Page 51 of Coral Memories

Heather continued with her excitement building. “I’ve created a list of local and regional media outlets. We could invite food critics to the cafe for a tasting event and give them an early preview of the cookbook.”

Marina nodded approvingly but cautioned her. “All good ideas, but we need to be careful about managing our time. You have one last semester and a wedding to plan.”

“A beach wedding won’t be too hard,” Heather said, smiling. “I want it sort of like yours and Jack’s, Mom.”

Heather went on. “As for other marketing, I can focus on social media. It’s cost-effective and has a wide reach. We’ll use those videos Aunt Kai took of us cooking to create short, engaging content.”

“Be careful not to overextend yourself,” Marina said to her daughter. “With the second truck up and running now, I need to standardize menus and operations before going further.”

Ginger knew this was a particular passion of Heather’s.

“I’ve been researching franchise models for my class,” Heather said, citing some franchise cost ranges and statistics. “If we standardize the recipes for the cookbook, that can be the first step toward franchising the food trucks regionally.”

“She’s a smart one,” Ginger said with a nod of approval.

Kai made a face. “I’m glad you think so. Because all that makes my head hurt.”

Heather laughed. “Marketing involves more numbers than people realize. I also thought we could organize another food fair and competition this summer, like the one you did before, Mom. It would be perfect timing with the cookbook launch.”

Marina smiled. “These are all big steps. Let’s take one at a time, sweetheart. I don’t want to put any stress on your new marriage.”

Listening to Heather’s ideas, Ginger appreciated how far her family had come since Marina and Kai returned to SummerBeach. She was pleased to see Heather and her granddaughters enthusiastic about their work and lives.

Tapping her pencil, Marina said, “These are all intriguing, but let’s not forget what we’re here for today. We must make sure all the recipes are correct. And the layout needs to be gorgeous eye candy.”

Ginger nodded in agreement. “Your first cookbook must be as good as it can be. Don’t rush it.”

Heather bit her lip. “You’re right. There’s still so much to do. What if we miss something? Or people don’t like the recipes?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure we don’t make any mistakes.” Marina reached out and squeezed her daughter’s hand. “Many of these are our family recipes I tweaked for the cafe. Our customers love these dishes; you’ve said so yourself.”

Heather shook out her hands. “I guess I am a little nervous about everything.”

“That’s normal stage fright,” Kai said, sitting up. “Now that’s something I know all about.”

Laughter rippled around the table, and Heather let out a long sigh. Ginger enjoyed seeing them work together and support each other. They all had different talents.

They continued to discuss details about the cookbook, balancing their excitement with the need for perfection. Ginger was sure they were on the brink of another success that would expand the cafe business. She was pleased to be involved.

She could hardly wait to review the final edited manuscript and see the cover and book layout. As for Jack’s book, as much as she had enjoyed working with him on it, she had shared all she cared to. He might not understand, but some things she preferred to keep private.

18

Ginger felt the familiar burn in her calves as she and Jack ascended the winding trail to the ridgetop above Summer Beach. Unzipping her windbreaker, she paused to allow Jack to catch up.

“Not much farther now,” she said, gesturing ahead.

“I know, we’ve done this before,” Jack said, slightly out of breath. “Lead the way.”

In her opinion, the view was worth every step. She felt on top of the world here, where anything seemed possible. This spot had been her refuge and source of strength and inspiration for years.

It wasn’t a long hike, but it was steep in places. She skirted those areas for Jack and her knees. She could make the climb, take a short break to meditate, give thanks, or sort out problems, and be back at the cottage by breakfast.

However, Jack was not an early riser, so they were later today.

As they continued their climb, Ginger’s mind wandered to the conversation she knew was coming. Jack had been persistentin his questioning about Sandi and Dennis, and she had a feeling today would be no different.

Finally, they crested the ridge. The village of Summer Beach sprawled out below them, a patchwork of neat streets and palm trees leading to the beach. Beyond, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretched to the horizon, its surface glittering like jewels in the morning sun.

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