With Kai’s bridal shower on track, Marina had plenty to focus on besides Jack. Now that she would have the food truck this week, she added order supplies and schedule staff to her mental list. Jack might have disappointed her, but she had to redirect her energy.
Leaning over the kitchen sink, she opened Billie’s bottle of prosecco to avoid the potential fizzy overflow from the woman’s enthusiastic handling.
“People make mistakes,” Ginger said, sipping her tea at the kitchen table. “The question is why Jack did, and can you live with that? At heart, I believe he’s still a good man. Maybe out of his element, though.”
While Marina was through with the topic of Jack, Ginger was clearly pressing on. Feeling slightly annoyed, she said, “While I appreciate your wisdom, what if marriage is outside of his element, too?” She poured a small amount of prosecco into a glass to taste it.
“Is that really such a deal breaker?” Ginger asked thoughtfully. When Marina didn’t answer, she went on, her eyes taking on a steely glint. “I might be of a certain age, but I’m modern enough to realize not every couple should be married or merge assets. For example, a woman should not endanger her financial position after a certain age merely for what she thinks is love. I’ve seen far too many good-looking gigolos siphon a woman’s retirement account.”
Shocked, Marina spewed out the prosecco. Wiping her chin, she asked, “Is that what you think Jack is?” That thought hadn’t occurred to her.
“Not at all, but if you move on, you must be aware of what’s out there, especially since you’re building a valuable business.” Ginger paused, peering at her. “Perhaps companionship is the answer.”
Marina leaned against the kitchen counter, considering the question. She hadn’t thought about that, though it could be a solution that would work for some people.
Still, Marina shook her head. “If I’m going to be involved with Jack, or any man, I want to know where I stand. And that we’re moving forward and creating a life in partnership with the same values and goals. For me, that means marriage. Jack might not be up for that.”
Ginger weighed her reply, then said, “Just so you know that you have options as a woman.”
“You bet I do,” Marina said sharply.
Her grandmother gave her a sympathetic look. “Right now, you’re hurt, embarrassed, and justifiably upset about last night. You must talk to him. Make sure you’re in agreement going forward, or you’re just wasting each other’s time.”
Marina sighed. Once again, her grandmother was correct. Marina was hurt, and an ache grew in her heart even as Ginger spoke. What had happened to the prince she’d thought he was? That had been her self-deception, she supposed. Marina picked up the bottle. “That’s easier to say than manage.”
“I’m only looking out for you.” Ginger inclined her head. “He and Leo will be at the barbecue tonight, won’t they?”
“I have no idea, but I’m not going to remind him.” Marina motioned toward Kai and her friends in the living room. “I don’t want my troubles to put a damper on this party. This is Kai’s moment.”
“And Kai would like nothing more than to see you happy—however you define that.” Ginger lifted the steaming tea to her lips.
Feeling she might have spoken a little harshly, Marina added, “I appreciate your advice.” She grinned. “Gigolos and all.” What would she ever do without Ginger?
Her grandmother’s eyes twinkled over the teacup.
Marina stopped and stared at the thin porcelain cup Ginger held. The 19th-century teacup was embellished with strokes of gold and pale pink, hand-painted roses. Likely from Limoges, France. Her grandmother often rotated her treasures to enjoy them all. Suddenly, Marina recalled something she’d read and frowned.
“Do you think you should be concerned about the lead content of that porcelain? Maybe you should limit it to decorative use.”
Ginger lifted an expertly tinted eyebrow. “Darling, living well hasn’t killed me yet.”
“But—”
Her grandmother put the teacup down. “We all have an expiry date. So do you, as hard as it might be to fathom that at your age.”
“What?” Marina choked out the word. She was appalled at the matter-of-fact way Ginger put it, but that was her way, especially when there was no avoiding the issue.
Ginger only shrugged a shoulder still well-toned from yoga. “I suggest you be more concerned about living your life well. One chance, that’s all we have, dear. As far as we know, that is. Remind me to check into that fascinating cryonic—”
“You’ve always said,” Marina cut in, not wanting to go into that subject. Freezing her grandmother? She shuddered. “The more we know, the better we can do. And your health—”
“Is still my concern. I manage it well.” With a motion of graceful resignation, Ginger indicated the teapot on the counter. “That said, you may pour a different cup for me if it makes you feel better.” She pushed the offending china aside. “And you’re probably right. I did read a scientific study about that.”
Concealing her smile, Marina reached for the newer teacup. Her grandmother had always been one to embrace change. Perhaps that was her nature, or maybe it was her intellectual training. And yet, the conversation unnerved her. Would Ginger conceal a health problem to protect her granddaughters?
“As for your health,” Ginger went on, a smile dancing on her lips. “Come with me on a hike to the ridgetop. Morning yoga overlooking the sea is magnificent.”
Marina shook off her thoughts. She wasn’t sure she could manage that hike herself, so if Ginger was healthy enough to scale a cliff and continue her yoga practice, she must be fine. “I need to work up to that.”
“I’ll hold you to it,” Ginger said with a wink.
Marina reached for a lemon from a colorful Talavera pottery bowl on the counter. Deftly, she drew a knife through the fresh fruit Ginger had picked this morning, then placed a slice beside the new cup of tea she’d poured.
