Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) Read online

  “What if I need to take a statement from someone?” Zack wanted to return to life as close to normal as possible.

  “Use good judgment.” Doc made a few notes, closed the chart and pushed the pen in the pocket of his white coat. “Thelma will have your paperwork ready—give her about an hour.” Doc shook Zack’s hand. “Take it easy.”

  “Will do.” Zack sighed. That was not what he wanted to hear.

  He held his phone contemplating getting home when Thelma stuck her head in the door. “If you need a ride, I’m leaving as soon as I finish your paperwork.”

  “You’re an angel.” He hadn’t wanted to take Nicole up on her offer.

  With papers signed, Evelyn wheeled Zack out the front door of the hospital. Thelma pulled up in her Shelby Fastback, and Zack climbed into the passenger seat of the candy-apple red classic Mustang. “Wow, this is some kind of a car.”

  “A wedding gift from my husband.” Pride beamed in her smile. “Let’s get you home.”

  Zack settled against the seat back. “Appreciate the ride.” Everyone should be as upbeat as this petite woman in the driver’s seat, sporting a caring smile that complimented her fluff of orange hair.

  “How’s things with you and Jezzica?”

  “It’s not. After this last fiasco, she’s done.” He barely knew Thelma, but she had him opening up like she’d ripped the paper off a package.

  She shot him a look over the rim of her glasses. “And you’re leaving it at that?”

  “Not like I have a choice.” He shrugged.

  “If you want her—go after her.” She gave him another pointed look.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know—”

  “Well, I do. You call her—invite her to dinner.”

  “Think so?”

  “Honey, I’m not that old, and I’ve raised my own. If there is one thing I’ve mastered in—it’s young love.” Her laughter rang through the car as she pulled up in front of his cottage. “This one is yours, if I’m not mistaken?”

  Zack doubted she was ever mistaken about much. “It is.” He reached over and gave her a hug. “Thanks for everything.”

  “You make that call and let me know how it goes.” She gave him the look once more. He heard her laughter as she pulled away.

  Zack unlocked his front door and hit the shower to wash away the smell and residual effects of the hospital. He sat on his deck with a cup of coffee. He’d received conflicting advice—if only he knew who to listen to. He punched Jezzica’s number into his cell and heard the ring on the other end.

  Chapter Forty

  Jezzica gave a carton of books a shove with her foot. She sliced the tape with a box knife and held a book to her face, inhaling the scent. She owned one of the new Kindles, but nothing could replace the texture and thrill of holding a book in her hands.

  She emptied three cartons of new arrivals onto the shelves, and then turned to the carton she’d been eagerly waiting to empty. Although a round display table stood ready, she didn’t want to risk these special edition books being seen before the grand opening, when she would read the story for a circle of children. She was opening in two days and it was time.

  Tasha came bouncing in from the coffee shop. “Oh, Aunt Jezz. Those look amazing.” Tasha picked up one of the stuffed replicas of the hero in Anne’s story.

  Jezzica smiled at her niece and hoped the shop’s customers would find the little fluffy dogs as appealing. “Samantha custom ordered those—they’re adorable.”

  “I love the little tag on its collar that says ‘Charlie.’ Maybe Samantha will sign the books for the grand opening?”

  “I hadn’t considered that. Maybe sign Anne’s name and by her daughter—”

  “Yeah, something like that. Anyway, will you come over to my shop and let me know what you think?” She sat the small stuffed dog back into place.

  “Okay, but we need to get to the inn soon. Dr. Ellie’s meeting me there early, and I already canceled on her earlier this week.” Jezzica pushed the box of books under the table, and placed a cover over the entire display before following her niece.

  “It’s perfect.” Jezzica looked at the new sign overlooking the counter. “Latte La Tasha. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” Her niece’s shop had become an extension of her own dream.

  “Come with me.” Tasha took her aunt’s hand and literally danced out the door of her shop. “See the latte cup?” She pointed to the sign above the entrance.

  Jezzica laughed at the way Tasha was almost jumping up and down with excitement. Yet she could hardly contain her own eagerness now that the grand opening was so close. “It’s fantastic.”

