The Parker Women (Moonbeam Bay #1) - Kay Correll Page 0,1

out the new restaurant, Portside Grill, that just opened on the wharf, but why mess with a good thing?”

“I’ll be here a while. We can check it out some day next week.”

“Sounds good to me. But for now? I’m having a fish taco and a side of hushpuppies.”

“Of course you are.” Heather grinned. “I’m going to have a chef salad.”

“Really? So I can feel guilty?” She gave her cousin a stern look.

Heather laughed. “Okay, fish tacos and hushpuppies for me, too.”

“Much better.” The server came back with their beers and took their orders. Olivia took a sip of the ice-cold beer. “So good.”

Heather took a sip of hers and looked out over the water. “Going to be a brilliant sunset tonight.”

“The skies are just showing off for you. Letting you know what you’ve missed while you were gone.”

“Anything big happen while I was away?”

Olivia grinned. “In Moonbeam? I don’t think so. Does anything big ever happen here?”

“I heard The Cabot Hotel got bought out by some big-time hotel guy and they’re rehabbing it to reopen. I think that’s great. It used to be such a grand place. It had that wide porch wrapping around it with rockers looking over the bay. It’s a shame it was left to ruin.” Heather leaned back and grinned. “Remember when we used to sneak over and get ice cream there? Always felt guilty because we weren’t getting it at Parker’s.”

“I do remember that.” Olivia nodded. “I think I heard it’s been closed for over ten years. Can’t believe it’s been that long. I’m sure there’s a ton of work to get it up to code and back open.”

“Well, I’m glad it’s happening.”

“So what’s new with you?” Contrary to Olivia’s own life, her cousin always seemed to have something new and exciting going on.

“I got a new contract with a card company for my illustrations. This series is kind of beachy themed.” Despite Heather’s modest expression, Olivia knew Heather was proud of her accomplishments. “If that works out, the company will expand to some other items and put my illustrations on coasters, tote bags, wall signs. Things like that. And I have another company interested in all those coffee illustrations.”

“That’s fantastic. I love your work. That last series you did on friendship with all those women of different ages and the different friendships? That was great.”

“I do like to doodle.” Heather shrugged.

Olivia burst out laughing. She loved this cousin of hers, her best friend. As close as someone could get to being a sister without actually being one. “Doodles? That’s what you call your artwork?”

Their conversation was cut short by the delivery of their meals, and Heather deftly changed the subject to her travels while Olivia listened to the tales of adventure. Heather loved to travel, and she claimed she could get her inspiration for her art anywhere. The travel lust had started when Heather was barely old enough to escape Moonbeam and her constant conflicts with her father. Heather had left home right after high school—which was great for Heather, but it had left an empty spot in Olivia’s life.

“So, how’s that daughter of yours, my favorite almost-daughter?” Heather changed the subject from her travels.

“Emily’s doing great. Of course. I mean… I’m not sure what I did to deserve a kid like her. She’s helping mom and me at Parker’s, and she’s taken another job at the history museum.”

“She’s a hard worker.”

“She saves most of it for college. Although, she’s also hoping to get some scholarship money.”

“Wouldn’t be surprised if she does. Isn’t she like first in her class?”

Olivia beamed with pride. “She is. But she works really hard for it.”

“I’m proud of her, too. Can’t wait to see her.”

“She’s working at Parker’s tomorrow. You should stop in.”

“I think I will.” Heather yawned. “But for now, I’m sorry. I’m beat. I just dropped my suitcase at my apartment and rushed over here. I should go unpack, throw some laundry in the washer, and check my mail. Get back to real life.”

Olivia stood. “Sure. We’ll meet up again later this week.”

“Sounds good to me.”

They headed out of Jimmy’s and strolled down the long pier lined with shops on each side. White twinkle lights strung along the shop fronts made the whole walkway look magical. A lone singer sat with his guitar, singing a ballad at one of the outside cafes.

Olivia looked down the long pier and laughed. “Look who’s here. Like mothers, like daughters, I guess.”

Heather glanced down the pier. “Ah…” A rueful look crossed