20. Jess
Jess and her girls scrambled out of the car that evening, still laughing over one of Anthem’s stories.
Jess hadn’t visited Kyle’s bar, Crabby Pete’s, since she’d gotten to town. And tonight seemed like the perfect time to give it a try, since having all her girls together at once was a great reason to celebrate.
“This place looks like fun,” Anthem declared, looking up at the sign, which featured a crab wearing a cowboy hat.
“Why does he have a cowboy hat?” Liberty wondered, ever practical.
“How else would you know he’s a cowboy?” Glory asked matter-of-factly.
“I guess we’ll ask Kyle next time we see him,” Jess laughed as they headed up the stairs and stepped inside.
It was dim and peaceful but with fun decor, all with a sailing and fishing motif. Nets with paddles, painted starfish, and other items hung from the walls. Delicious cooking scents filled the air, along with the quiet conversation and laughter of the other patrons. And the air conditioning made it nice and cool.
“Welcome to Crabby Pete’s,” the hostess said with a big smile. “Table for four?”
“Yes, please,” Jess said proudly, still unable to believe all three girls had come all the way down to Driftwood Key this summer.
“Would you like a booth inside, or a table out on the deck?” the hostess asked.
Jess preferred the fresh air, but she was sure the girls would want to stay in the air conditioning. They weren’t used to this kind of weather yet.
“Outside,” Glory whispered, surprising her.
Jess glanced at the others and they all nodded.
“Outside, please,” she said happily.
“Right this way,” the hostess replied, smiling.
She led them to the back of the restaurant, through a set of glass doors that opened onto a wide, covered deck overlooking the ocean. The sun was setting and the sky was a swirl of rose and flame-orange that shimmered in the water, making it look like liquid gold.
“Oh, wow,” Anthem sighed.
“You’ll never get used to it,” Glory told her. “It’s completely bananas.”
Jess smiled, happy for her girls to fall in love with her hometown a little, or at least with the views.
“Your server will be right over,” the hostess said, heading off as they seated themselves.
Jess sat down beside Liberty, and the two younger girls sat across from them.
“I can’t believe we’re all together again,” Anthem said happily.
“You were the wild card,” Glory said accusingly.
Anthem had always been fiercely independent, going to sleepaway camp younger than either of her sisters and fearlessly following her music wherever it took her, even when it meant college out of state, working vacations, and a future that could be anywhere in the world.
“I always come home again,” Anthem said lightly. “So, what’s going on with you? You’re about to start your senior year. Do you have plans for what’s next?”
Glory shrugged, her eyes darting to Jess.
Jess felt a pang of terrible guilt. Of course Glory had no idea what was next, because whatever it was, Jess had to be able to pay for it.
“Glory is good at so many things,” Jess said calmly. “She’s still figuring out what to focus on, right?”
“I guess,” Glory said. “I might work for a bit after high school. No point going to college if I can’t even decide what to do.”
Liberty bit her lip worriedly.
“With your grades, I’m sure you’ll go to college, Glory,” Jess told her. “And you can always just take a bunch of different classes freshman year to see what interests you most.”
Glory’s expression of relief gave Jess a pang of guilt.
Uncle Brian had never discussed money with her. She knew there wasn’t much, but that they always had plenty to eat and the apartment was toasty warm all winter. When it came time for college, she’d chosen a community college with a good business program, and they’d managed with a combination of scholarships, loans, and a part-time job she took on.
But Uncle Brian had been raised by parents who didn’t discuss money. And Jess had never known a wealthy lifestyle.
Glory had suddenly gone from a comfortable, upper middle-class life to a whole lot of uncertainty. Jess probably should have been having honest money conversations with her this whole time, rather than just hinting that they had to economize.
“I’m sure Dad will pay for whatever college Glory wants to go to,” Anthem said suddenly.
“How could you be sure of that?” Glory spat back instantly. “He left us without a word. He so doesn’t care about us anymore.”
Anthem opened her mouth and closed it again.
Jess suddenly wondered if Anthem had guessed that it was her father who had paid that last tuition bill.
