Second Chances in Lavender Bay (The Lavender Bay Chronicles #3)

55. Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Two

T he side effects of the radiation weren’t as bad as the chemotherapy, but Angie did suffer from fatigue and some discomfort in her armpit. By spring, she was getting tired of not feeling like herself. The finish line was in sight—she was marking the days off on her calendar with a thick black Sharpie—and the closer she got to it, the more irritable she became.

But there were a few positives. She and Tom still bantered back and forth with the sandwich boards. Some nights she lay awake thinking of what to write: a witty comeback or something smart and sassy. What did it say about her that she actually dedicated time to this? To her, it said she was able to think about something other than her café.

One afternoon after treatment, she stopped by the café and asked Melissa to join her in her office. They sat on opposite sides of Angie’s desk.

Angie started with, “I could not have gone through treatment without you. You are an invaluable member of my team here. You really stepped up to the plate, and I appreciate it.”

Melissa smiled and nodded.

“Let’s talk about your baked goods. We’ve added the fruit tarts and the mini chocolate tarts to the permanent collection.” The latter was a favorite of Angie’s, a hazelnut-and-chocolate mixture with crushed pistachios sprinkled over the top of it. Sometimes, Melissa adorned them with edible wildflowers.

Melissa smiled proudly.

Angie chose her words carefully. “But the high-end desserts like the poached pears, the raspberry mousse, and some of the others, are not the right fit for the café.”

Melissa’s smile disappeared and she shifted in her chair. “I—”

Angie held up her hand. “But I’ve had a lot of time to think about things. And those are fabulous desserts you’ve created. Honestly, this place isn’t good enough for those types of desserts.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Melissa said.

“I would, and I own the place.” Angie tapped her pen against her desk. “We’re going to be busy this summer with the food truck. And Jordan and Caitlin have expressed an interest in working there during the summer months. So that’s perfect.”

Melissa stared at her.

Probably wondering where I’m going with all of this , Angie thought. Come on, Ang, land the plane . “But I had another idea. I was thinking of opening a catering business. High-end desserts. You know, for weddings and bridal and baby showers and, well, for any event.”

Melissa sat up straighter in her chair.

“And I thought you’d like to be in charge of that,” Angie continued. “I’d make you a full partner in the catering business, and you could create those high-end desserts to your heart’s content. We’ll consult our lawyers and draw up an agreement that’s satisfactory to both of us. I mean, if you’re interested.”

She hardly had the words out of her mouth when Melissa jumped in and said, “I’m definitely interested. But what about my work here at the café?”

“Initially, the catering business won’t be full time, so you can work your shifts here around that. We’ll have to hire new people for the food truck and the café. Plus, think about a name for the catering business.”

“And what about you?”

“Now that my treatment is almost finished, I’ll be back running things here as much as my health allows. But maybe not eighty hours a week.” The truth was, she had plans for her life. She intended to step back a bit, to focus a little more on her personal life, and that included Tom.

“I don’t know what to say,” Melissa said.

“Think about everything I’ve said. Sleep on it and let me know.”

They both stood up, the meeting coming to a close.

Melissa spoke. “I’ve already thought about it, and my answer is yes.”

As Angie came around the side of her desk, Melissa surprised her by throwing her arms around her. “Thank you so much!”

When they pulled apart, Angie looked at her and said, “No, thank you .”

As they walked out of the office, Angie said, “I’m heading home. I’ve got company coming.”

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yep.” Angie pulled on her coat and walked out the back door. Her café was in good hands.

Debbie was already parked in Angie’s driveway, waiting for her. They both got out of their cars, and Angie hugged her friend hello. Debbie could not hide her surprise. Angie wasn’t a touchy-feely sort of person, but maybe that needed to change as well. Maybe you had to show the people you loved how you felt about them.

Debbie opened the back door of her car and pulled out the cat carrier. “He’s all set. He’s litter-trained and ready for his new home.”

Angie peeked in the carrier. “Hello, Mr. Beans. Welcome home.” She took the carrier from Debbie and went inside. Debbie followed with a bag in each hand.

Angie set the carrier down on the kitchen floor and opened the gate at the one end. The cat did not budge.

“Give him time, he’ll come out,” Debbie said. She set the bags on the table, one cat food and the other kitty litter. “I’ve brought some things to get you started, kind of like a housewarming gift.”

“Aw, thanks.” In anticipation of her new roommate, Angie had gone to the pet store and purchased two small dishes, some cat food, treats, a litter tray, and a few toys. She’d also picked up a cat bed and found a place for it in the living room.

“Come on, I’ll make coffee,” she said.

“Great.” Debbie removed her coat and hung it on the back of the chair.

As they sat at the table and drank coffee, Mr. Beans tentatively stepped out of the carrier and looked around. He was hesitant but looked at Angie and meowed. She leaned forward and held out her hand, which he approached, allowing her to pet him.

“Welcome home, Mr. Beans.”