And if you’ve read either one of my books, Sunny’s Story or Sunny’s Story 2, you will recognize these excerpts from the books. If not here is a small ‘taste’ of each…
We walked the two blocks to the Columbia Restaurant and immediately felt refreshed upon entering the cool interior. The hostess seated us at one of the small tables near the window that faced the courtyard and the fountain. Two little children were throwing coins into it laughing and giggling as they fished the coins back out only to throw them back in again.
Once the waiter had taken our orders we sat back and relaxed, sipping ice water with lemon, as we waited for the fresh warm mini loaves of Cuban bread and whipped butter to be brought to the table. We didn’t have to wait long. The buttered bread melted in our mouths.
“I could make a meal on this alone.” Jake said signaling the waiter for more.
“I can too.”
“I’ve missed you,” Jake began. I felt his leg brush against mine.
“I’ve missed you, too.” I wrapped my leg over his.
“So, I take it you’re staying with your grandmother?”

“Yes, unlike some people I know, she wanted me to live with her. Plus, she was kind of enough to offer me a job.”
“How’s that going?” Jake asked letting the comment slide. He stroked my thigh with his hand.
“Which one do you mean?” I like it, I like it; keep on doing what you’re doing.
“Both.”
“I love living with Kate, like I said, she likes me and wants me there. And being near the ocean is great! And I like my job. I’m enjoying learning about the art world and seeing new people every day. And working with Kate and Mark is awesome! They like me and want me there.”
“I’m happy for you and glad to know that you’ve forgiven me.”
“Hey, I’m not one to hold a grudge…”

“Hello?”
“Sunny, you need to get here right away.”
“Why and where exactly are you?”
“At the Columbia. I was having lunch with O.J., who by the way looks even better in daylight without the uniform.”
“Great, so what does this have to do with me?”
“Jake’s here…with Crescent.”
“Ha?”
“Yep, he’s sitting at a big round table with Crescent, Ann and Jimmy.
“I don’t understand, I thought they were going to Fernandina Beach? What are they doing at the Columbia?” I felt a little twist in my gut.
“Apparently celebrating Jake’s birthday.”
“How do you know it’s his birthday?” I asked.
“Because I’m sitting with them.”
“What about Officer Jim? Is he there too?”
“No, he got called in, so instead of sitting by myself …by the way, Jimmy didn’t see me…I acted like I was out all by myself. Anyway, to make a long story short, Jake invited me to join them. Ann shook her head and sighed…very loudly I might add. Jimmy ordered her another martini so she’s good now. So you didn’t know that today was Jake’s birthday?”
“No…”
“And you were married to him? No wonder things got a little………you know…”
“Rain!”