“Well, we won’t need Dad’s help,” Jess told Glory quietly. “You know I’ll do whatever I have to do to be sure you get an education. I’m sorry we didn’t talk about this enough before, but we’ll figure it out. There might need to be some compromise on where, but we’ll make sure you don’t go without a college degree if you want one.”
She held her breath, praying Glory wouldn’t freak out or yell about state schools and community colleges. Jess had been proud to go to a community college. But Glory met her eyes and Jess could see her relief, clear as day.
“Thanks, Mom,” she said quietly.
Jess nodded, feeling a little better about the situation.
“The waitress is coming,” Liberty said quietly, as if to tell them to stop with the money talk.
“Hi there,” a young girl with a name tag that said Sally chimed happily. “Here are your menus. Can I get you folks started with a drink?”
“How about a peach sangria?” Jess said.
“Oh, make that two,” Liberty added.
“Rum runner, please,” Anthem said.
Jess turned to her in surprise.
“You know I’m twenty-two, right?” Anthem laughed. “And we’re in the Keys. I have to try a rum runner. I think that’s some kind of law down here.”
“So I’m the only one drinking baby drinks?” Glory asked sadly. “I guess a virgin pi?a colada.”
“Can I see some ID?” Sally asked.
The girls slid out their licenses.
“Great choices,” the waitress said with an approving smile. “I’ll be right back with those.”
“So, what should we get to eat?” Anthem asked, already scanning the menu.
“Definitely some conch fritters to start,” Jess said.
“Oh, what about calamari?” Glory said, pointing to the menu.
“Jess,” a familiar voice called out. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“Kyle,” Jess said happily, hopping up to embrace him.
He gave her a hard hug and then pulled back to glance at the girls.
“Wait, there’s an extra one,” he said, winking. “I think your daughters are multiplying.”
“This is Anthem,” Jess said. “She just finished college and decided to pay us a visit. Anthem, this is Kyle McKinnon.”
“Oh, wow, so this is your place,” Anthem said. “It’s awesome.”
“Thank you,” Kyle said, grinning back at her. “Did you guys order yet?”
“Just drinks,” Jess said.
“Let me order for you then,” Kyle told them. “I’ll make sure you get the best we have to offer tonight. Do you guys have any food allergies or dislikes?”
Jess glanced at the girls, to be sure they were onboard with the idea. But they were all smiling up at Kyle like he hung the moon, shaking their heads.
“Okay, then,” he told them. “Hold onto your hats. It’s going to be a great meal.”
He disappeared back inside, and Jess turned back to her girls.
“It’s so awesome that you’ve still got family here,” Anthem said. “How many of Mary’s kids are still in the Keys?”
“Would you believe all of them?” Jess said happily. “You’re going to meet them soon.”
“They’re throwing Mom a big birthday bash for her fiftieth,” Glory said.
“No way,” Anthem laughed. “That’s awesome.”
Jess smiled, feeling more comfortable than ever about celebrating her milestone birthday. A month ago, she had been feeling like a failure, and dreading the occasion. But having all her girls by her side and work to do had given her a renewed sense of purpose. And now she was surprised to find that she was actually looking forward to it.
After a short wait, the waitress came out with their drinks, all of which looked delicious.
“To having you all with me again,” Jess said, lifting her glass. “Even if it’s just for a little while. This is the best early birthday present I could ever receive.”
They all clinked glasses.
Jess took a sip of the sweet, fragrant sangria as she soaked in the sensation of the warm breeze that swept in off the ocean, and the happiness of having her family together.
“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Anthem asked.
They all looked to Jess, and for a moment it was a surreal feeling. She had spent so many years with all of them looking to Silas with this type of question, herself included.
“Well, I need to work for a few hours at the flower shop, and Glory will be at the resort all day,” she told them. “And Liberty has been helping me out by working on the house, but I’m sure she would love to take a break and show you around town.”
“That would be great, Libs,” Anthem said.
“Okay, perfect,” Liberty told her. “Just don’t get your hopes up, there’s not all that much to see. But I’ll take you for the best ice cream you’ve ever eaten.”
“And I’ll ask Becca if you can come to work with me one day this week,” Glory offered. “The resort is amazing.”
As they talked about their plans, Sally and another waitress came out with trays of appetizers and Jess’s eyes widened.
“Is all that for us?” Liberty asked.
