Page 74 of Happy Harbor
Deep down, Josie knew she was right, but there was still a part of her that wanted to bow up. Wanted to argue with her and place blame. She really had to tamp down that part of herself if she was going to have any chance of a relationship with her mother.
“I’m trying. I know it doesn’t seem that way, but I really am.”
“All I’m saying is that Walker likes you. I can tell. I know him better than you do, and I’ve never seen him this way with any woman.”
“Look, he’s a nice guy. And he’s pretty good-looking. But I have to focus on saving this restaurant and making a new life for me and Kendra here.”
“Speaking of my granddaughter, what time is she going to get ready for the prom tonight?”
“I think the hairstylist is supposed to be at the house around five.”
“A hairstylist? Lordy me, I remember when I went to school dances and just pulled my hair up in a ponytail.”
“Well, today’s youth are not nearly as simple as you were. She’s using some of her savings for this, so I wasn’t going to tell her she couldn’t do it. I’ve never seen her so excited about something.”
“That makes my heart happy. You and Kendra deserve the very best, and I’m glad I get to be here to see you get it.”
“All done!” They both turned to see Walker standing a few feet from the table. For a moment, Josie wondered if he had heard any of their conversation.
“All done with what?” Josie asked, standing up. She walked over to the hostess stand, picked up another stack of napkins, and put them on the table.
“I’m all done with the repairs. Everything is good to go. You can post an ad for rent if you want.”
“You’re already finished? I thought it would take you at least a few more days?”
Walker had found some additional damage just yesterday, so Josie was shocked that he was already finished.
“I sort of worked through the night to get it done. I think I’m gonna go home and take a nap before I have to get back and work on a boat.”
Josie quickly looked over at her mother, who was making a face like she was saying,I told you so.
“You worked through the night? Why?”
“I just wanted to get it done for you so that you could rent it out and get that money.”
“Thank you, Walker. That was a very nice thing to do.”
He smiled and nodded before walking out the front door. Josie felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. She hadn’t felt that since she was in high school and the cutest boy on the football team smiled at her. Only it turned out he wasn’t smiling at her but the girl standing behind her. She later stuck gum in that girl’s hair when she sat behind her at the movie theater. Josie wasn’t nearly as petty now as she had been in those days. Well, most of the time.
“See? He’s not just a nice guy. He’s a nice guy who wants you.”
Josie said nothing as she stared out the front window and watched him walk down the Riverwalk. This could get very complicated.
* * *
“Oh my goodness! You look absolutely beautiful!” Diane said as she looked at Kendra in her prom dress.
“Thank you, Grandma. I feel like a princess!”
Josie walked closer and put her hand on Kendra’s cheek. “You look so grown up. I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”
Kendra laughed. “Relax, Mom. It’s not like I’m trying on my wedding dress.”
“Don’t say that! I’m not ready to even think about that.”
“I have a lot to do before I ever get married,” Kendra said, leaning against the railing to the stairs. “I’ve decided I want to go to college.”
Josie lost her breath for a second. “You do? I thought you weren’t interested. I mean, the last time we talked when we were back in Atlanta, you told me you had no interest in college.”
