Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) (25 page)

“It certainly will be for me.” Jezzica smiled just thinking about it. “Lauren’s opening her shop today—hope you’ll join us.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Which means we should get started.” Dr. Ellie bowed her head and like she did before every session, prayed. Then moved her cup to the side. “Maybe the garden would be more private.”

Jezzica agreed and the two women traipsed the tiled path through the side doors and stepped into the small paradise, with an array of plants and blooms serenaded by the sound of cascading water in natural rock fountain. “I’m glad you suggested we talk here.”

They chose a table near the flowing water. “Our last talk ended with Zack.” Dr. Ellie leaned forward.

“Nicole visited me and left me more confused.” Jezzica nervously chewed her bottom lip.

“Why is that?” Dr. Ellie’s eyes crinkled at the corners.

“She intends to go after Zack. It’s always been obvious she’s attracted to him.”

“And how does that make you feel?”

Anger burned in her chest. “Challenged.”

“The redness on your cheeks says it’s much more.” Dr. Ellie lifted her eyebrows.

“It makes me mad. Even if she wants to run after him—why tell me her intentions?”

“Why do you think she’d tell you?”

Does she ever stop with the questions? Isn’t she supposed to be helping me?
“Nicole was being rude and obnoxious, as though wearing that uniform of hers gives her some kind of advantage that I can’t compete with.”

“And?”

What did she want from me?
“And—I don’t want to repeat the hurt of the past.”

“How’s that working for you?” Dr. Ellie actually looked to be hiding a smile.

“Okay. I want Zack—I’m in love with him.”

Her smile spread to her eyes. “And what do you plan to do about it?”

“Oh, you’re good.” Jezzica laughed and watched the water lilies floating in the fountain. “I’m fighting for him—and I intend to win.”

“Good for you. Very little in life comes risk-free. I’m available anytime. Be prepared for emotions to resurface, and when they do call me.”

“Geoff?” Her feelings for her husband still had a way of squeezing her chest—he would always occupy a special place in her heart.

Dr. Ellie nodded. “You’ve made tremendous strides, but there will still be speed bump kind of days when you’ll need a friend to talk to. And I’m here for you.” She reached over and hugged Jezzica. “You’re strong, you’re a survivor, and you’re going to make it.”

“Thank you. But you sure know how to push.” Jezzica chuckled and returned the hug.

They walked back through the door to the lobby. The first session without tears—Jezzica decided that was a good thing. Her cell phone interrupted her contemplation; the caller ID told her it was the man they’d been discussing only moments before.
What? Did he have some kind of sixth sense?

She smiled at Dr. Ellie. “Do you mind if I take this?”

“You go right ahead, I’ll see you in a few.” Dr. Ellie strolled toward the new bookshop.

Jezzica clicked the button to answer Zack’s call and went back out to the garden as she said hello. She could hardly contain her excitement as she disconnected the brief call. They were having dinner—tonight. She wanted to shout it to the world.

Jezzica walked into Lauren’s shop like a giddy teenager. Lauren and Tasha were chatting with Dr. Ellie. Abby walked in with a couple, apparently showing them the new bookstore.
Where was Catylen?

She joined her nieces and waited for a break in the conversation to ask about their mom.

Lauren sighed. “Mom said she needed to go home. I’m not sure what happened, but she seemed upset.”

“I offered to go with her, but she wanted to be alone.” Tasha seemed at a loss.

Jezzica touched Lauren’s shoulder. “I’ll go see about her.”

“Please, Aunt Jezz, I’m so worried about her.”

Jezzica politely left an event she should have been a part of, but Catylen was more important. She drove faster than normal and soon pulled into her driveway, then rushed to find her sister.

Catylen sat on the floor, with tears streaming down her face, and what looked to be the packet of divorce papers spread out in front of her. Jezzica knelt down and hugged her.

“Want to talk about it?” Jezzica leaned back and brushed her sister’s hair away from her face.

“My attorney called and wanted me to check over the papers. She’s concerned that Mike will try to hide some of the assets in the settlement agreement.”

“Oh, Caty, would he do that?”

“I don’t think so. It’s just reading all of these forms and the legalese made it all too real. I need to fly home and face him in court. I don’t know how to do that and hold it together.”

“I’ll be right beside you.” Jezzica bit down on her bottom lip. “Go wash your face and let’s go out and grab a sandwich and an early movie.”

“What would I do without you?” The sisters unfolded off the floor and Catylen turned at the bottom of the stairs. “Let’s go back by the inn first.”

“The girls are worried about you.” Jezzica headed out the door and jogged down to Zack’s cottage. The last thing she wanted to do was break their date.

He answered her knock and moved out onto the deck. “Isn’t Lauren’s shop opening today? I was going to drop by.”

“It is. Catylen is really upset. I need to cancel dinner.”

“Hey, if Catylen needs you—I get it. Is that the only reason? You didn’t change your mind, did you?” His eyes held hers.

She leaned in and softly kissed him. He inched his hand up, holding the back of her neck, and stared into her eyes as though he wanted to devour her. He finally kissed her, working his hands through her hair, and then lightly settled a kiss onto her forehead. Chills worked up her spine.

Chapter Forty-one
 

Jezzica closed the blinds on the bookshop windows. She set about putting the finishing touches for the grand opening. Catylen came through the archway.

“How was your meeting with Dr. Ellie this morning?” Jezzica hoped for good news.