  “I might not be able to breathe again until Saturday. What if I fail?” Tasha’s eyes grew wide, as though entertaining the possibility for the first time.

  “Tasha, you’ve been preparing for this venture for years—it’s a sure win.” Jezzica hugged her niece. “We better be on our way—you want to ride with me?”

  “Cool. I just need to grab my things.”

  Jezzica went through the archway back into the bookshop, and smiled at the gleaming interior, grander than anything she’d imagined. She grabbed her bag and hoped Dr. Ellie had a miracle or two. Zack had become too important to her.

  “Do you really like the name of my shop?” Tasha broke into her ponderings.

  “Very much.” She chuckled, recalling her nieces hush-hush over the names. “Has your mom seen the sign yet?”

  “Not yet. But I’ll probably tell her once she sees Lauren’s sign. The name we came up with for her shop is perfect.”

  “Care to share?” Jezzica knew Tasha wasn’t about to tell her the smaller bookstore’s name.

  “Good try.” Laughter teasingly sparkled in her eyes.

  Jezzica entered the inn’s driveway and pulled into the valet lane. She exchanged her car for a claim ticket, and thanked the doorman as they swept on into the lobby.

  The reception area was sweetly scented with arrangements of fresh flowers scattered about the room. The roar of the waves created an enchanting backdrop through the open windows, and across the room Dr. Ellie sat on one of the sofas, chatting with Abby. “Tell Lauren I’ll be in soon.”

  “How about the name of Lauren’s shop?” Tasha taunted her.

  She waved to Dr. Ellie and followed her niece. “The suspense wins.”

  They passed the gift shop and stood in front of Lauren’s bookstore. Jezzica looked at the sign over the shop’s door. She shook her head as her delighted smile segued into a soft laughter.

  Catylen strolled out the door of the shop. “Isn’t that the most perfect name?”

  “I see your two daughters put their heads together. Latte La Tasha and now La Ren Books. I love it.” She laid her hand on her sister’s arm. “I’m going to have a short session with Dr. Ellie, but I’ll be here for the official opening.”

  “We wouldn’t think of starting without you. You go and take as long as you need.”

  Jezzica found Dr. Ellie still sitting near a window and took the seat that Abby had vacated.

  “How’s the grand opening shaping up?” Dr. Ellie sipped her drink.

  “Unbelievable. And Tasha has done wonders with the latte shop.”

  “Founder’s Day is a huge event and this year’s promises to be the biggest yet.”

  “It certainly will be for me.” Jezzica smiled just thinking about it. “Lauren’s opening her shop today—hope you’ll join us.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. Which means we should get started.” Dr. Ellie bowed her head and like she did before every session, prayed. Then moved her cup to the side. “Maybe the garden would be more private.”

  Jezzica agreed and the two women traipsed the tiled path through the side doors and stepped into the small paradise, with an array of plants and blooms serenaded by the sound of cascading water in natural rock fountain. “I’m glad you suggested we talk here.”

  They chose a table near the flowing wat
er. “Our last talk ended with Zack.” Dr. Ellie leaned forward.

  “Nicole visited me and left me more confused.” Jezzica nervously chewed her bottom lip.

  “Why is that?” Dr. Ellie’s eyes crinkled at the corners.

  “She intends to go after Zack. It’s always been obvious she’s attracted to him.”

  “And how does that make you feel?”

  Anger burned in her chest. “Challenged.”

  “The redness on your cheeks says it’s much more.” Dr. Ellie lifted her eyebrows.

  “It makes me mad. Even if she wants to run after him—why tell me her intentions?”

  “Why do you think she’d tell you?”

  Does she ever stop with the questions? Isn’t she supposed to be helping me? “Nicole was being rude and obnoxious, as though wearing that uniform of hers gives her some kind of advantage that I can’t compete with.”

  “And?”

  What did she want from me? “And—I don’t want to repeat the hurt of the past.”

  “How’s that working for you?” Dr. Ellie actually looked to be hiding a smile.

  “Okay. I want Zack—I’m in love with him.”

  Her smile spread to her eyes. “And what do you plan to do about it?”

