One Hot Summer

by Heidi McLaughlin

  Kelly pointed over her former teacher’s shoulder. “Kori Franklin is my daughter.” Mrs. Lange eyes grew wide, with a smile to match.

  “She looks just like you at that age.”

  “How do you remember?”

  “I remember everything.” Mrs. Lange winked at Kelly and Melody, who laughed. Melody hooked her arm into Kelly’s and told her it was time to leave. While this may be Kori’s second first day of school, she was in good, capable hands and Melody knew this.

  “How come you didn’t tell me Mrs. Lange was their teacher?”

  Melody shrugged. “Because sometimes you need a little surprise in your life and this was one of them. Ida’s one of the best teachers, the most caring and perfect for our girls. I wanted you to walk in and remember. Not only where we met, but also how warm and welcoming her classroom is. Kori didn’t realize you were in the room. Everyone made her feel at ease.”

  “Well she had Carolyn there, so that helps.” Kelly couldn’t help but be a bit negative. Embracing the good is sometimes hard after the blow she went through. She was trying. She looked at her friend, who only shrugged. “See you at the shop?”

  “I’ll be hot on your tail.” Mel walked toward her car. Kelly watched her, wondering how lucky she got in the friendship department, and questioned how she’d ever pay her back for all the support and love that’s been sent her way.

  At the Java Hut, Kelly stood in the entryway, looking over her business. Cupcakes, brownies and muffins filled the display case. Kelly, her mom, and Melody were up all-night baking, eating more than their fair share of batter and testing finished products. Stomach aches aside, the women pulled off a masterful feat, leaving a variety of products to sell today.

  Going forward, she had a loose plan. She’d bake throughout the day and do what she could on her own until she was able to hire someone to run the front while she worked in the back. Baking was her favorite thing to do, and she found the task soothing. She liked having the flexibility of making whatever she wanted, and if it didn’t sell during the day, she had Kori, Carolyn and Brett who would gladly eat the sugary treats.

  Mindy Taft stood beside her daughter, with Melody on the other side. The three of them were quiet for a moment before Kelly proudly said, “It’s time to open.” Much to her surprise, when she unlocked and pushed the door open, there was a line. She greeted each person with a smile, a handshake when they offered one, and thanked every single one of them for coming. She wanted to give everyone a hug but didn’t want to send the wrong message. She was grateful. Not only for the support the community was showing her but for the long line that stretched to the end of the block. Of course, being the only full-fledged coffee shop in town helped. Sure, the local diner had regular coffee, but Kelly was taking the town’s caffeine jolt to another level.

  While Mindy, Melody, Chad and Kelly’s dad Norman worked the counter, Kelly stayed on the floor, engaging in early morning conversation. The rumor mill was hard at work, and while people asked what Kelly had been up to, she kept her answers vague. Her life was private, and she wanted to keep it that way as long as possible. In hindsight, it’d be about two or three weeks before someone figured everything out, in which, Kelly would brush it off as if her being home with her daughter was no big deal because that was how she’s going to treat it.

  With the mad onslaught of people winding down, Chad and Norman excused themselves and headed to their respective jobs, leaving the women to clean up and re-organize before the lunch rush. The three of them sat at one of the wire tables, sipping on their preferred beverages. Kelly with her sweet tea, something she couldn’t get up north, Mindy with her coffee, and Melody with an iced mocha.

  “I don’t think we could’ve handled that any better,” Mindy said in between sips.

  “I agree. Have you thought about adding a lunch menu?” Mel wanted to know.

  Kelly rolled her eyes. “We just opened, and there’s barely any pastries left. How can I manage a lunch menu with no staff?” As much as she wanted them to stay and help, her mom and best friend would have to go back to their jobs, leaving her to manage her business on her own, which is the way it should be.

  “Did you place an ad in the paper?” her mom asked.

