Key West Promises (Seaside Palms #1)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

E rnest strutted past the window, pausing to eye the kitchen activities with his usual literary criticism while Leah chopped vegetables for dinner.

Tess sat at the kitchen table, leafing through a tattered cookbook she'd found at a thrift store, her pencil scratching notes in the margins. The book had clearly been well-loved by its previous owner, with dog-eared pages and splatter marks telling stories of meals long past. She'd bought it on impulse last week, drawn to its vintage cover and promise of "Island Cuisine Made Simple."

"How about lime and honey glazed shrimp?" Tess suggested, holding up the book. The recipe's page was marked with one of their old business cards—"Island Inspirations" in faded gold lettering. "We could serve it over coconut rice."

"Sounds good," Leah replied, carefully dicing a bell pepper. "As long as we don't overdo the honey. Remember last time?" Their attempt at honey-garlic chicken had ended with a sticky mess in the kitchen.

Tess laughed. "Right. Sticky chaos. Got it. Though you have to admit, that sauce was pretty tasty once we got it off the counter. I’m going to shake some red chili peppers on mine."

The kitchen had settled into a comfortable rhythm lately, their evening meals becoming a time to decompress and plan, usually right before heading out to work. It was almost like their early days in Key West, before the pressure of failing businesses had started to weigh them down. There was something different now, a hint of hard-won wisdom in their conversations.

Kaitlyn burst through the door just then, her cheeks pink from the heat and her arms full of folders. Her usual perfectly styled appearance was slightly disheveled, but her eyes were bright with excitement. A few loose papers escaped her grip, scattering across the floor like confetti.

"You wouldn't believe the day I've had," she said, dropping her load onto the couch before flopping down beside it. Her enthusiasm was contagious, filling the small space with energy. "Elena said they’re planning a fundraiser in a few weeks, and she’s thinking about doing a sunset dinner cruise. She thinks it'll bring in some big donations."

"That's ambitious," Leah said, wiping her hands on a towel. She couldn't help but notice how different Kaitlyn seemed from the social media-obsessed niece who'd hadn’t been in Key West for no more than two days. There was substance behind her excitement now, purpose in her planning.

"It is," Kaitlyn agreed, gathering up the fallen papers. "But I think it could really work. The tricky part is getting local businesses to donate or sponsor. We're meeting with some tomorrow. Elena's been introducing me to everyone— she knows practically every business owner in Key West."

"You've been here for what, two days? And you're already planning a major event?" Tess teased, her tone light but impressed. She closed the cookbook, giving Kaitlyn her full attention. "Looks like someone inherited the family's entrepreneurial spirit."

Kaitlyn grinned, but there was a hint of self-awareness in her expression that was new. "What can I say? I'm good at making things happen. Though this time it's different. It's not just about creating content or getting likes. These people really need help." She hesitated, looking between her aunts. "Speaking of which…I was wondering if you two might want to help? Just a little? Maybe with the food side of things?"

Leah blinked, caught off guard. The knife paused mid-chop. "You want us to help?"

"Why not? Aunt Tess, you're always coming up with creative dishes, and Aunt Leah, you're the most organized person I know. Plus, it's for a good cause." Kaitlyn sat up straighter, her expression earnest. "And honestly? I could really use your experience. Even the failed business attempts taught you both so much about what works and what doesn't in Key West."

Tess tilted her head, clearly intrigued. The vintage cookbook lay forgotten as new possibilities sparked in her mind. "A sunset dinner cruise fundraiser? That does sound fun. And I've always wanted an excuse to try a few new recipes. Maybe something with local ingredients, really showcase what makes the Keys special."

"I don't know," Leah said, hesitant. She resumed chopping, the rhythm slightly less steady now. "We're already working full shifts at the bar. Adding something else might be too much. Not only that, does the shelter have money for this? It’s one thing to get donations, but up-front costs, we can’t afford."

"It doesn't have to be a lot," Kaitlyn said quickly. She stood, moving to the kitchen counter with the energy of someone who refused to take no for an answer. "Maybe just brainstorming ideas or testing a dish or two. If it's too much, you can always back out. No pressure." She paused, then added softly, "But I really think you'd be good at this. It won’t be a sit-down dinner, just appetizers or maybe a buffet. I’m not sure yet. Elena said she knows several restaurant owners who might help, but it would be great if you could help too."

