Page 16 of Starfish Cottage
“I can make a bourbon pecan pie.” Gina reached for the recipe box that held their grandmother’s pie recipes. “I think Gram had a recipe in here.”
“This bootlegger guy actually has a fan club, and they have an annual event, so he sort of has a following. I’m going to do some research on him and come up with a plan that I can present at the town meeting.” Maddie glanced at her watch. “Speaking of which, I better get going. The meeting is tomorrow night, and I have a lot to do.”
Jules jumped up from her seat at the table. “Take a pie.” She grabbed a pie from the counter and shoved it at Maddie.
“A whole pie? I can’t eat a whole pie.”
“Maybe Dex would like some.” Jules shoved the pie closer.
“I don’t know…” Maddie could actually eat half a pie in one sitting. It might not be a good idea to have one hanging around.
“Don’t you like pumpkin? I thought it was one of your favorites.” Gina’s tone held a note of disappointment.
“Oh, it is…” She didn’t want Gina to think she didn’t like her pies. “I’d love to take it. Thanks!”
She took the pie from Jules. It was gorgeous with a perfectly fluted crust and little maple leaves cut out of crust and sprinkled with large granules of sugar placed artfully on the top.
“Here, take some whipped cream.” Gina was all smiles now as she held out a small bowl with homemade cream. Clearly, Gina felt happy when people appreciated her pies, and that was worth a few extra pounds to Maddie.
“Thank you.”
“I might make a pumpkin pie for the town meeting. What are you making?” Gina asked.
Shoot! Maddie had forgotten that signature dishes were practically required for the meeting. Rose had said it was the only way they could get people to show up. Since Maddie had lived at the Beachcomber for the previous town meetings, the three of them had brought one dish, but now that she lived on her own, apparently she would be expected to bring something of her own.
“Good question. I have no idea.”
“Maybe you should just bring the whisky,” Jules joked. “Then everyone would be in a good mood.”
“Ha ha. I’m afraid some might not approve, but I’ll have to think up something. As you guys know, my culinary skills are lacking.”
“Don’t worry, cuz. I’m sure you can whip up something, and even if you don’t, will anyone notice? It’s more important that you come up with a plan to put this town back on the map.” Gina opened the door since Maddie’s hands were full with the pie and the whipped cream.
Maddie drove home, only slightly worried about the dish for the meeting. Gina was right. The important thing was the presentation and getting everyone on board with her idea for the event. She had a good feeling that it was going to be a hit.
Chapter Nine
Maddie loved the deck behind her cottage, but the ocean breeze, warm sun, and swooping gulls did make it a bit hard to focus on the timelines, flowcharts, and lists that she was making for her event proposal.
After leaving her cousins the night before, she’d talked to the head of the Marco Rosone fan club, and he’d been excited to verify the whisky bottles were Rosone’s. He’d also given her some ideas for what the fans would want in an event. He was excited and promised to spread the word.
Maddie was thrilled about that. It was like free advertising. But she didn’t want just the Marco Rosone fan club to come to Shell Cove. She wanted to attract as many tourists to Shell Cove as possible, so she needed to make sure the event also had broad appeal. And what was more broadly appealing than food, drink, and dancing on the beach?
“Gorgeous day.” Dex had come around the side of the house and was looking toward the ocean, his gaze fixed out at the sea-green waves crashing onto the beach.
“It is! Makes it hard to keep my mind on work with this gorgeous setting.” Should she invite him up to the deck? It wasn’t like he was a friend. He was working there, but it felt awkward just leaving him standing there in the sand.
“Have you thought about what to do with the whisky?” Dex asked.
“I certainly can’t drink it all,” Maddie joked. “I’m not really even sure that it’s mine.”
Dex laughed. “I think it’s yours. You own the house. My buddy Harley, down at Sharkies, said he could store it for you if you want.”
“I heard.”
Dex frowned. “You did?”
“Yeah. I talked to Jules. I guess she heard it from Nick.”
