Page 9 of Serenity at Seagrove
"Well, I guess you'd be hurting if you'd lost everything you'd worked for," SuAnn's voice boomed from the doorway. She stood there holding a box from Hotcakes. "Lord knows that boy never has seemed to handle his feelings properly, from what I've heard."
"Mama!” Janine said with a hint of warning in her voice. "What brings you by?"
"Well, can't a mother bring breakfast to her daughter?" SuAnn set the box down nearby. "Besides, I wanted to see how things were coming along here. You know, the whole town's talking about your opening next week, Luna."
"Good things, I hope," Luna said, her stomach fluttering with nerves.
"I think it's mostly curiosity," SuAnn said, opening the box and revealing an assortment of muffins. It looked like everything from chocolate to blueberry. "Though some folks wonder if Seagrove needs all this alternative healing business."
"Mama!” Janine said again, more firmly this time.
Luna just smiled. "It's okay. It's not really alternative healing because I am a therapist, and these are proven modalities, but I know what I'm offering isn't for everybody. For the people who need it, I hope Serenity can be a safe place to heal."
SuAnn's expression softened. "Well, when you put it that way..." She pulled out a muffin and handed it to Luna. "Here, try this. This is a new recipe, lavender lemon. I thought it might fit with your whole wellness theme."
Luna took a bite. "This is amazing!”
"Of course it is," SuAnn said with a satisfied smile. "Now, about that opening celebration."
"Opening celebration?" Luna asked, taking another bite.
"Well, you can't just open your doors quietly and expect people to wander in." SuAnn settled into one of the deck chairs. "This is Seagrove. We celebrate everything, and a new business, especially one like this, well, it deserves a proper welcome."
Janine rolled her eyes affectionately. "Here we go. Mama's in party-planning mode."
"I was just thinking something simple," Luna began, but SuAnn waved her hand dismissively.
"Simple doesn't get people talking, honey. Now, I've already spoken to Julie about setting up a book display from Down Yonder—you know, wellness books, meditation guides, that sort of thing. I think Dixie's on board, too. Naturally, I'll handle the refreshments."
Luna glanced at Janine, who shrugged with a smile that seemed to say,just go with it.
"I appreciate the thought, SuAnn, but I don't want anything too elaborate. The whole point of Serenity is peace and calm. It's not really a party atmosphere."
"Oh, we can do peaceful," SuAnn assured her, "but peaceful doesn't have to mean boring. I mean, what if we did like a sunset gathering? String up more of those little lights over on the pergola, serve some healthy appetizers. I've been experimenting with some gluten-free recipes that would be perfect. Janine could lead a yoga demonstration."
Despite her initial resistance, Luna found herself warming up to the idea. "You know, that actually sounds kind of nice."
"Of course it does," SuAnn said, looking pleased. "It'll give people the chance to see what you're about. Some people just need to experience things for themselves before they can understand it."
Luna thought about Archer on the beach and how he seemed almost interested despite himself. "That is true."
"Speaking of which," SuAnn continued, "I heard you had a run-in with our resident grumpy golf pro this morning."
Luna looked over at Janine, who held up her hands. "Don't look at me, I just found out. News travels fast around here."
"It wasn't a run-in," Luna said. "We just happened to be on the beach at the same time."
SuAnn hummed, clearly not buying the casual dismissal. "Well, make sure you send him an invitation to the opening, because that boy needs what you're offering here, whether he knows that or not."
"Mama…” Janine warned again.
"What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking." SuAnn stood and smoothed out her skirt. "Now I need to get back to the bakery. I'll start working on the menu for the opening. But Luna, honey, don't you worry about a thing. We'll make sure Serenity gets the proper welcome it deserves."
After SuAnn left, Janine turned to her with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Once my mama gets an idea in her head?—"
"It's okay," Luna said. "Actually, it's kind of nice. Back in Austin, I just felt so alone. Here, it's like I suddenly have this whole new family full of people supporting me."
"Well, that's Seagrove for you," Janine said, rolling out her yoga mat. "We might be in each other's business just a little too much sometimes, but when it counts, we're there for each other."