  “Oh, you’re good.” Jezzica laughed and watched the water lilies floating in the fountain. “I’m fighting for him—and I intend to win.”

  “Good for you. Very little in life comes risk-free. I’m available anytime. Be prepared for emotions to resurface, and when they do call me.”

  “Geoff?” Her feelings for her husband still had a way of squeezing her chest—he would always occupy a special place in her heart.

  Dr. Ellie nodded. “You’ve made tremendous strides, but there will still be speed bump kind of days when you’ll need a friend to talk to. And I’m here for you.” She reached over and hugged Jezzica. “You’re strong, you’re a survivor, and you’re going to make it.”

  “Thank you. But you sure know how to push.” Jezzica chuckled and returned the hug.

  They walked back through the door to the lobby. The first session without tears—Jezzica decided that was a good thing. Her cell phone interrupted her contemplation; the caller ID told her it was the man they’d been discussing only moments before. What? Did he have some kind of sixth sense?

  She smiled at Dr. Ellie. “Do you mind if I take this?”

  “You go right ahead, I’ll see you in a few.” Dr. Ellie strolled toward the new bookshop.

  Jezzica clicked the button to answer Zack’s call and went back out to the garden as she said hello. She could hardly contain her excitement as she disconnected the brief call. They were having dinner—tonight. She wanted to shout it to the world.

  Jezzica walked into Lauren’s shop like a giddy teenager. Lauren and Tasha were chatting with Dr. Ellie. Abby walked in with a couple, apparently showing them the new bookstore. Where was Catylen?

  She joined her nieces and waited for a break in the conversation to ask about their mom.

  Lauren sighed. “Mom said she needed to go home. I’m not sure what happened, but she seemed upset.”

  “I offered to go with her, but she wanted to be alone.” Tasha seemed at a loss.

  Jezzica touched Lauren’s shoulder. “I’ll go see about her.”

  “Please, Aunt Jezz, I’m so worried about her.”

  Jezzica politely left an event she should have been a part of, but Catylen was more important. She drove faster than normal and soon pulled into her driveway, then rushed to find her sister.

  Catylen sat on the floor, with tears streaming down her face, and what looked to be the packet of divorce papers spread out in front of her. Jezzica knelt down and hugged her.

  “Want to talk about it?” Jezzica leaned back and brushed her sister’s hair away from her face.

  “My attorney called and wanted me to check over the papers. She’s concerned that Mike will try to hide some of the assets in the settlement agreement.”

  “Oh, Caty, would he do that?”

  “I don’t think so. It’s just reading all of these forms and the legalese made it all too real. I need to fly home and face him in court. I don’t know how to do that and hold it together.”

  “I’ll be right beside you.” Jezzica bit down on her bottom lip. “Go wash your face and let’s go out and grab a sandwich and an early movie.”

  “What would I do without you?” The sisters unfolded off the floor and Catylen turned at the bottom of the stairs. “Let’s go back by the inn first.”

  “The girls are worried about you.” Jezzica headed out the door and jogged down to Zack’s cottage. The last thing she wanted to do was break their date.

  He answered her knock and moved out onto the deck. “Isn’t Lauren’s shop opening today? I was going to drop by.”

  “It is. Catylen is really upset. I need to cancel dinner.”

  “Hey, if Catylen needs you—I get it. Is that the only reason? You didn’t change your mind, did you?” His eyes held hers.

  She leaned in and softly kissed him. He inched his hand up, holding the back of her neck, and stared into her eyes as though he wanted to devour her. He finally kissed her, working his hands through her hair, and then lightly settled a kiss onto her forehead. Chills worked up her spine.

  Chapter Forty-one

  Jezzica closed the blinds on the bookshop windows. She set about putting the finishing touches for the grand opening. Catylen came through the archway.

  “How was your meeting with Dr. Ellie this morning?” Jezzica hoped for good news.

  “She works magic, that one. The meltdown is over and I’m looking forward to this new season of my life. You can quit worrying about me.”

  “Of course, I’m concerned about you. That’s what we do—take care of each other.” Jezzica turned back to the arrangement of Anne’s book. “Come see. Aren’t they great?”

