The Way Home Read Free

last place, the Tulip Café . . .” Avery seemed about to say more, then suddenly looked down and picked up her glass. “It didn’t work out. But that was for the best. I’m sort of a perfectionist, I guess, the type of person who’s happier doing things my own way than always having to compromise.”
    â€œA true artistic spirit,” Claire observed with a mild smile. Avery did look like her own person; no slave to fashion in baggy, khaki shorts and flat, leather sandals. Her face was bare of makeup and didn’t need any, Claire thought. She had a beautiful peachy complexion. Dangling silver earrings with blue beads brought out the color of her eyes. She was very pretty, though she didn’t seem to realize it.
    â€œWhat’s the name of your restaurant?” Liza asked.
    â€œCafé Peregrine. I named it for the peregrine falcon that migrates to this part of New England every year. It seemed to strike the right note for me.”
    â€œVery pretty . . . and memorable,” Claire agreed. “What type of food will you serve?”
    â€œI’d call it New American cuisine, with touches of French and Asian influence. A lot of fish, of course. We’ll have about thirty seats,” she added. “That’s small enough for me to change the menu every day, depending on what I find in the market. I want to mainly serve local seafood and produce. There’ll also be a selection of fine wines and some fabulous desserts.”
    â€œThat sounds lovely.” Claire imagined the restaurant much like the small, sophisticated cafés in Boston.
    â€œI can’t think of any place like that in Cape Light,” Liza said. “And none right here on the island.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear that. I wasn’t able to find any competition in that niche either, though I don’t know the area that well. There are a few comparable restaurants in Newburyport, but I have the water view and the beachy setting going for me. I’ve been staying in Newburyport the past few weeks,” she explained. “But I wanted to be on the island now that I’m opening. I haven’t had to time to look for a cottage or an apartment yet.”
    â€œIt will be hard finding anything this time of year,” Liza said honestly. “We can work out a discount if you would like a long-term stay here.”
    â€œWould you? That would be great. One less thing to worry about.”
    Liza smiled at her. “Check that off your list, then. We’ll figure it out when you have a chance.”
    Avery finished the rest of her tea, then quickly redid her hairdo, pushing some loose strands back in the bun. She rose and grabbed her handbag, gracing Liza and Claire with a big smile.
    She looked much calmer and more refreshed than she had when she arrived. Claire felt satisfied to see that. Claire considered it the very purpose of this inn—to provide a rest stop in peoples’ lives, a welcoming place to renew and restore. Even for the few minutes it took to sip a glass of iced tea.
    Avery glanced back at her watch. “Thanks again. You’ve both been so sweet. I’d better head off. I’m meeting an electrician at the café, and I don’t want to stand him up.”
    The women said good-bye, and Avery headed off to her car, a small white SUV, parked in the drive at the side of the inn. She waved as she pulled out and turned onto the main road.
    â€œOpening a new restaurant all on her own . . . Pretty brave, if you ask me,” Liza said. “And she’s so young.”
    â€œYes, she is.” Claire guessed Avery to be her in late twenties, at most. “But she seems very independent. I wonder if there’s some way we can help her.”
    â€œI was wondering about that, too. We can recommend her café to guests and keep a copy of the menu on hand. But maybe there’s something more we can do. Let’s think