As the sun was setting, Marina maneuvered her bright yellow food truck into the Seashell, the amphitheater that backed up to the cliff on one side and opened to an ocean view on the other. Heather and Brooke sat in the front of the cab with her, and in the back were boxed picnic dinners that patrons had ordered.
Tonight was the opening night for Belles on the Beach. Kai even had official colors for the night; she’d asked everyone to wear pink or white, saying they could dress up as much as they liked. Marina and Heather wore pink sundresses, and Brooke paired a rose-colored shirt with white jeans and Birkenstock sandals.
Even the sky has orchestrated her sunset at Kai’s behest with mauve ribbons flung across the heavens.
“I’m so excited for Kai and Axe,” Heather said. “I hope they get good reviews for this show. They must have felt a lot of pressure to top the holiday production.”
“I understand how they feel.” Marina had jittery nerves, too. “This is Coralina’s opening night.”
“Do you hear that?” Heather patted the vehicle’s dashboard. “We’re counting on you, Coralina.”
“Who names a food truck?” Brooke asked. “Or talks to one?”
“I can’t believe you said that,” Marina replied, laughing. “You know the Delavie-Moore family doesn’t do anything ordinary—yourself included.”
“I’ll say.” Brooke laughed and did a little drumbeat on the dash. “Let’s go, Coralina. It’s showtime for you.”
“How many picnic boxes did we end up with for tonight?” Marina asked.
Heather named a number and added, “We’re definitely up by a few orders each time.”
Marina nodded thoughtfully. “As much as we promote the box meals, relatively few people who attend actually plan ahead to order them.”
“Especially tourists who buy tickets the day of the performance,” Brooke said. “You’ve put a lot into this food truck. It’s bound to explode your business.”
“That’s the plan.” Marina slowed the truck. “And I hope Belles on the Beach will be another hit for Kai and Axe. They put so much effort into the production.”
Heather peered ahead. “That looks like a good spot to park right there, Mom. People can’t miss this banana-yellow truck.”
“Which will soon be bright coral.”
Next week, her food truck would go in for painting, but Marina didn’t want to miss an opportunity—and she wanted to have a practice run with a friendly audience tonight. Since this was opening night, Kai and Axe had given complimentary tickets to all their family and close friends in Summer Beach. Kai’s friends had all stayed for the performance.
Marina leaned from the driver’s window and waved at Kai, who was talking to the stage manager and volunteer ushers. She wore black leggings and a T-shirt. In her hands, she held a stack of programs, and she was passing them out.
“Where shall I park?” Marina called out.
Kai excused herself and made her way toward them, pointing out a spot alongside the seating area. “Right there will be perfect. When people line up, they won’t be in the walkway. And we’ve reserved seats in the front for all of you. That’s where family is, so be sure to sit there.”
“We’ll join everyone before curtain time,” Marina said. Tonight was a real family effort. Heather and Brooke had put in a lot of time boxing the dinners, including special orders for gluten-free, diabetic, and vegetarian options, and preparing the food truck for the day.
Ginger had come up with the idea of having a large Coral Cafe banner printed to put over the existing submarine sandwich logo on the vehicle. She’d picked it up at the printer, and they’d affixed it to the truck right before they left. It was good enough for the trial run.
Marina parked, and they got out. It was then that she noticed bouquets of roses and lilies trimming the section in the front. “Looks like you’re going all out tonight.”
“It’s opening night, and it’s a show about weddings, so I thought, why not?” Kai laughed, and her voice sounded a little high-pitched. She had a pencil poking through her haphazard bun.
Instantly, Marina recognized the nervous laughter but decided it was only Kai’s opening night jitters. She wondered why she and Axe had chosen Saturday instead of a slower night to debut, but that wasn’t any of her business.
Brooke motioned toward the programs. “I’d love to see one.”
“Sure.” Kai passed them out, her hand shaking slightly as she did.
Kai should be used to opening night performances, Marina thought. She was a true professional, after all.
Brooke opened the program. “Look at this. Written and directed by Kai Moore. I’m so proud of you.” She hugged her sister.
That explained it, Marina thought. This time, Kai was also the scriptwriter and director. In the past, even if a show didn’t get great reviews, Kai usually did for her performance. This time, however, the responsibility was all hers. “Break a leg, Kai.”
