Page 148 of Cooking Up My Comeback

“Hazel runs the most successful campground in three counties,” Amber points out. “I’ve managed restaurant crises that would make Gordon Ramsay weep. Jessica basically controls the local information network through strategic book recommendations. And I’m excellent at righteous indignation and stress baking.”

“Anyway,” Hazel adds with a slight smile, “if some corporation thinks it can demolish your coffee shop without a fight, they’re about to learn that this community doesn’t go down without making noise.”

I look around at my friends—the same women who’ve been putting up with my coffee obsession since we were teenagers—sitting in my autumn-light-filled apartment, drinking coffee I made and discussing how to save the place that brought us all together again when I crawled back to Twin Waves seven years ago. I used to run from confrontation like it was contagious. I used to think I didn’t deserve friends who’d fight for me.

Now, surrounded by women who’ve made my battles their battles, I feel something I haven’t felt in years: ready for a fight.

“Okay,” I say, folding the demolition notice carefully. “Let’s figure out how to save a coffee shop.”

“And maybe,” Jessica adds with a grin, “give you some practice standing up for yourself. You’re going to need all the confidence you can get.”

I look around at my friends—the same women who’ve been putting up with my coffee obsession since we were teenagers—sitting in my autumn-light-filled apartment, drinking coffee I made and discussing how to save the place that brought us all together again when I crawled back to Twin Waves seven years ago. I used to run from confrontation like it was contagious. I used to think I didn’t deserve friends who’d fight for me.

Now, surrounded by women who’ve made my battles their battles, I feel something I haven’t felt in years: ready for a fight.

Tomorrow is Monday. Tomorrow, I’ll start figuring out how to take on a development corporation with better lawyers than I have seasonal menu items.

But tonight, I’m surrounded by the people who matter most, planning the fight of my life.

Game on.