by Tara Randel
“No, it’s simple. We keep Cuppa Joe in the family.”
Nealy tentatively climbed onto the crates to take a seat beside Davey. “Cuppa Joe was Grandfather Joe’s idea. His second love after Grandmother. Sometimes, even a family legacy is overlooked by the generations that follow. You and I are the only ones interested in the shop. If you were older, maybe we could arrange something businesswise, but the timing isn’t right.”
“You put so much work into getting the place fixed up.”
“And I enjoyed every minute.” A thought occurred to her. “I think the time spent with my family is what I treasured more than the outcome of this place. We’ll always have good memories of Grandmother owning the shop, but more important, we made new memories when we all came together to make the shop special. Davey, we’re a family, whether Grandmother keeps Cuppa Joe or not.”
It took a visit back to Cypress Pointe for Nealy to understand how much she’d missed her loved ones. The years away had been busy, productive ones. She’d grown up. And now experienced a new, mature relationship with her parents. She may not live here, but she had this new phase of life with her family to look forward to.
“I guess,” Davey grumbled.
Teens. Sulky and certain the world was out to get them.
Nealy slugged his shoulder. “No more grumpy face.” When he didn’t respond, she said, “I’ve noticed something about you.”
He glanced at her with a wary look.
“You have a very entrepreneurial spirit. We both have this drive in common. So here’s what I think. One day you’ll find some kind of business to satisfy your passion. You may not know what it is right now, but working at Cuppa Joe was the direction that you needed for your future. I predict you’ll get involved in a bunch of projects before you decide what you’re meant to do, but keep searching, Davey. You are going to be very successful someday.”
“I do like running things.”
Nealy grinned. “You are so your mother’s son.”
He laughed.
“But I see a lot of Grandfather Joe in you.”
Davey stared at the back door of Cuppa Joe. “You think?”
“Yep.”
He shifted. “Thanks.”
“Okay, we’ve solved a few problems,” Nealy declared as she carefully eased off the crates. “Let’s say we go back inside.”
Davey jumped off with a move only a teenage boy could accomplish.
“Show-off.”
He shrugged and his face turned red. Nealy followed his gaze to see the blonde girl wave from the back door of Rascal’s and disappear inside.
“Something you want to tell me?”
His face turned even more red.
“Huh. I thought you had a crush on Sierra.”
“Sierra? No way. Besides, she’s got a boyfriend and he’s cool.”
“So why were you always asking when she’d be at work?”
He hung his head. “She was giving me pointers on how to impress Madison.”
Nealy glanced at the door then back at Davey. “The girl you were talking to?”
“Yeah. We go to school together. Her parents own the candy store, so she’s here a lot. We started walking to school together and sometimes we meet at Cuppa Joe or her store to hang out after hours.”
“Just because you have a key to the shop doesn’t mean you should be in there alone after hours. I’m not sure Grandmother would approve.”
“Don’t make a big deal about this, okay?”
She’d give him this concession. She remembered trying to figure out her relationship with Dane when they were kids, wishing for someplace private to hang out and get to know each other better. Davey wanted the same thing.
“Well, your mother will be glad to know you’re not pining over Sierra.”
“And she’d think that, why?”
“I might have jumped to the wrong conclusion.”
He rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Auntie.”
“Don’t call... Wait, I deserved that.”
“Get used to the name. I plan on getting back at you for a long time.”
Nealy followed Davey into the shop. At least she’d been able to get him focused on the future and not dwelling over the loss of Cuppa Joe.
When she entered the seating area, the family had commandeered two tables in the corner. A few regulars, including Ed, sat in their usual places, reading the newspaper or busy on their phones or their computers. Terri manned the counter, waiting on the steady stream of customers as if she’d been born to serve coffee.
Nealy joined the family, determined not to let them see how much her grandmother’s decision bothered her.
She took a seat next to Lanie, noticing the glow on her sister’s face. “I take it your suggestion went well?”
“And I have you to thank.” Lanie sighed.
“Please, enough of the sappy, lovesick looks.”
“Can’t help it. I’m happy.”
“No, really,” Nealy said. “Enough.”
Lanie laughed.
“Oh, and to add to your current bliss, I have it on good authority Davey is not interested in Sierra.”
Lanie smiled. “Thank goodness.”
“Don’t get all excited. There’s another girl in the picture.”
Lanie’s eyes went wide.
“So have fun with that little tidbit.”
“What? Who?” Lanie sputtered.
“I’ve said enough. I’m already on thin ice with him.” Nealy leaned back in her chair and waited for the meeting to begin.
A few moments later, Dorinda began to speak. “Thank you all for coming. I don’t think the reason for this meeting is much of a secret.”
The group exchanged glances, but no one said a word.
“I spoke to Juliet last night. She won’t be back for a few more days, but she gave me her blessing on my decision.”
“She’s coming home?” Anita asked in her typical bossy tone.
“Yes. And she’ll explain everything when she does.”