  “No, it seems like a waste of money. Word of mouth is free. I’ll tell one of the chatty Cathy’s from the Women’s Guild. They’ll spread the word like wildfire.”

  Mindy set her hand on top of her daughter’s and gave her a soft smile. “Buying and reopening the Java Hut was a good idea, a great investment. Your dad and I are so proud of you.”

  “And,” Melody injected. “Chad and I are as well, and we’re here, for whatever you need.”

  “I know and thank you both. I don’t know how I would’ve done any of this without your help.” Kelly looked around her small little store and felt a sense of pride. Days of hard work, broken fingernails, paint in her hair and pounds of flour spilt onto the floor was going to be worth it.

  After the women left, Kelly started researching basic sandwich making, along with the wholesale cost of meats, bread, cheeses and all the necessary vegetables and condiments needed. She also looked at the price of installing a proper counter in order to serve more food. It’s something she could do, if she had help.

  And she needed help. There were going to be times when Kori would be sick or had an appointment. She couldn’t very well expect her mother to drop everything to take care of her daughter. More help meant longer hours. A full day meant more profit especially during the summer.

  She picked up the phone and called Chad. Being one of the accountants in town, she hired him to maintain her books, to make sure she was making money instead of throwing it away. He was also handling the money from her settlement so she wouldn’t spend it on frivolous items like the three-hundred-dollar ballet flats she had grown accustomed to or running up a tab at Barney’s. No, those days were long over, and it was time to live within her means.

  “Chad Hudson,” he answered.

  “Chad, it’s Kelly.” She sighed. “I have a question.”

  “If it has to do with money, expense and profit, I’m your guy.”

  That made her smile. She could trust him. “This morning went really well, and Mel wondered about a lunch counter. I looked at some preliminary costs and wondered what you thought. Would it be feasible?” she gave him the rough start-up numbers and waited. She could hear Chad’s fingers pounding on his calculator and what she thought was his pen writing.

  “Do you still plan to hire?”

  “Yes, a couple of part-time people. No one full-time because I can’t offer benefits. I thought someone in the morning and then again in the afternoon.”

  Again, there was the clicking sound of his fingers pushing the buttons of his adding machine, and the telltale sign of the machine printing on the paper. “It’s feasible, and likely very profitable especially until about October. Once the tourist season stops, I’d suggest cutting back to one person. Maybe even hire a college student who is home for the summer, this way, you’re not forced to fire someone.”

  “So, hire someone permanent and one seasonal?”

  “Two seasonal, if you don’t plan to work there.”

  “I’m going to work.” She would because it saved money, although having a day off would be nice. It’d give her a chance to explore with Kori, to teach her how to surf and snorkel, and to spend some quality time together whether on the beach, at the library or cuddled up on their couch watching a marathon of movies. “Okay, so maybe two seasonal and one permanent.”

  “You can do this, Kelly. I’ll start asking any of the staff if their kids are coming home this summer, get the word out.”

  Kelly smiled as she closed her eyes. This was going to work. “Thank you, Chad.” She hung up and gave herself a high-five.

  4

  Danny

  Rambo shook his Shepherd’s fur back and forth, spraying Danny with droplets of water. He wouldn’t care, if he hadn’t already taken off
his wet suit, but his dog had a knack for having the worst timing ever. And if he wasn’t mistaken, Rambo smiled. “Thanks, bud.” He reached into the back of his van for the towel he threw in there this morning and wiped away the water. He was pleased that he’d been able to actually get to the waves after yesterday’s fiasco. “What do you say, think we should head over and support the new owner of the Java Hut?” Rambo looked at his owner and wagged his tail. That was enough for Danny.

  Until medical school, he wasn’t a coffee drinker. The long study sessions went well into the early mornings and coupled with an eight a.m. class or lab, it turned him into an espresso junkie. He lived off the caffeine, until he noticed his lack of appetite and his pants were a little looser than normal. He had to cut back, if not for his sanity, for his well-being. His indulgence now is a cup a day. Two, if a patient was going to keep him up all night.

