Page 22 of The Mistakes I've Made
I let out a deep breath before entering the kitchen. “You can do this, Lani. You are a strong, independent businesswoman. And, besides, it’s just breakfast. There’s nothing scary about breakfast.”
I shook my head, hoping no one inside heard me.
Smoothing out my skirt, I took the all-important first step and headed into the inn’s kitchen for their world-famous breakfast, expecting to be treated like the piranha everyone thought I was.
Instead, I was welcomed with open arms.
“You must be Leilani!” a happy, very attractive blonde woman greeted me the second I stepped into the bright space. “I’m Molly. I believe we spoke on the phone.”
“Um, yes,” I said, mirroring her movements as I reached out to shake her hand.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Did you sleep okay? The yellow room is one of my favorites. It has such a wonderful view of the bay. Of course, your place has some great views as well, doesn’t it?”
“Um, yes.” It was all I could manage to get out because I was completely bewildered by this woman.
Her words seemed genuine and sincere as she offered me a cup of coffee without even asking, chatting with me like we’d been friends for years.
“Now, today is scone day. Do you like scones? If you don’t, I can whip up something else for you. I know you West Coasters often like to eat a bit healthier than we do.”
“Scones?” I looked to the table, and sure enough, there was a pile of pastries. The second my eyes landed on them, my stomach growled in agreement. “Scones sound great.”
“Well, excellent! I won’t keep you,” she said, placing a warm hand on my shoulder. “I know you probably have a million things to do today. But, if you ever need an extra hand or just a friend to talk to in town, you know where to find me.”
Again, every word she spoke felt totally sincere, and I was left speechless.
“Thank you,” I answered, my brows furrowing, before I found my words, “But can I ask you something real quick?”
“Of course.”
“Why are you being so nice to me? I heard the chatter coming into town yesterday. I know my presence here isn’t well received, and with you being an innkeeper—”
She pressed her lips together, a knowing smile showing through. “Don’t let the gossip drag you down. People talk, but they don’t bite around here. Having been the fuel for several gossip wildfires in this town, I’ve learned to just ignore it mostly. They’ll get used to you, believe me. And, as for being an innkeeper”—she simply shrugged—“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried, but I have a good feeling about you. Besides, I’d rather be your friend than your enemy.”
Her words made me want to burst into tears. Maybe the gossip had gotten to me a little more than I’d realized.
“Thank you,” I answered. “I’d like that, too.”
She left me to my scones, and as I sat there at the long farmhouse table, nibbling on my breakfast and sipping coffee, I wondered,Is this what my father’s life is like? Gossip mills and emotions all over the place?
Because I seriously doubted it.
What exactly had I gotten myself into with this town?
With my belly full of homemade scones and a second cup of freshly brewed coffee in my hand, I headed off to The Cozy Hotel with a new outlook on Ocracoke and its inhabitants, thanks to my new friend, Molly Jameson.
Maybe we could all work in harmony.
I mean, I didn’t envision us all sitting around, singing “Kumbaya” or anything, but perhaps, when all of this was over, I could create a place we were all proud of.
Including my father.
Especially my father, I stressed.
With a pep in my step, I headed out into the town, ready to conquer the world.
Unfortunately, my journey took me straight to Taylor Sutherland, and then I almost died.
Literally.
