat, looking a little nervous.

“Is there something on your mind?” Marina asked.

“I know you’re busy, but I’d like to speak to you some time.”

“Is this about Heather?”

He nodded, seeming oddly unsure of himself.

That was not like the Blake she knew. Marina’s senses went on high alert. “Is she okay?”

“She’s not in any trouble, if that’s what you’re asking. She’s doing well in school, and she’s, uh, healthy. Very healthy,” he stammered.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Marina wondered what was going on. “How about later this week? I can leave the kitchen in the later afternoon.”

“Perfect,” he replied, looking relieved.

Kai and the others returned to the kitchen, smiling but trying not to show it too much.

Heather hooked her arm through Blake’s. “We’ll see you all later.” She waved, and they went out the door.

Ginger peered at Marina. “Why are you looking so odd?”

Marina chewed the side of her lip. “Blake wants to talk to me. He probably wants to ask if we’re doing anything for Heather’s birthday. And Ethan’s, of course. Maybe he wants to throw a surprise party or have it at the cafe.”

---