The Magnolia Cafe(56)

Keely just nodded, wiping off the counter even though no one had sat at it all evening.

Just then Bella and Owen came into the cafe, holding hands, all smiles. They stopped and looked around the almost empty cafe. Jenny, Clay, and his mother, Greta, came in right after them.

She watched as Becky Lee went over to greet them. She turned to Hunt and Katherine with a weak smile. “Well, at least they’ll have their choice of tables.”

She watched as Jenny handed Becky Lee a piece of paper. Then Bella snatched the paper and crumpled it into a ball, an angry look crossing her face. Becky Lee took the crumbled paper and headed back over to the counter.

“This is our problem.” Becky Lee smoothed out the paper and handed it to Keely. “It’s tonight… at Camille’s mama’s house.”

Keely looked down at the flier.





Huge BBQ to kick off Summerfest.

Free Food and Beer.

Everyone is invited.





Katherine took the paper from Keely and read it. “What? Like Camille had anything to do with Summerfest. You know she did this deliberately on our opening night.” Katherine’s eyes glistened with anger.

Keely’s heart sank. She knew Camille could be catty. Annoying. But it did look like she’d gone out of her way to sabotage their opening.

“Let me see that.” Hunt reached over and took the flier. He let out a low whistle. “Wow, she does know how to make a statement.”

“Jenny said Camille went to the school and announced the barbecue at the closing assembly. Said it was a last minute thing. She even heard Luke, the DJ on the local radio station, talking about it. You remember Luke. That guy Camille dated a few years back? Yes, that Luke.” Becky rolled her eyes. “Then Jenny saw this flier on her way in.”

Hunt shook his head. “When Camille’s mama throws a shindig, everyone is eager to go. She pulls out all the stops. Her barbecues are epic.”

“That little…” Katherine balled up the flier. “I know she can be kind of all mean girlish, but I didn’t see anything like this coming.”

“I’m so sorry, Keely. I can’t believe she’d do this.” Hunt draped his arm around Keely’s shoulder.

“I don’t want your sympathy.” Keely shrugged Hunt’s arm off. “It is what it is. Camille has always known how to make my life miserable. She’s exceeded my wildest expectations this time.”

Camille had totally caught her by surprise this time. She’d never underestimate the woman again. What she couldn’t understand was why Camille would do this. What the heck had she ever done to Camille? Or maybe Camille just liked to toy with people, prove her superiority, prove she could win. Keely swiped at the already clean counter again as disappointment swept through her.

Keely looked up to see her mother come through the door. She braced herself, waiting for what she was sure was coming.

Her mother stalked over to the counter. “What’s going on? No one is here.” Her voice rang out across the cafe.

“Camille’s mother decided to throw one of her legendary barbecues. I would imagine most of the town is out there at their plantation.” Keely faced her mother.

“Well, I told you this patio thing was nonsense. It made absolutely no difference, didn’t bring in a crowd, now did it?”

“Mother, that’s not fair. We had no idea Camille would pull a stunt like this. Maybe she ruined the opening, but in the long run, the patio is still a fabulous idea for the cafe.” Katherine rose to her sister’s defense.

“Waste of good money. I told you so.”

Keely looked at her mother. The woman who would never be happy with anything Keely did. Would never be proud of her. Would never forgive her.

“You did tell me so, Mother, you did.” Keely turned and walked back into her office.

~ * ~

Hunt wanted to strangle Camille, not that it would help anything. She’d already done her damage to Keely’s grand opening of the patio. He’d no doubt it was a deliberate move on Camille’s part.

At least the rest of Summerfest went off without a hitch. Tourists filled the town. The parade was a roaring success. Main Street was crowded with people milling around, shopping and enjoying perfect weather. He’d been glad to see a steady flow of people through Magnolia Cafe all during the festival. At least that part had worked out.

Hunt walked through the city park during the ice cream social, enjoying a large butter pecan ice cream cone. He ran into Bella and Katherine near the gazebo.

“Congrats, ladies. It looks like all your hard work paid off. Summerfest appears to be a megahit.”

“Thanks, Hunt. I’m glad to see so many people came to town for it.” Katherine looked around at the crowded park. “And did you see how busy the cafe is, too? At least Keely is happy about that.”