Nealy spotted the relief on her mother’s face. In light of everything going on these past few weeks, her mother’s actions made sense to her now. Whenever Anita was concerned about her children, she went all bossy on them. Her modus operandi for expressing concern? It sure explained Nealy’s dealings with her mother over the years. Put their relationship in a new light.
“After much thought,” Dorinda continued, “I’ve decided to sell Cuppa Joe. I have an interested party already lined up, but I need help from you, my family.” She turned to her son-in-law. “Marshall, if you could take care of the legalities, I would be most grateful.”
Nealy’s father nodded. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Anita, I’d like you to help me get my house spruced up to put on the market.”
Anita gasped. “Your house?”
“I’ve got my eye on a nice condo unit not far from the beach. I’m getting too old for yard work. I’d rather sit on a balcony and enjoy the view.”
Stunned silence prevailed.
“Nealy, after the sale of the shop is completed I’ll refund any additional money you shelled out for the new equipment and upgrades on the place. I’m able to ask top dollar since you all turned the shop into a showplace.”
“Thanks, Grandmother.”
“Any other questions?”
“Yes,” Ed called from across the room. “You going to make sure this new owner still serves plain old coffee?”
The entire shop erupted in laughter. Leave it to grumpy old Ed to break the tension.
“I’ll look into it,” Dorinda replied. “Well, now we can move on to different topics.”
The family, as well as Terri and Ed, mingled to discuss the new dev
elopments. Nealy escaped to put on a fresh pot of coffee, not eager to be part of the dialogue. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to face her grandmother.
“Nealy, dear, this is a good thing.”
“I know. I’m just having a hard time coming to grips with the idea of someone else owning Cuppa Joe. And you moving into a condo.”
“Now you know how we adults felt when you kids were making decisions. We had to stand back, watch you move forward, make mistakes, all the while knowing the choices were ultimately yours.”
“It’s tough watching everything change.”
“These are good moves, dear. Besides, California is calling your name.”
“I haven’t heard from Crystal yet today, but it’s still early.”
“Nealy, enjoy your life and dreams. I am.”
Nealy hugged her grandmother, blinking back the tears blurring her eyes. After the brief exchange, she broke free, pressing her forefingers against her eyes to stop tears from falling. “You know,” she said in a husky tone, “you have no excuses to keep you from visiting me in L.A.”
“Oh, don’t worry, my dear. Visiting you is number one on my list.”
“I’ll be ready.”
The conversation was cut short as customers lined up to place orders. For the last time, the family pitched in as a unit, tending to customers, filling orders and tidying the shop. A bittersweet day, indeed.
Nealy leaned against the wall, taking it all in. Her plans and hard work had paid off. The Merchants’ Association representatives gushed over Cuppa Joe, claiming it to have the best storefront in town. With the new equipment installed, offering different coffee drink options, sales were up. Folks were spending more time in the shop, socializing or busy on their computers or tablets while enjoying their favorite beverages. What the family called Dorinda’s living room had now become the hot spot in Cypress Pointe.
She’d completed her task. There was nothing left to keep her from L.A. So why wasn’t she more thrilled?
* * *
THE WEDDING REHEARSAL for the Weston-Pierce wedding party awaited Nealy, who’d changed into a classic black sheath, with matching pumps and delicate pearls. Her final job here in Cypress Pointe and at the Grand Cypress Hotel, no less. Before long she’d be back in a high-profile world, thanks to Ashlee James, if she signed with Milestones by Crystal. Her boss hadn’t been kidding when she said Ashlee’s people would wait until the last minute to sign a contract. They had until Sunday, the day Nealy returned to L.A., to give an answer, which meant Monday would be the beginning of twelve-hour days if Ashlee came through.
While driving to the hotel, Nealy reflected on her grandmother’s decision to sell Cuppa Joe. At least her parents had promised to help Grandmother with the details of the sale. Even with all the teamwork this past week, no one in the family could run the shop full-time. She couldn’t cast blame on anyone. After all, she wasn’t willing to give up her job any more than the others.
She also couldn’t complain about her parents, who’d warmed up to her. Spoke well of her job and her successes. She never expected to hear praise from their lips. It helped temper the resignation she felt over Grandmother’s decision to sell Cuppa Joe. She may not have the coffee shop to visit when she came home, but now she had her family. A satisfying trade-off.
At least Lanie and David had rebounded in their relationship. While overjoyed for them, sadness blanketed Nealy. What about her happily-ever-after? She’d always been a romantic at heart, with a bit of a realist mixed in. Once she admitted things were going nowhere with Sam, the pressure came off. The small spark she’d hoped would turn into a raging bonfire never happened. Her feelings for Sam never went beyond a modest flame. Not much to build a relationship on. Looking back, she realized Sam, or any guy she’d dated, was an excuse not to face her true feelings for Dane.
Dane had her heart. He always had. Nothing would change the truth.
On the heels of her revelation, she wondered if she should take a chance and tell Dane the truth of her feelings for him. See if they’d both changed enough to start over. It would be slow going at first, until they decided the best way to meld their lives together. The idea of being honest with him frightened her, but she’d never been one to back away from a challenge.