As she placed the fresh tea in front of Ginger, laughter bubbled from the living room again. Kai deserved to have all the giggly fun with her friends that she wanted. She wanted this party—and Kai’s wedding, whenever that would be—to be all her sister had dreamed of.
Only seven years separated Marina and Kai, but it often seemed like a generation. Life could do that to you. She nodded toward the living room. “They’re making me feel old.”
“Nonsense.” Ginger straightened, lifting her chin. “You’re still young. And I’m feeling younger than ever. Have Heather and that new cook you hired take over for a day and spend it with me. I’ll teach you the art of living well. A hike and yoga, then a massage and a good lunch. What’s good for the body is good for the mind.”
“Is that your secret?”
“One of many.”
Marina knew her grandmother would enjoy having a day off together, but when would she ever have the time? “Maybe I will.”
Ginger tapped the table. “Then why the furrowed brow?”
She motioned to the glasses. “I have to make these coolers—”
“They can wait. In fact, pour one for yourself and sit with me for a moment. I think you’re still in shock after last night.”
After filling a small glass with ginger ale and pineapple juice and adding lime zest, Marina took a seat at the table she remembered from childhood.
“Not that long ago, I was a well-coiffed, high-heeled news anchor in San Francisco covering hard news. Now I run a beach cafe on my grandmother’s property, wear clogs, and serve food with a side of local gossip.”
“Sounds like you’re winning to me.”
“But I never expected such drastic changes in my mid-forties.”
“Jack aside, perhaps you’re having a mid-life crisis, which I prefer to call a readjustment. Something we should do at least every decade. I think you were overdue.”
Marina laughed. “Maybe I am. I just bought a screaming yellow food truck.”
“Which is a wise investment in your future.” Ginger sipped her tea, then set it down on a saucer and leveled an appraising gaze at her. Even at her age, she still had the sharp, strategic mind of a master chess player.
As Marina shifted, her chair squeaked under the silent scrutiny. She took a gulp of her drink.
Ginger touched her hand. “Just because this is Kai’s big event doesn’t minimize your journey. Both of you are embarking on new lives.”
“Kai is way ahead of me.”
“Is it a race, dear?”
“Of course not.” Marina traced a scratch on the table. “I want Kai to have the wedding of her dreams. I just wish she’d tell us what they are. Besides, I’m not sure my goals are aligned with Jack’s after all.”
Ginger reached for her hand and smiled. “Maybe they’re not. But I also want to add that what we spend precious time worrying about rarely comes to pass. As long as we are pursuing our passions in a positive manner, life has a way of unfolding naturally. It’s quite surprising.”
Marina shook her head. “I can’t make any more mistakes. Not at my age.”
“Trust the process for a little while.” Ginger laughed. “And whether you realize it or not, you have plenty of time to make any number of mistakes. Just make sure you’re having fun when you do.”
Marina grinned. “And protect my assets.”
“Never actually marry the gigolo.” Ginger winked and lifted her tea to her lips.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re incorrigible?”
“I’ll take that as a fine compliment.”
Marina laughed. Maybe Ginger was right, and she’d been overthinking life. As the sound of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” thumped from the living room, Marina shook off her thoughts.
Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Withdrawing it, she stared at the text, her spirits rising. “Listen to this. Judith says she has the sale paperwork ready, and she can deliver the food truck soon. This means I’ll have to train my team and start marketing and planning routes.” Ideas bubbled in her mind.
“Someday you could have an entire fleet of trucks.”
Marina liked that idea. “Maybe so. Or I could create a concept to replicate them.”
“Franchising is interesting.” Admiration flickered in her grandmother’s eyes. “I’m always happy to help you sort through concepts.”
“I’d like that very much.”
Marina drained her cooler and stepped to the counter. She poured part of the prosecco into the pitcher and added an equal part of pineapple juice.
Thinking about her fresh plans, she stared from the kitchen window toward the horizon while the vista of a new future shimmered ahead in her mind.
She had struggled so much in the past. Even though Heather had transferred to a less expensive school, living in San Francisco with the twins had been costly. Marina had juggled bills for dental, medical, clothing, and tuition—everything times two at once. She had never managed to get a toehold in home ownership in the city or save much.
Marina couldn’t depend on Jack—or any man, for that matter. If anyone would have stuck by her, it would have been Stan. Circumstances beyond her control could occur, and she had to look out for herself. No one was going to do it for her, not even Ginger.
Besides, Marina wanted her grandmother to have plenty for the best comfort and care she might need as she grew older. At what Marina hoped was the midpoint in her life, she had to grasp chances while she still had the energy.
She added sprigs of mint as a garnish and lifted the pitcher. “I’d better see to that parched, raucous party in there and then start preparing for the barbecue.”
Ginger looked up from the table. “Will we have many tonight?”
Marina paused by the doorway. Jen and Leilani’s husbands were joining them. “The guys are coming after work. Axe, George, and Roy. And Brooke called to say that she and Chip are bringing the boys.”
“It will be wonderful to see everyone,” Ginger said.
Neither of them mentioned Jack.