27. Willow
I sighed as I stared out at the new sign I’d had made, pressing my hand into my lower back and curving outward to lessen the stress that had built up in my spine. My lips tipped up into a smile as I admired the curvy lettering. The Sunny Side-Up Diner.
I was so excited to bring this place back to its former glory.
After my uncle Douglas took over this place, he’d changed it to The Harmony Island Diner, but as soon as he willed the place over to me, I changed it back.
This was what it should have always been.
I never thought I’d be in the situation I currently found myself in. I was a single mom from Dallas, TX, barely making ends meet. My ex, Harold, was a joke. As soon as Jasper was born, he split, claiming that the baby wasn’t his and he always knew I was a tramp.
I didn’t care enough to fight him for child support, and my Great-Uncle Douglas needed someone to help run the diner since his arthritis was acting up. I jumped on the opportunity, and when I got here, he informed me that if I worked hard, he’d gift me the place once he was ready to retire.
True to his word, he’d signed the papers over and walked away, giving his blessing and his condolences. Sure, I’d never owned a business before, but I was excited for the journey I was about to go on.
“Miss?” The voice of an elderly woman next to me drew my attention. She had her glass raised in the air and was using her other hand to get my attention. “Can I get a refill?” she asked as soon as my gaze met hers.
I set down the rag I was currently using to wipe a table and nodded. “Of course,” I said as I grabbed her glass and glanced down at it. “Was this a Coke?”
“Diet Coke,” she replied.
“That’s right.” I gave her a smile, and she did the same before she turned back to her conversation.
I made my way through the dining room and walked right past the hostess stand, where a man was waiting to be greeted. He was new to this island—I’d never seen him before. He was standing there in a suit and tie, looking annoyed.
“I’ll be right with you,” I called out over my shoulder as I hurried past him and over to the drink dispenser. I pressed the Diet Coke lever and waited for the glass to fill. Once I’d returned the drink to the customer, I brushed my hands down on my apron and made my way back to the front.
The man was still standing at the hostess stand when I approached. “Just one?” I asked as I grabbed a menu from the basket.
“I won’t be eating here,” he said.
I glanced up and met his dark brown eyes. There was a coolness to his gaze that sent a shiver down my spine. “Okay,” I said as I set the menu back down. “What can I help you with?”
He glanced around the diner before he sighed. “I’m looking for Douglas Gentlesman.”
“He’s my great-uncle. What do you need with him?”
He glanced back at me. “Well, for starters, I want to talk to him about how he thought he could sell off the diner without speaking to me first.”
“Speaking to you?” I repeated before I frowned, confusion filling my mind. “And who are you?”
He reached into his suit coat and pulled out a business card. He held it out for me, but when it became apparent I wasn’t going to take it, he dropped it onto the hostess stand.
“I’m Cole Watkins.” When I didn’t react, he continued, “Nick Watkins was my father.” I still had no idea who that was.
Cole blew out his breath as he shifted his weight. “The man who owns half this diner.”
***
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Harmony Island Gazette. Boone and Juniper were both broken and looking for some light. I’m so happy that they found it with each other. It was intense to explore their story, but I’m glad I did.
I’m excited to write a best friend to more story with Ella and Asher and dive deeper into Willow and the new man who’s come to town and disrupted her lift.
Make sure you grab the next book in the Sweet Tea and a Southern Gentleman series, The Sunny Side-Up Diner to find out what happens next!