I smiled as I sipped my coffee.
“Evan excited over the last day of school tomorrow?”
“Yes, he is. He is even more excited about being in Port Albany for a week.”
Aiden and Cami had insisted on him staying with them. Aiden had been working with him diligently, and I could see the improvement in Evan’s leg over the past month. Aiden wanted to spend time with him daily, and Evan was so excited he was almost bursting.
Ronan looked thoughtful as he chewed. He cleared his throat. “Addi offered Anne a job today.”
I blinked. “Anne—as in, Jenny’s mom?”
We had gotten to know her over the past few weeks because of Evan telling us about Jenny. Anne wasn’t much older than Ronan, pretty, with auburn hair and brown eyes. She was completely alone, with no family, very proud and independent, but struggling. They lived close to the school, and Jenny spent some days with Evan after school and we saw her a lot on the weekends. Anne took any hours she could at the hotel where she worked to make ends meet, even though she hated the time it took away from her and her daughter. With the help of Ronan’s family, three days a week, Jenny was given a ride to our place. She and Evan studied together, watched TV with Lucy, and ate dinner with us. It took some persuading on my part, but Anne finally allowed it.
Ronan wiped his mouth. “Yes.”
“Where?”
“She is going to be the liaison between the hotel in Port Albany we’re opening and the winery. She’s been taking business courses online on top of working. She does hours behind the concierge desk, as well as reservations and her work in the catering department. She has all the knowledge.” He crumpled a napkin between his fingers. “And ABC is going to give her the chance for the experience.”
“She’ll be perfect,” I enthused. Anne was warm and smart. Level-headed and responsible. Then it hit me.
“How is it going to work? She doesn’t drive.”
He inhaled. “She is moving to Port Albany. We bought a couple houses in town and have fixed them up. She can live there with reasonable rent, Jenny can go to a decent school, and Anne will have normal hours.”
I smiled sadly. “That is awesome for her, sad for Evan. Jenny is his best friend.”
Since the visit from BAM, there had been no more bullying. There had been a lot of fake interest in Evan, but he was too smart to fall for it. He stuck to the couple of people who had liked him before they knew of his association with BAM and ABC.
“He’ll miss her.”
“The position is perfect for Anne. Addi really likes her—so does everyone else. She’ll be working with Theo, who is going to run both the winery and the hotel when it’s complete. He thinks she is incredible and is very enthusiastic.” He paused. “Very.”
I widened my eyes. “Like, personally enthusiastic?”
“He’s not saying, but it wouldn’t shock me.”
I laughed. “Reid and Becca would love an instant grandchild.”
“We’ll see what happens.”
He entwined our fingers. “Addi has lots of plans for the winery. Big changes.”
“Well, one thing that is certain in life is change, isn’t it?”
He met my eyes, his gaze intense. “Yep. How open we are to that change depends on the outcome, I guess.”
I stood. “Okay, Mr. Philosophical. Break’s over. Finish your dinner, and I’ll bring you a piece of cake.”
He nodded, but I felt his gaze on me the rest of the night.
* * *
Sunday afternoon was one of my favorite days of the month. I spent it with the ladies of BAM and ABC, and we talked books. Our shared love of historical romance united us. I loved them all.
Cami, Emmy, and Dee were a tight unit, their friendship longstanding and wonderful. Becca, Fiona, and Liv were all enthusiastic participants. Sandy loved a “good read,” as she called it, informing me once with a wink that “Jordan enjoyed the benefits as well.”
The whole room burst out laughing when Addi grinned. “All the men do,” she deadpanned.
Addi, Gracie, Ava, and Heather were always there. Chloe, Addi’s sister, came when her busy schedule allowed it. Between school and her volunteer work at the animal shelter, she was always on the go. Shelby came and went as the mood struck her, still more interested in paint or clay than the written word. She was quieter than the other women of her generation, but I liked her and enjoyed talking to her. She often came into the diner when I was working, bringing other artists with her. She was eclectic and funny. I noticed how often one certain man appeared in her groups, always close, always watching her. He was an art gallery owner, and I had a feeling he was far more interested in her as a person than simply as an artist. I sensed his feelings and wondered if Shelby was as blind to them as she seemed.