If I can stay in business long enough.
June beamed at me, looking beautiful in deep blue and yellow. “TheSanta Cruz Dailyis sending someone. They’re going to want to ask you a few questions. The ads are in place, and invitations to local artists have been sent. At least two have called me already, eager to talk collaboration.” Her phone chimed an alert. “Aaaand the caterers are here.”
“I’ll go let them in,” I said, starting for the back, but she stopped me.
“Enjoy this calm before the storm. I’ll handle it.”
“I love that she thinks there’s going to be a storm,” I said to Ronan.
He gave me a crooked smile. “She would know.”
“Baby steps,” I said. “I still can’t believe I havecaterers.”
Two weeks before the grand opening, I’d received a letter in the mail with a French postmark. Inside was a fancy gold voucher for Elite Eats and a note.
Dearest Shiloh,
I hope you’ll accept this small gift with my congratulations. (I’m only ever allowed to pay for the food.)
I wish you the best and every success.
Regards,
Your Holden
P.S. Tell Wentz I’ll never forgive him for what he did and that I love him for it too.
I didn’t know what the postscript meant except Ronan had facilitated a meeting with Holden and River Whitmore before Holden disappeared. I hadn’t known that there was something between Holden and the quarterback of the football team in the first place; Ronan had kept Holden’s confidence about it, which made me love him more.
That night, at the mention of caterers, Ronan’s lips drew down. “It means Holden’s alive at least.”
I tucked my arm in his, wishing I had the words to ease his mind. Holden leaving suddenly hurt him worse than he let on, especially on the heels of Miller’s departure for Los Angeles. The Lost Boys were scattered, and it was looking like they wouldn’t be reunited any time soon.
Bertie brought Bibi over to me, and my great-grandmother took my arm. “If you’ll excuse me, Ronan, darling, I must have a word with this girl.”
“Of course.”
He moved off, and my heart swelled to see Uncle Rudy and Aunt Bertie take possession of him, peppering him with questions.
Bibi’s eyes were shining. “I am so proud of you, I can’t stand it. This old heart of mine feels like it’s going to burst.”
“It had better not,” I said, her emotion trying to pull out mine.
She leaned into me, and I smelled her jasmine perfume. “I know Marie is being Marie. And I know a lot of what’s happening tonight is because you’ve been trying to make herseeyou. But don’t let her dim your shine, baby. Tonight is your night. We all see you.Isee you, Shiloh. And I know that’s not the same as a mama’s love, but I hope it can make up for what you’re missing.”
“God, Bibi,” I breathed, hugging her fiercely. “None of this would have happened without you. So long as you’re proud”—I swallowed hard—“nothing else matters. Nothing.”
Bibi dabbed her eyes with a Kleenex from her pocketbook. “Now look at me. I’m a mess.”
“No, you’re perfect,” I said. “And you always have been.”
From beside me, June delicately cleared her throat. “We’re ready.”
I turned to see that night had fallen and that there was more than a small crowd of nicely dressed people gathered outside the shop.
“Are they…” I cleared my throat and tried again. “Are they here for me?”
June beamed. “Shiloh, you are open for business.”