“You earned it, the old fashioned way.” Devin complimented her. “You invested in your business with your own brain power and elbow grease. I always knew you could do it but I never dreamed it would be so successful so fast.”
“I had good help. Latasha was the moving force in the beginning. Really put her shoulder to the wheel and made things happen. No one says no to Latasha Ezuma. She says jump and you ask how high.”
“What will you do now that she’s going into partnership in the new detective agency with the Judge and Clancy?” Devin asked.
“She’s spent the last month training her older sister, Shaniqua. She’s been catering out of her home for years. And Latasha’s got four more sisters, all great cooks and bakers who’ll help if needed. Our Latasha’s converted the usual elegant catering offerings into more island-type cooking and it’s going over big. She’s even got a Jamaican band to supply music. It’s a new approach and our clients are loving it.” Kate looked at Devin. “Here’s another change. It’s time you got your condo back. I’m looking at houses around here. Kind of looking ahead to when Alexis is home for the holidays and even when she graduates. She’s talking about working as a vet’s assistant in North Palm Beach for the next couple of summers.”
“I’m happy for you, Kate. I knew this day would come. I’ll miss you like a…like a front tooth.”
“Nothing will change. I’ll only be in the next town. We’ll see each other often.” She laughed. “I was just thinking about Judge Phoebe’s new business venture. Can you imagine any more diverse personalities than the judge, Latasha, and Clancy? I’d like to be a fly on the wall when they have business meetings.”
“It’s a powerful combo, all right. Each brings a talent to the table. Phoebe has experience of the law, Clancy has cop skills, and Latasha always gets her perp.” He paused and pursued his previous concern. “So, when and where are you going to get some rest time?”
“Stewart wants to take Alexis and me away for a week. He’s trying to get us together as a family.”
“And Alexis wants to go?” Devin sounded surprised.
“Not really, well, she hasn’t worked through her anger yet. It’s what’s holding me back from Stewart.” Kate looked off into the distance. “He’s the only man I ever loved and may be the only man I will ever love the way I did.” She looked out over the turquoise ocean. Suddenly, she sat upright.
“I’m going to Italy: Florence, Milan, Lake Maggiore,” she announced. “Alone. I always wanted to go there and never got to do it. I need to have time just to myself without worrying and taking care of anyone else. There’s a great culinary school there and I’m going to sign up for a course in Tuscan cookery. And when I get back, maybe I’ll see things differently…or not. Time will tell.” Kate jumped out of her chair and planted a sound kiss on Devin’s cheek. “I’m calling the travel agent right now.” She disappeared behind the sliding glass doors.
Devin leaned back and looked at the tapestry of stars decorating the sky. He smiled to himself. He needn’t have worried about Kate. Not at all.
Acknowledgments
To all my past, present and future condo neighbors, thank you for providing me with insane situations and characters. You've made my life more than interesting
About the Author
Tina Nicholas has taught writing and literature at university and high school levels. She has been published in educational texts, professional periodicals, and journals. She is a confirmed dog lover, and her spunky Miniature Pinscher, Lukie, is always a source of inspiration. Currently, she writes for The Condo News under the name Tina Chippas
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Condo Crazies: Murder At The Albatross Page 20