  Catylen fanned through the pages of a Charlie book. “Do you think Tasha and Lauren would sit still and let me read it to them?” Her laughter brought Tasha into the shop.

  “Did I hear my name?”

  Jezzica chuckled. “It seems your mother wants to relive your childhood for a few minutes.”

  “I’m so nervous that I might just take her up on it.” Tasha nodded toward the windows. “Should I keep the blinds closed in my shop, too?”

  “It’ll make the ribbon cutting more dramatic. We’ll open them just before the official opening.”

  “The bookshop looks amazing. Did Lauren tell you she already sold out of several of the new releases?” Tasha thumbed through one of the Charlie books.

  “Seriously? I haven’t talked to her. I’ll send her a few from here. Have her email me a list.” A gleaming smile filled her face.

  “A prediction of the success to come.” Pride showed on Catylen’s face. “Lauren will be here shortly.” She reached over and hugged Tasha. “I’m proud of my girls.”

  A knock on the door attracted the attention of the three. Jezzica peeked out the blinds and unlocked the door. “Lauren. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Are you kidding me? Like I would miss the opening.”

  Catylen stepped forward. “I would like to have a short prayer with just the four of us.”

  Jezzica nodded. They joined hands and Catylen led them in giving thanks and asking God’s blessings on the three shops. The four voiced amen in unison and then swiped at their watery eyes.

  Tasha grabbed her sister’s hand. “Come help me close the blinds on the other side and make sure we’re ready.”

  Jezzica checked the time. “Hurry. The parade is due to start any minute.” As though Jezzica had waved the conductor’s wand, they heard faint sounds of the marching band gearing up.

  Jezzica and Catylen helped Tasha and Lauren close the blinds, and then they all slipped outside where the day’s festivities were about to begin.

  Zack pulled up in his cruiser and lowered his window. “Get in. The parade is starting at the town
square and heading this way.”

  Jezzica went around to his side, her eyes automatically locking with his. She quickly turned away for fear the others would see the sparks of passion flying from the kisses she could still feel imprinted on her lips. “Look at the crowd lining the street. I think we’ll wait here—it might be difficult getting back through.”

  Zack adjusted his navigator shades. “Duty calls. Save me a dance for later.”

  Suddenly oblivious of all else, she leaned in and kissed him. “You know it.” He waited until she returned to the sidewalk before driving away. Jezzica placed a hand on her chest, willing her breathing to slow down and still the fluttering in her stomach.

  “Wow. Now that’s one gorgeous male specimen.” Catylen shaded her eyes with her hand.

  Jezzica shot her sister a look. “Yeah, so you’ve said before.”

  “What? I’m just saying—”

  Giggles erupted from her nieces and Jezzica rolled her eyes. “Ignore her.”

  The crowds along the street were growing and several high school volunteers handed out programs. Down the street, Mayor Thompson, along with Logan Delatorre, the chief of police, led the parade in a white vintage car, which according to her newly acquired guide was a 1926 Rolls-Royce touring convertible.

  Jezzica turned to her nieces. “Time to raise the blinds, and we need to stretch the red ribbons across the doors.” The four returned just as the mayor’s car arrived, stopping in front of the roped-off section of the bookshop. The mayor climbed out of the car. He was immediately handed a mic, and then he moved to where Jezzica and her family waited. Samantha also joined them, standing next to Jezzica.

  Mayor Thompson lifted his hand. “This year our town’s Founder’s Day celebration is being held in honor of Anne Makenna. Ms. Makenna founded the Sea Glass Bookshop and gave back to the community she loved. Her shop doors were opened to the children. She provided books and helped them with their spelling lessons, reading, and just about any other subject they were struggling with. Our town lost this gracious lady to heart disease. Her daughter, Samantha Delatorre, is with us today.”

  Samantha accepted the mic. “Thank you for honoring Anne Makenna with me today. Anne was my birth mother, and while I never had the chance to meet her, through her friends here in Serenity Cove, I came to love and admire her. Many of you already know Jezzica Leigh. Jezzica is the new owner of the Sea Glass Bookshop. You will find a few changes, but I know Anne would have approved.” She turned. “Thank you, Jezzica, for allowing Anne’s dream to live on.”