“She works magic, that one. The meltdown is over and I’m looking forward to this new season of my life. You can quit worrying about me.”

“Of course, I’m concerned about you. That’s what we do—take care of each other.” Jezzica turned back to the arrangement of Anne’s book. “Come see. Aren’t they great?”

Catylen fanned through the pages of a Charlie book. “Do you think Tasha and Lauren would sit still and let me read it to them?” Her laughter brought Tasha into the shop.

“Did I hear my name?”

Jezzica chuckled. “It seems your mother wants to relive your childhood for a few minutes.”

“I’m so nervous that I might just take her up on it.” Tasha nodded toward the windows. “Should I keep the blinds closed in my shop, too?”

“It’ll make the ribbon cutting more dramatic. We’ll open them just before the official opening.”

“The bookshop looks amazing. Did Lauren tell you she already sold out of several of the new releases?” Tasha thumbed through one of the Charlie books.

“Seriously? I haven’t talked to her. I’ll send her a few from here. Have her email me a list.” A gleaming smile filled her face.

“A prediction of the success to come.” Pride showed on Catylen’s face. “Lauren will be here shortly.” She reached over and hugged Tasha. “I’m proud of my girls.”

A knock on the door attracted the attention of the three. Jezzica peeked out the blinds and unlocked the door. “Lauren. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Are you kidding me? Like I would miss the opening.”

Catylen stepped forward. “I would like to have a short prayer with just the four of us.”

Jezzica nodded. They joined hands and Catylen led them in giving thanks and asking God’s blessings on the three shops. The four voiced amen in unison and then swiped at their watery eyes.

Tasha grabbed her sister’s hand. “Come help me close the blinds on the other side and make sure we’re ready.”

Jezzica checked the time. “Hurry. The parade is due to start any minute.” As though Jezzica had waved the conductor’s wand, they heard faint sounds of the marching band gearing up.

Jezzica and Catylen helped Tasha and Lauren close the blinds, and then they all slipped outside where the day’s festivities were about to begin.

Zack pulled up in his cruiser and lowered his window. “Get in. The parade is starting at the town square and heading this way.”

Jezzica went around to his side, her eyes automatically locking with his. She quickly turned away for fear the others would see the sparks of passion flying from the kisses she could still feel imprinted on her lips. “Look at the crowd lining the street. I think we’ll wait here—it might be difficult getting back through.”

Zack adjusted his navigator shades. “Duty calls. Save me a dance for later.”

Suddenly oblivious of all else, she leaned in and kissed him. “You know it.” He waited until she returned to the sidewalk before driving away. Jezzica placed a hand on her chest, willing her breathing to slow down and still the fluttering in her stomach.

“Wow. Now that’s one gorgeous male specimen.” Catylen shaded her eyes with her hand.

Jezzica shot her sister a look. “Yeah, so you’ve said before.”

“What? I’m just saying—”

Giggles erupted from her nieces and Jezzica rolled her eyes. “Ignore her.”

The crowds along the street were growing and several high school volunteers handed out programs. Down the street, Mayor Thompson, along with Logan Delatorre, the chief of police, led the parade in a white vintage car, which according to her newly acquired guide was a 1926 Rolls-Royce touring convertible.

Jezzica turned to her nieces. “Time to raise the blinds, and we need to stretch the red ribbons across the doors.” The four returned just as the mayor’s car arrived, stopping in front of the roped-off section of the bookshop. The mayor climbed out of the car. He was immediately handed a mic, and then he moved to where Jezzica and her family waited. Samantha also joined them, standing next to Jezzica.

Mayor Thompson lifted his hand. “This year our town’s Founder’s Day celebration is being held in honor of Anne Makenna. Ms. Makenna founded the Sea Glass Bookshop and gave back to the community she loved. Her shop doors were opened to the children. She provided books and helped them with their spelling lessons, reading, and just about any other subject they were struggling with. Our town lost this gracious lady to heart disease. Her daughter, Samantha Delatorre, is with us today.”

Samantha accepted the mic. “Thank you for honoring Anne Makenna with me today. Anne was my birth mother, and while I never had the chance to meet her, through her friends here in Serenity Cove, I came to love and admire her. Many of you already know Jezzica Leigh. Jezzica is the new owner of the Sea Glass Bookshop. You will find a few changes, but I know Anne would have approved.” She turned. “Thank you, Jezzica, for allowing Anne’s dream to live on.”

The mayor opened oversized scissors and snapped the red ribbon in half. “Welcome to Main Street.” He shook Jezzica’s hand. He walked a few feet and stood in front of Latte La Tasha. “We also have a new addition to our group of unique shops here on Main Street. My wife and I will be finding more reasons to visit the shops—just to try all the new concoctions on the menu.” He looked over and Mary nodded her head and smiled. He turned and cut the ribbon in front of the latte shop. “Welcome to our community, Tasha Torres. Also, if you missed the opening of La Ren Books located in our beautiful Sea Crest Inn, please join me in welcoming Lauren Torres to our town.” The crowd applauded, and Harrison and Tommy let out wolf whistles that had many covering their ears.

Jezzica stepped in front. “Thank you, Mayor Thompson and Samantha. I’d like to invite the children to join us at three o’clock this afternoon for the children’s story time. And for our first selection, we are privileged to unveil a special book, written by the town’s beloved Anne Makenna.” Jezzica stepped back.

The parade continued. Tasha took her place behind the counter, trying to keep up with the line forming down the street. Catylen pitched in serving and cleaning tables.