That was theater language for wishing someone good luck, but no one dared to actually say that, as that was thought to attract supreme bad luck.
Heather read the introduction. “Three sisters with wedding aspirations wreak havoc in a beach town.”
Brooke put a finger to her temple. “Three sisters? I wonder where you got that.”
“Inspiration only,” Kai said, sticking another pencil into her bun. “This is a series of wedding comedies, sort of like My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Remember when I had a part in that? Live audiences always love wedding disasters.” She paused, glancing at Marina. “Not that yours will be like that.”
If at all. Marina had exchanged a few rushed texts with Jack this morning. She didn’t know how to broach the subject of his disastrous living environment without insulting him. Or worse, mothering him. But the way he was living was an insult. To Leo and Scout, and certainly to Jack, too.
After seeing the state of his house, her rational side had taken the reins. She refused to be a mother to a grown man. But she couldn’t think about that tonight. She had an important job ahead of her.
They all did.
“I have to get in makeup and costume, but I know you’ll be fabulous.” Kai’s face was flushed and her smile wavered. “It’s going to be spectacular, right?”
“Of course,” Marina replied. “You’ve got this.”
As she watched Kai dash off, she wondered if her sister had reason to be nervous. Perhaps the stage play script wasn’t as strong as she would have liked. Or maybe she was having problems with the cast.
If so, it was even more important that they were all here, Marina decided. They would support Kai no matter what.
Marina opened the rear door to the food truck. “Time to set up.”
“Tell us what you need,” Brooke said.
“Would you open the serving window and put out snack items, napkins, straws, plastic cutlery—all the things people ask for? Heather, would you put on fresh coffee, just in case, and set out the menu board? I’ll get my food production line organized. Let’s offer samples, too.”
“I’ll make a tray of brownies and chocolate chip cookie bits.” Brooke reached for a plate. “Those are popular at the farmers market.”
Marina liked that idea. “Then let’s put the cookies on display by the register.”
“I’ll plug in the lights before we get busy.” Heather turned on a string of lights she’d brought to bring attention to the vehicle.
“Wow.” Marina stepped back. The lights were a good idea. “Can’t miss this. We’ll have to turn off the lights during the show.”
Before long, audience members began arriving. Heather and Brooke divided the work, with one line for the box dinner pickup and another for new food orders. The brownies and cookies were going fast.
Marina had put a chef jacket over her sundress, and she focused on assembling orders from the fairly easy menu she’d created. Cheese and charcuterie boards, chopped salad, and toasted nuts had been pre-made in her cafe kitchen. Here in the food truck, she made sweet potato fries with garlic aioli and mile-high deli sandwiches. Since they had a mobile liquor license, they also offered small splits of wine and champagne that were easy to manage.
Even Ginger joined them, chatting up the line, making suggestions, and offering samples. She was their ambassador, and they needed that. So many people knew Ginger, and if the line moved a little slower than it should, folks didn’t mind if they were talking to her.
Marina grinned at her grandmother. A secret diplomatic weapon, indeed.
As Marina worked, Heather leaned back. “We’re taking orders for intermission, too. People are asking for that because they’re accustomed to it at other theaters. We could add that to our website later. Maybe have an app for that.”
“Brilliant ideas,” Marina said, juggling the fries and sandwiches.
When a bell rang signaling the curtain time in a few minutes, they quickly cleared the line and served the last orders. Marina, Heather, and Brooke traded exuberant high-fives.
Ginger applauded their efforts. “Well done, ladies. I’d say Coralina is off to a smashing success.”
Marina could see Kai peeking out at the crowd, and she waved at her. “I’m sure the show will be, too.”
Marina sealed the food truck window and turned off the lights. They took their places with the rest of the group in the seats Kai had reserved for them. Marina sat on the end.
Brooke’s husband, Chip, was there with their three boys, and Ethan was sitting with them. He was devouring one of Marina’s pastrami sandwiches with sweet potato fries and coleslaw.
Ethan took the last bite. “That was really good, Mom.”
“Glad you liked it.” Marina felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She hadn’t tallied the income yet, but based on how many items they’d sold, her food truck idea was going to pay off.
Marina looked around. All of Kai’s friends were seated together, too. Jen and George, Leilani and Roy, and Shelly and Ivy with Bennett and Mitch. Her theater friends, including Billie and Madison, were together, too.
