Page 25 of Moonlit Harbor Nights

“You’re a wise man. Let me get you some of the pudding in a mason jar.”

Vivian went into the kitchen and scooped a generous amount of Tapioca pudding into a mason jar for Alexis. On the lid of the jar, she drew a heart and “from Mom” with a sharpie.

“There you are,” she said, going back out into the dining room and handing Grayson the jar. “I hope she likes it. That poor girl’s tastebuds have been all over the place. You’re sweet to take care of her like this.”

He smiled. “This is nothing. It was when she sent me out for peanut butter ice cream in the middle of the night. That was a true labor of love.”

She chuckled. “You’re a good man. I remember I sent Frank out a few times in the middle of the night. Once, I think it was for banana pudding. It made me feel so much better once I got to eat it.”

“Well, hopefully this tapioca pudding makes Alexis feel better.” He shook his head wryly. “Her cravings have really been all over the place, and half the time what she thinks will satisfy her craving turns out to be the wrong thing. She deserves a break.”

“So do you.” Vivian patted his hand. “Hang in there. Alexis is lucky to have a partner as supportive as you.”

“Thanks, Vivian. That means a lot to me.” He smiled warmly at her, looking touched.

“Of course.” She returned his smile. “Let me know if this works for her or not!”

“I will!”

Just as Grayson was walking out of The Lighthouse Grill, Terrence walked in. He was smiling broadly, and he waved eagerly at Vivian as soon as he saw her.

“Terrence.” She shook his hand, smiling politely. She liked the health inspector, and he’d been a good friend to her during the Christmas season, but every time she saw him, she felt worried that he was going to find something wrong with the pub. “Welcome in.”

“Thank you, Vivian.” He removed his hat with a carefulness that was almost bashful. “I couldn’t stay away from this wonderful food.”

She smiled. “Glad we have your approval! You are the health inspector, after all.”

“Just think of me as Terrence, would you please?”

“Not Mr. Rawlins, the health inspector? I’m not sure I can,” she teased. “You’ve got such a serious face.”

He looked grave. “Do I?”

She laughed, and gestured for him to come sit down at the counter. “Come on and take a seat here. What would you like to eat?”

“I’ll take the lasagna,” he told her. “I’ve been hankering for it ever since I was here last. That meatloaf and mashed potatoes were divine, but I want to try the lasagna again.”

“You got it.”

She ducked into the kitchen to put in Terrence’s order, and then, after getting him a glass of water, went back to puzzlingover the coffee that she’d made. The coffee maker was behind the counter, and Terrence watched her with polite interest while she poked around inside the coffee maker.

“Coffee maker acting up?” he asked her.

“No,” she assured him hurriedly. “It works perfectly. Not a hazard or anything like that.”

Terrence shook his head, chuckling. “Vivian. Please. I’m off duty.”

She wrinkled her nose at him. “I know you’re the kind of man who notices what’s wrong with establishments even when he isn’t working. And cares.”

Terrence grimaced guiltily. “You might be right about that. But I trust you. You’re different.”

She smiled at the compliment, and then sighed as she turned back to the coffee maker. She had put in plenty of coffee grounds, but when she went to take another sip of the coffee she’d made, she found that the taste was still off.

It’s not weak, I guess,she thought.But it’s all wrong.Not enough flavor, and too bitter.

“What’s the matter?” Terrence asked her. “Your expression is very serious. There must be something quite wrong with that coffee.”

“I assure you, it’s perfectly safe!” she exclaimed with impatience, and then they both burst out laughing. “Oh, I’m sorry, Terrence. It’s just that I don’t know why it isn’t tasting right.”

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