Leah exchanged a glance with Tess, who raised her eyebrows in encouragement. There was something different about this opportunity—it wasn't about making money or finding their place in paradise. It was about helping others find theirs.

With a sigh that carried more acceptance than resignation, Leah nodded. "All right. We'll help where we can. But let's keep it manageable this time. And we’re going to have to meet Elena at some point."

Kaitlyn beamed, her smile brightening the kitchen more than the setting sun. "Thank you! You're the best. Just wait until you meet some of the families at Paradise Harbor House, you'll understand why this matters so much."

Leah smiled. “I have no doubt.”

The next morning, Kaitlyn arrived early at Paradise Harbor House, armed with a notebook full of ideas and a nervous excitement she couldn't quite shake. The morning air was thick with humidity, and the porch's rocking chairs moved gently in the breeze.

Elena greeted her with a warm smile, already holding a steaming mug of coffee. Her clipboard was tucked under one arm, several new pages added since yesterday. "Good morning, Kaitlyn" she said, holding the door open. "Ready to tackle the fundraiser?"

"Absolutely," Kaitlyn replied, following her inside. The house smelled of coffee and cinnamon, with a hint of fresh paint from where they'd been touching up the living room walls. "I've got a list of potential sponsors, and my aunts agreed to help with the food. They're actually pretty excited about it."

Elena's eyebrows lifted, pleasant surprise crossing her face. "Your aunts are getting involved? That's wonderful. The more community support we have, the better. And from what you've told me about their creative ideas, they might bring exactly the kind of energy we need. I’d love to meet them."

“They want to meet you too,” Kaitlyn responded. “I think they’re afraid I’m getting in over my head.”

Elena smiled. “Oh, I’m sure they just want to better understand what we do here. Tell them to stop by anytime.”

Kaitlyn followed Elena into her small office, where a wall of photos told stories of Paradise Harbor House's successes—families smiling in front of new homes, women graduating from training programs, children celebrating birthdays in the backyard garden. Each image represented a life changed, a bridge built to a better future.

Kaitlyn and Lily spent the next few hours strategizing, contacting local businesses. Kaitlyn surprised herself with how smoothly the work came to her. She had always been good at organizing, but this felt different. It felt…meaningful.

Her social media skills, once used primarily for gathering likes and followers, now served a greater purpose as she crafted compelling messages about Paradise Harbor House’s mission.

"What about approaching some of the sunset cruise companies sooner, rather than later?” Elena suggested, reviewing their sponsor list. "They might be willing to donate a boat and crew for the evening. It would save us a significant expense."

Kaitlyn nodded eagerly, already pulling up her notes. "I've researched a few options. There's one company that does charity events regularly—they might be interested."

By noon, they had secured three small sponsorships and piqued the interest of a local bakery that offered to donate desserts for the event.

Kaitlyn practically floated out of Paradise Harbor House, her confidence growing with each small success. The morning's work had shown her that her skills—even the ones she'd once dismissed as frivolous—could make a real difference.

Back at the bungalow, Leah and Tess were brainstorming menu ideas. The kitchen table was covered with cookbooks, notepads, and the beginnings of a shopping list. Their old vision board had been repurposed, now holding sample menus and recipe cards instead of failed business plans.

"Key lime pie is a must," Leah said, jotting it down. "But maybe with a twist—like a coconut crust or mango sauce."

"And definitely conch fritters for one of the appetizers," Tess added, comparing prices from different suppliers. “We could do a mini version, more elegant for a fundraiser."

"No way. With all the great conch fritters on the island, there is no way I’d want to tackle that. Besides, we’re hardly fishermen or sea divers.”

“What about a vegetarian option?" Tess asked, flipping through her thrift store cookbook. "We need to be inclusive."

Leah tilted her head, considering. "Stuffed peppers? They're easy and can be prepped ahead of time.”

Tess nodded approvingly. "I like it. We'll need to test a few recipes." Her eyes sparkled with the same enthusiasm that had once led them to buy a coffee cart, but this time it felt grounded in reality rather than dreams.

"I hope Kaitlyn knows what she's getting us into," Leah said, though there was no real bite in her words. Instead, there was a hint of pride—both in their niece and in themselves for taking this step.

Tess grinned, reaching for another cookbook. "She's full of surprises. Maybe we are too. Who would have thought our failed catering business would come in handy?"