Marina heard a small voice beside her, and she turned.
“Can we sit with you?” Leo asked. He held his father’s hand.
“Of course.” She scooted over. How could she say no to Leo? As for Jack, well, that remained to be seen.
Nothing wrong with just enjoying each other’s company, Ginger had repeated. I have wintered into this wisdom, she’d added, paraphrasing Beowulf. That’s what Marina would do for now. At this stage of life, not everyone needed marriage.
After all, Ginger had her Bertrand, and Marina had her Stan, if only for the briefest time.
The stars were coming out as the stage lights went up. In the first scene, Kai made her entrance with other cast members to a wave of applause.
As the show got underway, Marina marveled at how Kai’s talent was growing. She’d evolved from a pure performer into a writer and director with a unique vision. If she had stayed with the touring theater company, she would never have had the opportunity to stretch in her profession like this.
Kai’s comedic timing was excellent, and the audience roared with laughter at the stories of the three women known as the belles and their hysterical wedding dilemmas.
Just before intermission, Marina excused herself and hurried back to the food truck with Brooke and Heather. Business was brisk, and she was relieved and happy. Buying this truck had been a good decision.
Intermission became a mad scramble for patrons to pick up their orders and buy other items. Marina didn’t have time to cook much, but they had plenty of snacks. When the stage lights flickered, everyone hurried to their seats. Marina made her way through the crowd with Brooke and Heather.
Billie stopped Marina on the way. “Kai sent me. She needs the three of you to join her backstage. And Ginger and Ethan, too.” She named a precise time.
“Does Kai need extras?”
“Something like that,” Billie replied. “Be sure to meet me at the stage door on the side. And don’t be late.”
Acting on stage wasn’t Marina’s favorite pastime, but she could stand in a crowd scene. And she knew Heather and Ginger would enjoy it. She looked at Brooke and Heather, who both nodded. “We’ll be there.”
When Marina sat down, she noticed the rest of Kai’s friends had disappeared. She assumed it must be a scene that needed a lot of extras. She took her seat and told Ginger, who also agreed to join Kai.
The second half was even more entertaining than the first, with Kai and Axe taking the lead roles as an engaged couple plagued with one catastrophe after the next. The question was: Would they make it to the altar?
A little while later, Marina’s phone vibrated on silent mode. It was time. She led the small group toward the stage door and knocked.
“Glad you’re here,” Billie said, opening the door for them.
The stage manager hurried to them. “Kai wants you in the final scene.” She spoke into the earpiece she wore. “They’re here. I’m sending them to makeup.”
Marina had been here before. “We know the way.”
They filed through the small backstage area and into the dressing area where a makeup artist was working. As each sat in her chair, she deftly added deeper colors to their cheeks and lips. “That’s all we have time for, but you look great.”
The prop manager appeared at the doorway with her arms loaded with bouquets. “These are for Marina, Brooke, and Heather. And Mrs. Delavie, you have a corsage.” She pinned an orchid to the lapel of Ginger’s pink jacket and stepped back. “You all look so lovely and coordinated tonight.”
“Kai asked that we wear pink and white,” Ginger said. “How lovely this will be from the audience.”
Now Marina understood why Kai had asked them to wear those colors, but she could have explained that she needed them as extras. She thought everyone would have understood, but maybe someone had pushed back before.
Besides herself, Marina realized, feeling a little embarrassed. Well, she was here now.
She smoothed her dress. Fortunately, her chef jacket had protected her sundress. She’d dropped a little aioli near the hem, but it would hardly be visible onstage in a crowd scene. She had also worn a strand of pink-hued pearls Ginger had given her years ago.
Everyone picked up a bouquet of pink roses and white lilies. Marina brought hers to her nose. “These smell wonderful. I guess we’re bridesmaids.”
The props manager nodded. “And Ms. Delavie will act as the mother of the bride.”
“Why, I’m growing younger,” Ginger quipped. “Isn’t this fun?” She was in her element, too.
“It is sort of exciting,” Heather added. “Usually, I’m too shy to stand up in front of crowds.”
“You’ll be just fine,” Ginger assured her. “Everyone will be watching Kai and Axe.”
“Sure hope so,” Brooke said, twirling her bouquet.
