Page 121 of The Wedding Shake-up

Kia murmurs, “I better make more chowder.”

She tries to step back, but Anya holds out her hand. “You have enough.”

Morrie steps forward first. “Welcome, everyone, to the opening of the Swanky Panky! Let’s introduce the crew to your favorite new nightlife spot on La Jarra.”

He gestures to Kia.

She murmurs, “Good Lord,” before stepping out.

“Mama Kia is going to be making a new island dish every day for you guys to sample. Don’t delay, because when her dish of the day is gone, it’s gone. And you do not want to miss it. Today she has made red conch stew!”

A big cheer rises up, and Kia waves, then bolts to the kitchen. She really doesn’t like to be in front of a crowd.

Morrie turns to Anya. “Now let’s hear it for our next crew member!”

Anya hops forward with a big wave. Her braids swing as she turns around to show off the blue-and-red Swanky Panky apron. She pulls off her blue Swanky Panky hat and tosses it into the crowd. There’s a clamor for it, and the winner raises it in his fist.

“There’s plenty more of those!” Morrie says. “We’ll be giving out a hundred of them today, or if you want to make sure you get one, they are for sale behind the bar.”

He wraps an arm around Anya. “This lovely lady is Anya. La Jarra born and raised, she will take care of you as you try all the classic drinks from Gabe’s old hut plus a whole menu of new ones.”

Anya bounces and waves, and a cheer goes up as well as a chorus of whistles.

Anya squints at the crowd and points as if to warn them to mind their manners.

Morrie holds out his arms to quiet our guests. “I’m Morrie. I’ll be the master of ceremonies each and every evening at the bar. And if any of you are acting like fools, I’m the one who will carry you out and toss you on your can.” He mimics Anya’s point and squint.

Another laugh rumbles through the crowd.

“Most important of all, I bring you Gabe and Tillie. The bar is their brainchild. After Hurricane Calinda took down Gabe’s old hut, they came up with the beautiful place that you see here. Let’s give it up for the man and woman of the hour, Gabe Landers and Tillie James.”

The noise rolls at us in a rising roar. I glance over at Gabe. He somehow looks even more anxious than he did before.

I reach out to squeeze his hand, but I keep a smile on my face. Maybe he’s worried we can’t handle so many customers. Does he think they’ll get unruly because there will be a wait?

Morrie heads our direction. “Our fearless leader has a few words to say before we officially open our doors.”

I didn’t realize Gabe was going to speak. But it makes sense. Morrie walks the mike over to him. My gut tightens when I see Gabe’s hand shake as he takes it.

This is not the Gabe I know. I’ve worked with him for almost a year at the hotel bar. He’s never nervous.

“Hey, everyone,” Gabe says.

I look out to see if I can get a rough count on the crowd. Along the front are Mendo and the rest of the friends I’ve gotten to know better since first meeting them at the diner so long ago.

Then I spot Gabe’s mom. She strides forward as if she’s late. Strange.

But then I see who she has with her.

Anita.

Anita’s here.

Is this a surprise for Gabe? Does he know?

I turn to him quickly, but his gaze is right on his mother and Anita. He gives them a nod. So he knew she was coming.

Maybe that’s why he’s nervous.

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