“Do you know if she’s talked to Gretchen yet?” Leah asked.

Tess shrugged. “No idea. Why?”

“Because, although I hate to rain on her parade, she has to answer her mother’s calls. Gretchen will be frantic and blow everything out of proportion. I’m going to have a talk with Kaitlyn. She can’t put this off any longer.”

Tess nodded. “I agree. Maybe we should meet with Elena before Kaitlyn calls Gretchen. You know how our sister is, she’ll pounce on us and ask a million questions we can’t answer. I don’t feel like hearing another lecture about how irresponsible we are.”

"You're right. We should see the place for ourselves."

Without letting Kaitlyn know they were headed to Paradise Harbor House, Tess and Leah walked several blocks to find Elena Armstrong. When they arrived, they saw a few children playing under the shade of a massive banyan tree, their laughter carrying across the yard.

As they climbed the porch steps, the screen door opened and a woman with long hair pulled back in a neat braid stepped out.

"Hello, can I help you?”

“We’re Kaitlyn’s aunts, I’m Leah and this is my sister, Tess.”

“Welcome" she said warmly. "I'm Elena. Nice to finally meet you."

"Hope we're not interrupting anything," Leah said, but Elena was already waving them inside.

"Not at all. Come in, please. We just finished lunch—would you like some coffee?"

The interior of Paradise Harbor House was well-worn but immaculately kept, with comfortable furniture and walls covered in photos. Elena led them through a living room where two women sat sorting donated clothing, past a study space where another woman worked intently at a computer, and into a large, sunny kitchen.

"This is where most of our community happens," Elena said, gesturing to the massive kitchen table that could easily seat twelve. "Meals, homework, job applications, late-night conversations—it all happens here."

Tess ran an appreciative hand along the industrial-sized stove. "This is quite a setup."

"We serve three meals a day, plus snacks for the kids," Elena explained, pouring coffee into mismatched mugs. "Some of our residents are learning food service skills—basic cooking, food safety, that sort of thing."

"Kaitlyn mentioned that," Leah said, accepting a mug. "It’s a wonderful program."

"Kaitlyn's told me about your various business ventures over the years."

"You mean our failures," Leah said dryly.

"I mean your persistence," Elena corrected gently. "That's something we understand here at Paradise Harbor House. Everyone deserves second chances, sometimes third and fourth chances too."

As if to illustrate her point, a teenage girl burst into the kitchen, making a beeline for the refrigerator. She pulled out a jug of juice, then noticed the visitors and froze.

"It's okay, Maya," Elena said. "These are Kaitlyn's aunts, the ones helping with the fundraiser." To Tess and Leah, she added, "Maya's our resident artist. She's helping us come up with design ideas for the fundraiser."

Maya's shy smile turned proud. "Want to see?" Without waiting for an answer, she darted out and returned with a sketch pad. The design she showed them was elegant but warm, featuring a sunset over water and simple, flowing text.

"This is beautiful," Tess said sincerely, and Maya beamed before disappearing again, juice forgotten.

"That's what we do here," Elena said after she'd gone. "We help people rediscover their talents, their worth." She pulled out a folder. "Now, about this fundraiser. Kaitlyn's been sharing your menu ideas…"

For the next hour, they discussed logistics, possibilities, and challenges. Elena's practical experience balanced their creative ideas, and slowly, a plan began to take shape. Through it all, Paradise Harbor House’s daily life continued around them, women coming and going, children's voices drifting in from the yard, phones ringing with potential donations or new arrivals needing help.

When they finally stood to leave, both sisters felt differently than when they'd arrived. This wasn't just Kaitlyn's project anymore—it had become real, important.

"Thank you for coming," Elena said at the door. "And thank you for supporting Kaitlyn in this. She's brought such energy to our little community."

"Speaking of Kaitlyn," Leah said, "we need to convince her to call her mother."

Elena's expression turned understanding. "Ah, yes. She's mentioned being worried about that conversation. Perhaps remind her that we all need our support systems, even when those relationships are complicated."

Walking back to their bungalow in the late afternoon heat, Tess and Leah were quiet, both processing what they'd seen.

Finally, Tess spoke. "You know what this means, right?"

"That we're definitely going to need a bigger kitchen?"

"That, and we're fully committed now. No backing out."