Just then, Kai came in. She looked stunning in a candlelight-colored wedding dress that fit her perfectly. “Wow, you all look fabulous. Who’s ready for the best final scene ever?”
Marina was shocked. It wasn’t just a dress; it was the dress. “You’re wearing Ginger’s wedding gown as a costume?” By the tightness around their grandmother’s mouth, Marina could tell she was not amused that her treasured wedding dress was being used as a costume.
Kai’s face colored. “Only for tonight. Since it’s opening night and all.”
Ginger’s eyebrows were shooting toward her hairline. “I hope you’ll take good care of it.”
“I won’t let anything happen to it,” Kai promised, fidgeting with a fingernail. “You’ll see.”
That hadn’t been a good decision on Kai’s part. Marina could just imagine what Ginger would have to say about it later. Maybe it was only a dress, but the choice was disrespectful to Ginger and their mother’s memory. Things like that mattered in their family.
Nevertheless, Kai quickly recovered and went on. “Now, in this next scene, you’ll play bridesmaids and family, so you’ll be seated on the other side of Billie and Madison. They’re serving as Axe’s family. We’ll have a quick set change, and then we’ll guide you onstage to your marks. Ready to go?”
“Lead the way.” Lifting her chin, Marina adjusted her attitude. This was a big night for Kai, and the dress was only a dress, after all. Maybe she’d worn it for luck or reassurance. Marina could understand that, and this wasn’t the time to argue about it. She gave Kai a quick hug to reassure her. “The audience loves the show.”
At that, Ginger nodded her approval. “The gown does look lovely on you, Kai. Now, let’s all break a leg.”
The stage manager was rotating her hand for them to make haste. With Kai in the lead, they hurried toward the wings. Over her shoulder, she tossed back directorial guidance. “Just act natural, and feel free to react at the appropriate times.”
“How will we know?” Heather asked.
Kai laughed. “You’ll figure it out.”
The lights dimmed, and stagehands guided them onstage. Marina stood where indicated, with Brooke and Heather next to her. They were in character as bridesmaids, and Ginger was seated in front of them. It was a lovely wedding set, and real pink roses surrounded them. The scent was heavenly, but she was surprised they weren’t faux flowers.
Trying to relax, Marina sneaked a glance at the audience, though it was difficult to see much except the twinkling canopy of stars above. This was such a special venue that Kai and Axe had brought to life in Summer Beach.
As the lights went up, Ginger winked at her.
This is fun, Marina admitted to herself. They could always count on Kai to bring the sparkles and glitter. She held her bouquet and turned her attention to her sister.
Kai was onstage and in character, worrying that her beloved might miss the wedding. After delivering a few lines, Axe strode on stage and swept Kai into his arms.
Marina was so involved in the storyline that she almost forgot she had a part to play, however small it was.
Axe’s voice boomed out in the evening air. “But where’s the preacher? He should have been here by now.”
At that, Brother Rip emerged from the wings. A gentle giant of a man, he was known by his old surfer nickname, Riptide. These days, he served a flock at the beach, the young surfers who followed the waves, sometimes far from home.
Brooke whispered, “Perfect casting as the pastor.”
“That was clever,” Marina replied through her stage smile.
With shoulder-length braids and flip-flops, Brother Rip spread his hands. His deep voice with its lilting Jamaican accent rang out. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here tonight…”
Pausing, he turned from them and toward the audience, breaking the imaginary fourth wall of the theater. He pressed his hands together and added, “To witness the marriage of Kai Moore and Axe Woodson.”
A collective gasp swept across those on stage and in the audience. Off to one side, Marina saw a photographer begin shooting photos.
Heather’s mouth opened in surprise. “What is Aunt Kai doing?”
“I think this just turned into a real wedding.” Marina didn’t know whether to laugh or cry out. But this was their Kai, their beloved wild child, so she thrust her bouquet into the air. “Bravo!”
Kai winked at her and nodded. Her theater friends followed Marina’s lead, whooping and clapping. Heather, Ethan, and Brooke did the same. They all improvised in the moment.
In the audience, waves of laughter and calls rippled across the guests.
Brother Rip bowed to the crowd and then turned back to Kai and Axe, who were beaming in the spotlight. The music soared, and the pair began to sing a stunningly beautiful duet, which reminded Marina of “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera.