“Compliments of the owner,” Sally said. “He wanted you to try some of the best apps on the house. So here you’ve got conch fritters with key lime mustard, crab fries, and fresh shrimp cocktail. And Rachel’s got a wedge salad and creamy conch chowder for you.”
“Amazing,” Glory said, her eyes lighting up. “I love crab fries.”
“He didn’t have to do all that,” Jess said worriedly.
“It’s his pleasure, Miss Steele,” Sally said. “He’s so glad you chose to celebrate having all your daughters home here at Crabby Pete’s.”
The girls dug in, and for a few minutes there were no sounds but hums of appreciation. Glory and Anthem were really enjoying the crab fries, while Liberty ate chowder, and Jess nibbled on a delicious conch fritter.
“Oh my gosh,” Glory whispered suddenly over a mouthful of fries. “That’s him.”
“Who?” Anthem asked.
“Don’t look,” Glory whispered furiously. “Switch me seats, Mom, so he can’t see me.”
“What?” Jess asked, wanting to turn and look, but knowing she had better not. “Who is it?”
“Never mind,” Glory said, leaning in. “I think he already saw me. It’s Tristan, from the resort.”
“You don’t like him?” Liberty asked, her brow furrowed.
“Seems like it’s the opposite,” Anthem teased.
“I do like him,” Glory said, her cheeks going pink. “I just… didn’t expect to see him tonight.”
“Well, you look gorgeous,” Jess told her honestly. “Do you want to go say hi to him?”
“No,” Glory said. “I’m fine, sorry I freaked out, you guys.”
But she still looked nervous.
Jess tried not to smile. This was obviously a special boy. She had known Glory was making friends, but she hadn’t realized there was a crush already.
They melted back into conversation, everyone asking about each other’s lives, but being very careful not to ask Liberty anything that might make her sad or uncomfortable.
Sally and Rachel came back a bit later to clear their appetizers and bring trays of entrees and a stack of plates.
“Kyle thought you all might want to eat family style,” Sally told them. “That way you can try everything.”
The sizzling dishes smelled heavenly, and the girls’ eyes widened as Sally pointed out what each item was: stone crab, Surf and Turf with snow crab and New York strip steak, whole snapper, seafood paella, and a big plate of Southern style shrimp and grits.
“This is incredible,” Jess said. “Thank you so much.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Sally said.
Liberty passed out plates, and everyone helped themselves. A few minutes later, Sally was back with fresh drinks for everyone and a pitcher of sweet tea. Jess sampled everything on the table and sipped her drink, all while basking in the company of her girls.
What if this was my life? What if we all lived down here, like Mary and her kids do, and I saw my girls like this all the time?
“Oh, wow, okay,” Glory said suddenly. “He’s coming over here. Everyone act normal.”
“Hey, Glory,” a very handsome young man said as he approached the table. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”
“Hey, Tristan,” Glory said, very calmly, in Jess’s opinion. “This is my family—my mom, Liberty, and Anthem.”
“Hi, Mrs. Steele,” Tristan said politely.
“Hello, Tristan,” Jess said.
“Liberty and Anthem?” he asked, turning to each of them.
“Right on the first try,” Anthem said. “Nice to meet you.”
“Well, hello there, Glory,” a deeper male voice said.
Jess turned to see a man about her age who looked very much like an older version of Tristan heading over.
“Hi, Mr. Jansen,” Glory said.
“I didn’t know you had three sisters, Glory,” Mr. Jansen said, winking at Jess.
It was harmless flirting that he probably didn’t mean, so Jess didn’t feel uncomfortable. He honestly reminded her of some of the guys at the country club back in Aynwick.
“I’m the mom,” she said with a smile. “And you’re the boss, right? Thank you so much for giving Glory a job. She loves working at the resort.”
“Well, I love hearing that,” he said. “Because she’s an excellent employee.”
Glory looked very pleased.
“Dan Jansen,” he said, sticking his hand out to Jess.
“Jessica Steele,” Jess said, taking it.
Dan’s shake was firm and quick.
“Well, I don’t want to keep you while you’re enjoying your family reunion,” Dan said. “But I stopped by because I’d like to invite you all to be my guests at the resort restaurant. You let me know when.”
