Page 74 of The Uncomplicated Café
Recouping from her flawless execution of Michael Jackson’s iconic choreography, she sipped a cool glass of water, watching starry-eyed couples sway and shuffle their feet, lost in their own little worlds.
Surprisingly, the award for the most besotted dance partners went to Jayce’s parents, Richard and Karen. Like two hormonal teens at prom, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. It would’ve been gross if it wasn’t so sweet.
“That could be you out there,” her mother said wistfully, sneaking up behind her with another slice of wedding cake.
Mia wrinkled her nose as Karen shamelessly cupped her husband’s backside with both hands.Ew. “No thanks.”
“You’re almost thirty, sweetheart. Don’t you want to settle down and start a family like all of your friends?” Her mother tried to sound nonchalant as she licked lime glaze off her fork, but this wasn’t the first time they’d had this conversation. And, not unlike herself, her mother didn’t have the gift of subtlety.
Mia counted the couples on the makeshift dance floor—a section of hard-packed sand with twinkling lights stretched overhead. Newlyweds, Abby and Logan. CeCe and Jayce. Sage and Flynn. Nadia and Evan. Sage’s mom, Dawn, and the kooky but fascinating billionaire recluse, Edwin. Even her own mother had found love again with Evan’s dad, Michael—aka Big Mike, as she’d called him since childhood.
Did she want to join the Couples Club? Maybe someday. But not badly enough to lower her standards. She’d date if and when the right guy came along. “I’ll get married and start popping out grandkids as soon as I meet someone remotely interesting.”
Her mother sighed. “You’re too picky. And you’re too hasty to judge. I’m sure you could find gobs of interesting men if you gave them a chance.”
Mia sipped her water. She’d given plenty of men a chance. Even second chances. But they were either a colossal bore or a superficial creep. The last guy she’d dated actually told her she’d be hotter if she didn’t dress so weirdly.
She glanced at her flared cocktail dress with 3D silk flowers covering the skirt and bodice. She felt like a fairy princess. Not the most conventional wedding attire, for sure. But it made her smile. And it made other people smile. Was that so wrong?
“Sorry, Mom. You set the bar too high when you married Dad.” Her father had filled the world with fun, laughter, and creativity. Plus, as a toy engineer, he always had some new, exciting gadget to show her.
Her mother’s features softened. “I suppose I did. And while there could never be another man quite like your father, it doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of good men out there.”
“BonBon, are you pestering Mia about her love life again?” Big Mike handed her mother a glass of champagne to go with her cake.
She loved the way he called her mother BonBon instead of Bonnie. It couldn’t be more fitting, considering her profession as a confectioner.
“You know she’s too busy making all the sound effects for Hollywood’s biggest movies to worry about babysitting a boyfriend.” Big Mike tossed her a wink, and Mia smiled.
She’d always shared a special bond with Evan’s dad. When her father passed away right before freshman year of high school, he’d taken on a larger role in her life, teaching her important skills like how to change a tire, surf a ten-foot wave, and barbecue the perfect steak.
“Don’t encourage her, Mike,” her mother huffed. “I’d like grandkids before we’re all in diapers at the same time.”
Big Mike laughed, deep and boisterous. You could tell a lot about a person from their laugh. And Big Mike’s laugh matched his big heart.
“As much as I love discussing your future need for Depends,” Mia teased. “I’m being summoned.” She gestured toward her group of friends who’d left the dance floor and stood off to the side, chatting. In truth, they hadn’t even glanced in her direction, but she needed an excuse to escape.
Before her mother could protest, Big Mike came to her rescue by asking her mother to dance.
Mia mouthedThank youbefore rushing over to her friends. “Save me. Weddings make my mom crazy. If I’m not careful, she’ll have me betrothed to some boring banker obsessed with birdwatching by the end of the night.”
“We can’t have that,” Sage said with a laugh. “We were just telling Sam we need someone else to captain the Bookshop. Flynn and I can’t keep up with the sailing tours on our own.”
“Especially since we’re adding Moby Dick–themed whale-watching tours this winter,” Flynn added. “With Sam’s sailing experience, he’d be a great fit. We’re hoping he accepts ouroffer.” He looked at Sam. “What d’ya say? Are you interested in being back at the helm?”
Mia held her breath, eager to hear his response. After his shipwreck experience, his answer could go either way.
“I think I am,” Sam admitted. “Despite what happened, I still feel at home on the water.”
“That’s what I was hoping you’d say. Welcome aboard!” Flynn shook his hand. “Stop by the pier tomorrow morning and we’ll discuss details.”
Mia beamed, thrilled by how well everything was working out for everyone. Sam had decided to stay in town, and now he had a place to live and a way to pay the bills. Jayce had also opted to move back. He’d finally landed his dream girlandhis dream job.
Since Evan had returned home a while ago, she was the only one in their trio heading back to Los Angeles. And now that all her friends would be here, in Blessings Bay, LA held little appeal apart from her job.
“Oh, hey,” Jayce interrupted her musings. “I forgot to tell you. I spoke to the owner of East Street Cinema about buying and reopening the theater.”
“And?” Her heart skipped in anticipation.
