In Over Her Head: An Anchor Island Novel by Terri Osburn (reading eggs books .TXT) 📗

she reminded him. “Now I wish I’d made those photo albums years ago.”

In a moment of raw honesty, he said, “I wish you had, too.”

Not that there was anyone in his past that he’d consider the one that got away. Unless he counted the recent past.

“So what happened?” she asked.

Nick watched a seagull sail over the waves and thought how simple the bird’s life must be.

“We went into it with clear boundaries from the start. Nothing serious. Then I changed the rules and asked for more, but she wasn’t interested.”

“Then she’s an idiot,” Mia snapped in a show of sibling loyalty. “You’re the most caring man she’s ever going to meet. You can cook circles around anyone, though I suppose in her case that isn’t a bonus. And you’re also hot, or so nearly every single female on this island—and a few not-so-single—have pointed out as if I want to hear this about my own brother.”

Amused, he said, “I’ll take names if you want to share.”

“Not a chance. So what’s her problem?”

Answering that question would reveal more than Lauren would likely appreciate, so he simply said, “She didn’t feel the same. It happens. How about you?”

Dark hair blew across her face and she swiped it away. “How about me what?”

“I shared my story. Now it’s your turn. What’s going on between you and Henri?”

Her mouth twisted as she brushed nonexistent lint off her pants. “I’m not ready for that.”

“Mia, you’ve been preaching at me for years to start living my life. Maybe it’s time to take your own advice.”

“My situation is different.”

“There’s no reason it has to be.” Tapping the back of her hand, Nick said, “Nota would never turn her back on you. If Henri can make you happy, then she’ll love her for that alone.”

“I don’t want to disappoint her,” she whispered.

“Nota would never be disappointed in you.”

Biting her lip, Mia pulled her knees up to her chest. “I’m not talking about Grandma.”

So that’s how it was. Nick had no idea how to discuss such things with his sister, regardless of what team she played for. Wanting to give her some reply, he offered the one thing he knew for sure.

“You deserve love as much as anyone else,” he said. “Don’t let fear stand in the way of something good.”

When she didn’t respond, Nick let the subject drop and together they watched the waves in silence, each wallowing in their own romantic shortcomings.

19

“Where do you get the inspiration for your food?” the reporter asked.

Lauren had already answered this question three times. Thank goodness this was the last interview of the day.

Will had not been kidding about making sure the restaurant had plenty of PR. They’d used the conference room at the Destination Anchor offices as a makeshift media space, and Lauren had been taking time away from the kitchen to be available.

“I grew up around Boston so there’s plenty of New England influence,” she explained. “Lots of seafood, of course, which is why operating a restaurant here on Anchor Island was a perfect fit. The fresh product so readily available made creating the menu a dream.”

“This is your first time running your own kitchen, correct?” he said, shoving the small recorder closer to her face. Another repeat question.

“Yes, this is my first opportunity to take the lead,” she said, repeating what she’d told the previous interviewers, “but I’ve been in the industry for more than a decade so I’m fully comfortable in the position.”

“I was lucky enough to get a table for brunch this morning and I wanted to ask about the baked flounder and eggs combo. Though more common in other parts of the world, what made you put such a unique dish on the menu here?”

At first, the staff had not been in support of the late addition to the menu, but once they’d tasted Lauren’s version, they were easily convinced.

“A friend made the dish for me once and I liked it so much I believed that others would as well.”

“You were right,” he said. “That was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten.”

Appreciating the high praise, she said, “I’m glad you liked it.”

“One more question. What made you come all the way to Anchor Island from Boston? There must have been bigger, more prestigious opportunities in the city. So why here?”

Lauren kept the smile on her face while answering what she considered an insulting question, to both the island and the people on it.

“As I’m sure you know, Anchor Island has strict rules regarding what businesses can operate here. They support mom and pop operations and keep big business and franchises out. This policy creates a unique opportunity for creators like me, who have a voice and want to be heard above the noise. An opportunity that would be nearly impossible to find anywhere else.”

The reporter snapped off the recorder and shoved the dark-rimmed glasses up his nose. “Great answer. Thanks for taking the time to do this.”

“My pleasure,” she said, sliding off the high stool, anxious to get back to the restaurant.

“All done?” Roxie asked, popping her head in.

“Yes, we just finished,” the reporter replied.

“Then I’ll show you out. Lauren, you have one more person to talk to. Hold on and I’ll bring him in.”

So much for going back to work. With a huff, Lauren pulled out her phone and returned to the stool. She still checked regularly for messages from Nick. In the last ten days she’d gone through what she assumed were all the stages of a breakup. Never having had a relationship meant never having gone through the end of one.

First had been the crying accompanied by lots of ice cream. And then she’d felt like an idiot for being so dramatic and been fine for a couple of days. About day five the anger set in. How dare he not even try to talk to her? Yes, she’d been a jerk. Yes, she’d told him to stop trying to mentor her. She hadn’t said she never wanted