Arriving at the hotel several minutes before the rehearsal, she spoke to the pastor to get her mind ready for what was ahead. She’d read over the folder of notes Dane sent from his office for her to refer to in case there were any last changes. Despite everything going on in her life, plus waiting to hear about the Ashlee James project, she still couldn’t keep her mind off Dane. Was she pitiful or what? She swore not to let him get to her, but it was just the opposite.
Dane would surely stop in to make sure the bride and groom were pleased with the rehearsal. The wedding rehearsal. The one topic between them sure to pour salt onto old wounds.
Remember, tonight is about the bride and groom, not your conflicted personal life.
“Oh, Nealy, there you are.” Melissa, the bride-to-be, grabbed her as she made her way into the hotel lobby. “The last of the wedding party has arrived. Let’s go outside so I can brief you on the ceremony.”
Nealy followed Melissa into the beautiful, warm Florida evening. The bride’s processional entailed walking from the hotel, down the white runner, to stand beside her groom in front of the pastor standing on a makeshift altar at the edge of the beach. Positioned on the altar stood a white arch, festooned with tulle and flowers. The magnolia tree filled with pink blooms added drama to the background.
A slight breeze ruffled the bride-to-be’s hair. Her cheeks were rosy with excitement. As she rambled on, Nealy experienced a strange heaviness in her chest. She should have factored how dealing with a bride would make her feel.
She’d dreamed about getting married, this time in front of family and friends rather than running off to the courthouse. She envisioned standing at the altar with a man who loved her. A man who would never leave her. Who stuck with her through good times and bad, no questions asked. That man could have been Dane, had their lives turned out differently. Now she’d have to see what the future brought her.
Melissa finished her to-do list, ready to get things rolling. Nealy made it halfway up the aisle when she caught a glimpse of Dane striding toward her from the hotel. Their gazes locked. Her stomach dipped with the old familiar tingle of awareness.
The father of the groom stopped Dane. He hesitated to break the visual connection. Just before he turned away, she swore she saw anticipation in his eyes.
Before she had a chance to determine what his look meant, the bridal party gathered around her for instructions. This was like an elaborate stage play, Nealy thought, with her serving as the director, telling the participants where to stand, what to do. She pushed her personal concerns about Dane aside to let her professional persona take over.
“Ladies, inside the hotel, please.” She shooed them with her hands. “Gentlemen, please stand in your appointed places.” She gestured to a spot just beyond the makeshift altar. “When I give you the signal, take your places beside the groom. Then the bridesmaids will begin walking down the aisle.”
Given their assignment, the groomsmen headed away. Nealy turned to the last group of important people awaiting directions. “Parents, please take your seats in the front row.”
Among the chatter, they all moved forward. “No, Mr. Weston.” She hurried over to take the father of the bride by the arm and turn him in the opposite direction. “You need to join your daughter indoors.”
“Right.” The older man adjusted his glasses. “I’m very nervous about this whole endeavor,” he told Nealy in a quiet voice.
She nodded to the women mingling by the doors. “Melissa is very happy. You should be proud of her.”
“I am, but I don’t do very well in large crowds.”
That’s what wives did, right?
She remembered how she always looked to Dane when they were younger, following his lead because she knew, just knew, he had her back. At least until everything between them changed.
“Thank you.” He patted her hand and moved to take his place.
Mr. Weston joined his daughter. A smile blossomed on Nealy’s lips. The Westons were a lovely couple and Melissa an easy bride to work with. From an event planner’s point of view, anyway.
Nealy nodded to the men to take their places. Once they were situated, she made sure the bridesmaids lined up in order. Perfect. She reminded the girls to smile, urged them to have fun and cued the soundman to start the music.
As she turned to watch the girls, she bumped into Dane.
“Oof,” she puffed then cleared her throat.
Dane grasped hold of Nealy’s arms to keep her steady.
“Where have you been?”
“The hospital. My dad had a heart attack.”
“Oh, Dane. Is he okay?”
“The doctor admitted him to run tests. I imagine he’ll put Dad on some kind of medication, talk to him about lifestyle changes.”
“That sounds okay,” Nealy said. “How are you? Okay?”
“The ordeal kinda scared me, but I’m relieved they have him stabilized.”
“Shouldn’t you be at the hospital? I can handle the rehearsal if you need to go.”
He met her gaze, his laser focus capturing her. “My dad will be fine. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here.”
She stared at his handsome face and her heart swelled. Dressed in a dark suit with white shirt and patterned tie, he took her breath away.
“Right.” She scurried out of the way, putting distance between them, hoping he hadn’t seen her emotions reflected in her eyes.
The music started. Instead of the traditional wedding processional, Melissa and Ben had chosen a romantic Tim McGraw love song for her entrance. Listening to the lyrics, hot tears pricked Nealy’s eyelids. The song reminded her of the night of Juliet’s failed engagement party when she and Dane danced under the stars. Good grief. This wedding was making her sappy.