  With Rambo by his side, they walked across the street and onto the boardwalk, with Rambo’s leash hanging from his mouth. The traffic was still light, but that would change any day. The first round of tourists would start to arrive shortly after the first of May. Weekend visitors would arrive first before the full-fledged weeklong travelers start to embark on his sleepy little town. Because of the lack of people, Danny rarely had to control his dog, even when others were around. Rambo was friendly and loved everyone, especially children. A woman appeared in the doorway of the coffee shop and set down a bowl of water. It was enough to get Rambo’s attention and he took off with Danny hot on his tail.

  By the time he reached the door, the woman was gone. He took a deep breath before entering with Martha’s voice running through is head. The new owner was single. Not that he was looking for any type of romance, but there was a little intrigue there. Hell, dating in Gray had its issues, period. There was no getting to know someone, no mystery behind the person sitting opposite you. Chances were, you had multiple classes growing up with them. And you’ve likely seen them at their worse, and they you. Not to mention, as soon as the gossip spreads, they’re planning your wedding. This was the main reason Danny stayed single. That and he hadn’t found someone who interested him enough to be a part of the rumor mill.

  He didn’t have a problem leaving Rambo outside, knowing his dog wasn’t going to go anywhere. At best, someone would stop by and entertain the pooch, or he’d wander in on his own if the sidewalk became too hot for him. Danny stepped inside, surprised to find the café empty. The once rust colored tables were now white, with a small vase of flowers on each one, giving the place a homier feel. The pastry case that used to be full was almost empty, with only a few muffins and trays full of crumbs left. A loud banging coming from the back, causing him to jump. He thought about offering to help, but not knowing the new owner realized it might not sit well with them. All he knew was that they moved here from the big city, which made him question their sanity. Who moves to a small coastal town unless they’re running from something? So, he waited, tapping his fingers on the counter. He wasn’t impatient, more eager than anything.

  When the door separating the café from the kitchen swung open, Danny stared as long as he could, until the auburn-haired woman looked at up him. His heart jumped before picking up speed. He had to swallow, harder than normal after he made eye contact with her. Years of regret and sorrow flooded his memory. One fateful mistake had changed his life, and now the person he hurt the most, even though that was never his intention, was standing before him like a statue with her mouth open.

  “Taffy.” He said the name he had called her while they were together. His favorite candy and it was only fitting that his favorite girl held the same moniker.

  Kelly set down the tray she was carrying and wiped her hands on her apron. She smiled as she approached the counter. “What can I get for you?” she asked. Danny looked at her, really looked at her, taking in everything he could see from her pale legs, to her curved hips and breasts, which he focused a bit too long on. Her hair was in a thick braid, cascading down her back. But it was her green eyes that held his gaze to hers. He used to spend hours looking into them and could easily spend a few more starting now.

  “Don’t you remember me?” He asked, foolishly. Of course, she remembered him. She had to. They dated. Sure, it was high school, but they still shared a part of their lives. For months, they were inseparable, spending every free moment they had with each other. Often their study sessions would turn to make-out sessions. They’d go to the drive-in and never watch a single clip of the movies playing. The weekend spent on the beach, meant hours of cuddling before sneaking off to get away from their friends.

  That’s where their love affair ended. He had embarrassed her so gravely, humiliating her in front of their classmates, who mocked and teased her relentlessly. Despite his attempts to smooth things over, the damage couldn’t be undone. As childish as it all was, he was only trying to help her.

  He hadn’t seen Kelly Taft since they graduated from high school. That summer, he expected to find her on the beach, either running or surfing, but each day he went and waited, he never saw her. It wasn’t until Chad Hudson told him she had left, decided to go to school early and work for the summer near her college. Danny could’ve easily tracked her down, but what would’ve been the point? She told him loud and clear, without using words, that she wanted nothing to do with him.

