Page 24 of Waves of Hope

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

LIVY

After clearing away breakfast dishes left by three couples staying at the Inn, Livy loaded the dishwasher, making a mental note that a second dishwasher might need replacing. Livy was a professional who understood that each cook, each chef had a personal way of doing things and protected it from change. She’d have to tread carefully with both John and Billy Bob, who clearly was undecided about having her in the kitchen to take John’s place.

John was a talented short-order cook for the breakfast crowd and a better one for occasional dinners. But if, like her cousins, they hoped to improve the property, the kitchen needed upgrading, including adding to and rearranging space to accommodate two or more extra helpers as needed. Understanding how this might affect John, Livy wisely kept those thoughts to herself, instead merely taking inventory of what kitchen items were there now.

She was scrubbing out one of the cupboards when John and Billy Bob entered the kitchen.

“What are you doing?” Billy Bob asked.

“Just seeing what’s here and cleaning a bit while I’m at it,” Livy replied casually.

“Oh, I’ve meant to do that.” John shook his head. “Ellie keeps telling me to slow down, so I’ve let a few things go.”

“No, problem. I need to know what’s here anyhow,” she said as Billy Bob walked away. She turned to John. “As long as my cousins and I are staying, why don’t you and Gran leave earlier than you’d planned? It’s a perfect time to travel.”

“Trying to get rid of us, huh?” John said, but a smile crept across his face. “As a matter of fact, Ellie and I talked about that earlier. She told me to stay out of your way, that the three of you are going to make some changes with her blessing, and I’d be sure to like whatever you girls came up with.”

Livy gave him a quick hug. “You will. I promise. Where are you going to start this magical trip of yours?”

“We’re going to England first since we speak the language. There’s a lot to see. We’re not going to plan the whole trip out day by day. We want to feel free to travel when and where we want.”

“I traveled through Europe with a friend one summer and did just that,” said Livy. “We never knew where we’d end up and saw enough to know we want to go back someday. Did you know they have a fantastic cooking school in Ireland? And there’s a lot to learn about food and wine … and cheese and bread … and …”

“Stop. You’re making me want to pack right now,” said John laughing.

“I’m happy you and Gran can make the trip. But, John, promise you won’t overdo it.”

John sighed. “Ellie’s worried about me, but it’s just old age and my heart telling me to slow down. This trip is as much for her as it is for me. She’s not getting any younger, and neither am I.”

Unexpected tears stung Livy’s eyes. She wasn’t ready to lose either one of them.

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After John left and she finished wiping down the cupboard she’d been working on, Livy decided to take a walk on the beach. The sun had risen and was beating down on the white sand sending waves of heat shimmering across it. She sprinted across the stretch of beach in front of her and at the cooler water’s edge, kicked off her sandals. The tang of salt air filled her nostrils, and her body relaxed as she slowly breathed in and out. The tension of the past several months receded as she studied the tiny fish darting about in the shallow water.

She lifted her face with contentment. Moments in nature like this were excellent for the soul.

“Hey, there,” came a voice behind her. “I hoped to see you here.”

Livy whipped around and faced Austin. “Hi, what’s going on?”

“Charlie and I had lunch together. She told me you three will spend the summer managing the Inn for your Gran and John and hopefully doing some upgrades. I offered my services in setting up whole new computer and wi-fi systems for it.”

“That seems nice but expensive,” said Livy, wishing she wasn’t disappointed by the news that he and Charlotte had been together.

Austin waved away her concern. “Not a problem. I’ll do it for free. I’ll even be able to get you a discount on any of the hardware you may need.” He kicked a bare foot in the sand. “I have to keep busy. I promised Granny Liz I’d stay for the summer, but I can’t just lounge around all day.”

“I get it,” said Livy. “I thought I’d be happy doing nothing all summer, but the idea of helping Gran and John with the Inn is something I’m quite really excited about.”

“So, now that you’ve sold your bakery, are you going to open a new one? Maybe even here?”

Livy shook her head. “I don’t want to be tied down to that schedule again. I might consider supplying a few restaurants with some items, but that’s all. If we decide to offer dinner at the Inn for locals, that changes everything.”

Kyle Worthington joined them. “Hey, strangers. Sorry I couldn’t make the party last night, but I hear it was a fun one.” He shook hands with Austin and quickly kissed Livy’s cheek.

With straight dark-brown hair, chocolate-brown eyes, and an easy smile, Kyle was charming. Added years had made his features even more handsome. He and his sisters, Morgan and Melissa, were all beautiful people, but Kyle wasn’t competitive or mean like them.

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