Page 7 of Love & Lattes at The Mermaid Cafe
I put on my sunglasses and graciously accept a latte, then wait while Lena takes her coffee and asks her employee, Keira, how things are going at the Mermaid Café.
“Smooth sailing,” Keira assures Lena, who thanks her profusely, although something in Lena’s tone doesn’t ring true to me. Keira doesn’t seem to notice.
They talk about deliveries and the regulars who’ve come in, allowing me a chance to study them.
The two women couldn’t be more different. Keira’s bright red hair rivals the hot pinks and greens of her long, flowing jacket and shouts for attention every time the wind tosses her locks.Lena’s blue jeans and soft brown sweater under her lightweight teal jacket are more easy going. She doesn’t fuss with the wisps of hair flying loose from her bun.
I want to unravel that bun, along with the enigma that is Lena. One minute, we seem to be on the same page. And the next, she’s turned the page on me.
A blast of wind strikes us, so strong Lena takes a step back, bidding Keira farewell.
“Nothing like a gust of ocean wind to remind you there’s somewhere you need to be.” Lena faces me, holding that coffee cup near the lips I’ve wanted to taste since she put that wooden heart in my hand in Merry Christmas Cheer.
But something nags at me. “Why were you unhappy when Keira told you everything was under control at the Mermaid Café?”
Lena tilts her head. “I didn’t say that.”
“No. But the way you reacted…”
Lena stares out at the sea. “It’s just that sometimes…lately…I feel as if the place could run without me.”
Her words from yesterday about finding and purchasing the Mermaid Café return to me:This place had been vacant for years and needed love.
I think it needed Lena’s specific brand of love.
“I can relate to wanting to feel needed,” I admit slowly. It’s not something I ever share but saying the words out loud to her feels right. “I’ve often thought my father doesn’t need me at the family business.”
“Or perhaps he needs you but not in a way that’s healthy for you,” Lena says, her keen gaze returning to me. “Sorry, that felt judgmental. I don’t know anything about you or your father.”
“No.” I reach out and briefly rub her shoulder, wanting that connection. Wanting her to know me, the real me. “That felt likesomething someone close to me would say out of concern for my well-being.”
Lena nods. And then nods again, briskly this time. “Are you ready for the next stop?” she asks, seemingly eager to change the subject.
“Trouble is ready.” I gesture for her to take the lead. “This is a great way for me to be introduced to businesses in town.”
“Businessowners, you mean.” She’s smart, my Lena. Her nose rises in the air as she starts walking. “I can assure you, they don’t want to sell.”
I frown. “Did you google me last night?” How could that be possible? I couldn’t recall telling her my last name.
Lena shakes her head. “No need. We’ve had your kind here before. Most were better at solving riddles.”
“I’m only interested in solving the riddle of you,” I reply candidly. Purposefully. Some might even say stupidly.
My father, for one.
Lena gasps, trying to hurry ahead as we pass a mermaid statue. “Minus two points for being so…so…”
“Minus two points?” I lengthen my stride to match her pace. “I have to answer riddlesandbe graded on the tour?”
“No.” Her frown deepens. “It’s me. I’m keeping a tally on you.”
I smile. “Should I be flattered? Or concerned?”
“Neither.” Lena tries to wave the conversation off but after a bit, she admits, “The tally is just to remind me that suave, handsome men can break my heart.”
I take that in for a moment before saying, “That tally implies you’re attracted to me.” And don’t want to be.
“I can’t be attracted to you.” Lena scoffs, slowing as we near the Barnacle Diner. “Not when your point total is in the negative column.”