The audience was mesmerized, and Marina was equally awed by the talent these two possessed. After a few lines, she realized what the song was about. It wasn’t just a love song; Kai and Axe were singing their sacred vows to one another.
A lump formed in Marina’s throat, and she choked on her emotion—no acting required.
Kai and Axe wore such expressions of pure love that Marina knew they were no longer acting either. As they gazed at each other, it seemed as if their most intimate feelings poured forth from their souls.
Tears of joy sprang to Marina’s eyes, and she glanced at Ginger, who was dabbing her cheeks with a handkerchief she’d withdrawn from the pocket of her jacket. Reaching out, Marina clasped her hand.
“This is their finest moment,” Ginger whispered.
From what Marina could see of the audience, they appeared awestruck, hanging onto every word, every note, every motion onstage. At the end of the song, Axe slid a narrow band of diamonds onto Kai’s finger, and she produced a gold band for him.
Brother Rip raised his hands. “And now, with the power vested in me by the beautiful State of California, the waves that carry us to homeward shores, and the heavens above, I now pronounce you well and properly married.”
Kai and Axe embraced with a kiss while cheers erupted onstage and across the crowd. Everyone leapt to their feet, sharing the joy of the moment.
Marina stood with the rest of their family and friends. All were equally surprised and laughing over the turn of events.
At center stage, Kai waved and blew kisses to the crowd. Before turning her back, she called out, “Who’s next?” And then, with a swift motion, she tossed her bouquet over her shoulder. According to tradition, whoever caught it would be the next person to marry.
The rose-and-lily bouquet took flight in a high arc. Marina was eager to see who would catch it.
A child’s voice rang out. “Get it, Dad!”
The bouquet flew right toward Jack and smacked him in the chest. In a split second, he grabbed it like a football, as surprised as anyone. Laughing, he held the bouquet high above his head like a trophy.
Everyone in the audience laughed, and Jack plucked a white rose and flung it toward Marina onstage, blowing her kisses after it. Jack hefted Leo onto his shoulder, and Leo waved madly at Marina.
“See, we’re getting married next,” Leo called out to her.
Who could resist such a child?
In the joy and magic of the moment, surrounded by her surprising, loving family and friends, Marina gazed at Jack and Leo with renewed love. Though her resolve was weakening, she struggled to keep it intact. Yet, at that moment, she knew there would always be love between them.
The show continued with the entire cast in the final chorus. At the end, the audience exploded with applause. Along with the rest of the cast, Marina and her family took their bows.
Finally, Kai and Axe trotted back onstage holding hands and took their bows, kissing again for the enthusiastic crowd.
Ginger smiled as she watched them. “All the world loves lovers.”
When Kai and Axe returned offstage, their friends congratulated them, and Ginger opened her arms. “Just brilliant! All the fun of a wedding without the stress.” She wrapped her arms around both of them.
“There was still plenty of stress,” Kai confided. “Imagine planning opening night and our wedding. What were we thinking?”
Axe laughed and hugged his bride. “I give all the credit to Kai, my amazing wife.”
“Couldn’t have done it without you.” Kai kissed her husband again. “And wasn’t that a magnificent song he wrote?”
“We wrote,” Axe added, beaming at her.
They continued talking while the stage lights dimmed, and the audience began to disperse. Marina would have to drive the food truck home, but not just yet.
Heather turned to her, awestruck. “I can hardly believe Aunt Kai and Axe are actually married. And Jack caught the bouquet. Does that mean you’re next, Mom?”
Marina laughed. “Jack caught it, not me. You should ask him.”
That would be a complicated issue for her children, and after taking into account how Jack lived his life, perhaps it was just as well. One simply didn’t change a man. Still, her heart leapt when she spied Jack in the wings.
“And here he is now.” Marina went to meet them.
Beside him, Leo was carrying the bouquet, which was so large it trailed on the ground. Jack grinned, his eyes bright with happiness. “I guess it’s my choice now.”
Marina laughed, but before she could reply, he touched her lips with a kiss that tingled her soul. The softness of his touch and the sweet scent of flowers surrounding her melted another layer of hesitancy.
“You’ve already said yes,” Jack murmured, enveloping her in his arms. “In your way, that is.”
Marina pulled away and smiled up at him. “But who could possibly top this wedding of the summer?”