Page 26 of Captiva Café

"Just Belinda," Grandma Sarah clarified. "And Gary handles my tech support when I can't get decent cell reception. And Isuppose Wally could be considered my culinary consultant for the outdoor cooking segments. Most of them I deal with online but Gary is back at the condo complex."

Maggie pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to ward off the headache she could feel building. "So you have a team. For your YouTube channel. Which was supposed to be a hobby."

"It still is a hobby," her mother insisted. "A hobby that happens to have sponsors inquiring about partnership opportunities. Did you know there's a whole market for senior adventure gear? Arthritis-friendly binoculars, UV-protective driving gloves, joint support cushions for those long drives?—"

"Mom," Maggie interrupted. "Please tell me you're not signing endorsement deals from the back of a van."

"Of course not." Grandma Sarah sounded mildly offended. "I'm using Belinda's laptop. It has better resolution for the Zoom calls. You know you really should learn about affiliate links."

Millie, who could clearly hear both sides of the conversation, was now openly laughing, not even bothering to hide her amusement behind her notebook.

"Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I'll be in Florida in two weeks," her mother continued, oblivious to Maggie’s distress. "Doing a collaboration with another van life channel. Thought I might swing by and see Lauren and Jeff before I get to Captiva. I’m going to bring some of my followers to the inn for a meet-and-greet."

"A meet-and-greet," Maggie repeated faintly. "At my inn."

"Nothing formal," her mother assured her. "Just a little gathering. Maybe fifty people at most. They'd all book rooms, of course. Though I suppose you're full up now, based on what you just said."

"Mom, we can't host a YouTube fan convention," Maggie said firmly. "The inn is at capacity, the staff is already stretchedthin, and we're implementing new procedures just to handle the regular bookings."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line. Then, "I understand, sweetheart. I didn't mean to add to your workload. I'm just so proud of what you've built there, and I love sharing it with my audience."

Maggie felt a twinge of guilt at her mother's subdued tone. "I know, Mom. And we appreciate the business, truly. But maybe next time, give me a heads-up before you feature us prominently in your videos?"

"Fair enough," her mother agreed. "Though I can't promise anything. Some of my best content is spontaneous. That's what Belinda says keeps viewers coming back—authentic moments."

Despite herself, Maggie smiled. Her mother's enthusiasm was as infectious as ever. "Just try, okay? And maybe consider not sharing your exact location with the entire internet? There are safety concerns."

"Oh, I’ve already made changes to my routine," Grandma Sarah said dismissively. "I'm posting with a three-day delay now. Very security conscious."

"I'm glad to hear it," Maggie said, genuinely relieved. "And we really are grateful for the business, even if it's going to be challenging to manage."

"You've never backed down from a challenge in your life, Maggie Wheeler Moretti," her mother said firmly. "You'll handle this just fine. And if you need an extra pair of hands, I can always postpone my Blue Ridge Mountain series and come help."

The mental image of her mother serving breakfast to inn guests while filming for her channel was enough to make Maggie shudder. "That's...very generous, Mom. But I think we've got it covered."

"If you're sure." Grandma Sarah sounded slightly disappointed. "I make excellent content about homemaking skills. My tutorial on proper towel folding has over eighty thousand views."

"I'm sure it does," Maggie said dryly. "But we'll manage without turning the inn into a film set."

After a few more minutes of conversation, including updates on the family and promises to call again soon, Maggie ended the call and looked at Millie, who was still struggling to contain her amusement.

"Your mother," Millie said finally, "is a force of nature."

"That's one way to put it." Maggie sighed. "I still can't believe she has a manager."

"If you think about it," Millie offered, "it's rather impressive. Most people her age are slowing down, not launching digital media careers."

Despite her exasperation, Maggie had to agree. Her mother had always defied expectations, reinventing herself as needed throughout life's challenges. The YouTube channel was just the latest iteration of Grandma Sarah's refusal to fade quietly into the background of life.

"I just hope she stays safe out there," Maggie said, voicing her deepest concern. "All alone in that van, posting her whereabouts to strangers."

"She's not alone," Millie pointed out gently. "She has Belinda and Gary and Wally the culinary consultant. And from the sound of it, an entire community of silver-haired van dwellers watching out for each other."

Maggie nodded, finding unexpected comfort in that thought. "You're right. And she's always been capable. More than capable."

"Like mother, like daughter," Millie said with a knowing smile. "Now, should we get back to our crisis management?We have approximately ninety-two days of full occupancy to prepare for."

"Yes." Maggie straightened her shoulders, refocusing on the tasks at hand. "Let's do this."

---