“Oh, that’s very kind of you,” Jess said.
“Here’s my card,” Dan said, sliding it out of his pocket and handing it to her. “You call me tomorrow and we’ll set a date, okay? I can’t have Tristan keeping your family all to himself.”
“That sounds lovely,” Liberty added.
“Looks like they’re bringing our food over, son,” Dan said. “Don’t be long.”
“Okay, Dad,” Tristan agreed as Dan headed back inside.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” Tristan said to Glory with a grin. “I’m glad I got to meet everyone.”
“Me too,” she said as he waved to everyone and stepped away.
As soon as he was out of sight again, Glory turned to Jess.
“Mom,” she said, leaning forward. “Holy cow.”
“What?” Jess asked. “Did I do something wrong?” She was pretty sure she had acted normal.
“Mr. Jansen invited us to the restaurant,” Glory said. “That’s a very big deal.”
“It’s very generous of him,” Jess agreed.
“No, I mean it’s a big, big deal,” Glory said.
“Don’t you eat there every day?” Jess asked.
“No, way,” Glory said. “I eat in the staff cafeteria. It’s really good, but it’s basically fast food compared to the restaurant. That place is super fancy. There’s a gourmet chef and everything.”
There was no time to reply, because Sally and Rachel were back to clear things away.
“We’ll wrap this up for you,” Sally said. “And I’ll be back in a jiffy with coffee and key lime pie.”
“Oh wow,” Liberty said, patting her belly.
“There’s always room for key lime pie,” Sally advised with a smile. “And I’ll just leave this for you.”
Jess grabbed the check and was stunned to see that it was just a note from Kyle, thanking them for coming and letting them know the meal was on him.
Jess frowned.
“Want me to get it, Mom?” Liberty asked, having misinterpreted Jess’s look.
“No,” Jess said, handing her the bill.
“Oh wow,” Liberty said.
“He comped our whole meal?” Anthem asked.
Jess nodded, swallowing over a lump in her throat.
“I’m going to make him my famous blueberry muffins,” Liberty decided. “We can drop them off tomorrow.”
Jess smiled at that lovely idea.
The four of them relaxed and listened to Glory wax poetic about the resort restaurant and everything else that went on there. In no time, their coffees arrived along with four luscious slices of key lime pie.
“Please thank him for me,” Jess said quietly to Sally as she slipped her a nice tip. “That was incredibly generous.”
“Thank you,” Sally said, nodding to her. “I will.”
Sure enough, everyone did have room for pie.
“Oh, my gosh, it’s so good,” Anthem moaned.
“Mmm, it’s familiar,” Jess said. “I bet Anna McKinnon made this.”
“She did,” Kyle said, laughing as he approached. “I was just coming over to tell you that. She supplies our pie here. That’s why we can brag that it’s the best. How was everything?”
The girls all complimented their meals and Jess felt proud that they were all so articulate and polite. Though the food had been so unbelievably good, it was hard to imagine anyone describing it otherwise.
“Well, I’m really glad you came,” Kyle said. “And I’m sure I’ll see you before then, but if not, I’ll definitely see you at the birthday party. Mom’s so excited.”
“Thank you so much for this, Kyle,” Jess told him, surprised that she had to hold back tears. “This was such a special meal.”
“Anything for my big sister and her girls,” he laughed, patting Jess’s shoulder.
“And it was very kind of you to treat us,” Jess said. “But you have to promise not to do it again, or I won’t be able to come back, in good conscience. And that would be a shame, because this was incredible.”
“No deal,” he laughed, heading back to the kitchen.
Jess watched after him, amazed that the funny little boy she had known was the owner of such a wonderful business now.
“They’re really your family,” Anthem said, nodding slowly.
“Yes,” Jess said. “I guess I really should have done a better job keeping in touch.”
“You will now,” Liberty said cheerfully.
Anthem started asking Liberty about the house and Liberty enthusiastically described the work she had been doing to get things cleaned out, with Glory adding in something here and there.
Jess took a sip of her coffee, wishing she could linger in this moment forever, enjoying the sweetness of the key lime pie, the warmth of the ocean breeze, and the beauty of this bright, special moment with her daughters.