  And now here she was in the flesh, staring back at him with her vibrant green eyes, as if she didn’t know who he was. A few things started making sense for him. The woman before him was married. This much he knew because Martha had told him her last name is Franklin. For some reason, that didn’t sit well with him. He didn’t like the idea that his Taffy had married another man and brought him back to Gray, but they had long broken-up and it wasn’t like he had any say in her life.

  No, wait. Martha said single, and if she had her facts right, which she usually did, Kelly was divorced or widowed. That gave him a surge of confidence. He saw redemption in his future. He would make up for his epic blunder after all these years. How? He had no idea, but there had to be some way.

  “It’s really good to see you, Taffy.”

  Her features didn’t soften at the sound of his pet name for her and Danny knew he’d have an uphill climb, but it’d be worth it. He sighed heavily and looked over her shoulder at the reader board. “I’ll take a double shot.”

  “Anything else?”

  “The last muffin?” His statement came out more like a question and she quirked her eyebrow at him. He nodded and kept his lips pulled tight, doing anything he could to keep his words trapped inside his mouth.

  Honestly, he didn’t know what to say to her. “I’m sorry,” wasn’t going to be enough. He tried telling her that fifteen years ago and she didn’t listen. He wasn’t even sure she’d forgive him now, but he was going to try. He watched her while she made his espresso, something he didn’t need right now, and package up his muffin in a carryout bag. “That’ll be for here,” he said, causing her movements to falter. There was no change in her expression, he noticed. Not even a flinch or a middle finger sticking up in the air for good measure.

  She returned to the register with his double dose of caffeine and muffin on a plate, giving him the total. He padded his pockets, feeling for the heaviness of his wallet, only to remember he left it in his van. “Um…”

  “Are you serious? You came in here without any money?” Kelly leaned a bit to her side, causing him to turn. A line had formed behind him, something he had been oblivious to since he was focused on her.

  “That wasn’t my intention. Give me a minute.” He stuck his index finger up in the air and back peddled out of the store, apologizing to everyone behind him. Rambo sat up as soon as he saw his master step out. “Stay,” he commanded before bolting back to his van. In his haste, he threw open the side door, something he knew better not to do since it had a tendency to stick, and climbed in. Why he didn’t open his driver side door, he’ll never know. Surely, this wasn’t the first time he’s go
ne without his wallet. In fact, most places allow him to run a tab, and he could’ve easily asked any one of the people behind him to cover him and they would’ve. He is, after all, the town doctor.

  However, that wasn’t the impression he wanted to leave Kelly. The image she had of him was tainted enough and this little episode made it even worse. When he arrived back at the café, the line was still just as long. He waited, albeit, not very patiently to get back to the counter. When it was his turn, he stepped up, greeted by a scowl and her holding up her index finger.

  She busied herself at one of the coffee makers, and when she returned, she slid what looked like the same mug from before, his way, along with his muffin. “Thank you,” he said, handing over his money, not bothering with the change, knowing he gave her a ten-dollar tip. He suspected that might be construed a variety of ways. He’s either trying too hard to get her attention or he’s taking pity on her because he knows she’s divorced. Neither of which crossed his mind until he sat down.

  He’d like a redo of the morning. A fresh start where he’s not looking like an ass in front of the one girl he was madly in love with many years ago, which if someone asked him now why he’s staring at her instead of drinking his coffee, he’d likely say because those old feelings he’d had were rushing back.

  Determined to make the day different, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Martha, checking to make sure he didn’t have anything on his schedule that he had to rush into the office for. Her response pleased him, until she sent a follow-up message asking how he’s enjoying his coffee. “Damn rumor mill,” he muttered to himself as he picked up the ceramic mug. Much to his surprise, the liquid was hot, and the taste was perfect. He half expected Kelly to either give him the first cup she brewed for him or make this one undrinkable. He deserved either, if not both.