Page 10 of Just Desserts in Pelican Point
Delgado:Deal.
When I walk into The Rusty Anchor, Delgado’s already seated at our usual booth in the back. He raises his glass like a toast and waves me over.
“You look like you were kicked in the gut,” he comments as I slide into the seat.
“I look like I dealt with birdwatching idiots on the boardwalk all day.”
He smirks. “And before that, stopped by a certain bakery to check on a certain woman who got under your skin.”
I grunt. “She’s not under my skin.”
“Uh-huh.” He sips. “So, why’d you go back? Case is closed.”
I don’t answer right away. Delgado’s the kind of friend who’ll wait me out, no matter how long it takes.
“She looked… broken yesterday,” I finally say. “Like someone took the wind out of her. I’ve seen people lose it before. I’ve been the guy they look to for strength. But this? This felt different.”
Delgado nods slowly. “Yeah. Grief hits different when it’s someone who matters.”
“She wears her heart on her sleeve,” I say. “And I don’t know what to do with that.”
“You don’t have to do anything. Just be there for her. You can do that.”
Before I can answer, someone else approaches our booth. Ryan Murphy, clean-cut and polished, nods at us.
“Mind if I join?” he asks.
Delgado waves him in. “Pull up a seat. Cop corner’s open.”
“So, what’s happening around town, boys?” Ryan slides into the seat beside me and sips his whiskey. I find it ironic that he owns a hugely successful winery in town, but he’s drinking whiskey.
“King’s been fighting seagulls all day.” Delgado teases.
“Let me guess… tourists, again?” Ryan laughs as I nod in agreement.
“Gotta love the tourists.” I ask, “I mean, who the fuck cares who saw the damn sky chicken first?” I argue.
Delgado and Ryan both laugh, then the table grows quiet. “I heard about Mrs. Waverly. That’s a damn shame.”
“Yeah,” I say.
“She meant a lot to Pelican Point,” Ryan continues. “My brother and I were just talking about her the other day. Candace, too. Now I guess Julie’s bakery’s the heart of that whole street.”
I glance at him surprised by his sentence. “You know her? Julie, I mean” My hackles are up, and I don’t even know why… well, that’s not true. I do know why; I just don’t know what to do with that. Jealousy isn’t something I’m used to.
“Well enough to know she’s stubborn, hard-working, and exactly the kind of person we need in Pelican Point. Candace is thinking about helping her expand the bakery when she’s ready.”
I nod slowly, not sure what to say to that. If he’s engaged to Candace, why the fuck is he noticing so much about Julie?
Ryan studies me for a moment. “People like Julie… they burn bright. If you’re lucky, you get to stand close enough to warm your hands. If you’re smart, you don’t let them burn out alone.”
I nod to him, he’s not wrong, which is another reason why I should just get my head on straight.
Ryan gets a text and reads it then downs the rest of his drink. “Gotta go. The ball and chain is hailing me.”
“Don’t let her hear you call her that.” I tease.
“Fuck no and if either of you tell Candace I said that I will have you eliminated.” He smiles as he gets up, tossing a tip on the table. “Stay safe. Don’t let the seagulls take over.”
