I survey the array of fruits, vegetables, and other yummy goods surrounding me to distract myself from that sobering fact. Keeping busy in the aftermath of his silent rejection is a must. Even though we were never officially together, our time apart hurts worse than when I called it quits with any past boyfriend. Filling my time with work, menu planning for Travaasa Hana, farmer’s market visits, and spending time with Penelope is the way I cope.

Swimming at Big Beach helps too. No more early morning swims at Little Beach though. Too much of a risk of running into Callum. Given his radio silence, he’s made it abundantly clear he wants nothing to do with me.

I survey a lilikoi at a nearby stand, wondering if the passion fruit semifreddo I’m planning to serve for dessert at Travaasa Hana will wow like I hope. It’s two weeks until my first solo dinner service, and I want to blow everyone away.

My phone buzzing in my pocket pulls my mind back to the present and away from imaginary meal planning. An alert from Instagram. When I see it’s a message from Madeline, I let out a squeal so giddy that the people next to me gawk like I’ve grown another head.

Nikki! Oh my gosh, you have NO idea how happy I am to hear from you! Please, don’t apologize. I’m beyond thrilled you got in touch with me! How are you? Have you filmed your commercial yet? What else have you been up to? Sorry I didn’t message you back sooner; things have been so busy! But now I’m all good! OMG OMG OMG Tell me everything!

The smile on my face won’t budge. Even after all this time, Madeline is happy to hear from me. And she still wants to be my friend.

I start to type a response answering all of her questions, but stop when I realize I want to call her. I want to actually speak to my friend. So I tell her.

ME: SO happy to hear from you, Madeline! I have so much to tell you!! Can I call you sometime?

MADELINE: Um, hell yes! Are you free tonight? I can call you after I get done with my shift at the restaurant

Just the mention of my old restaurant sends a jolt through my chest. I want to hear about Madeline, about the restaurant, about absolutely everything.

I tell her that I’m open for a chat this evening and can’t wait to catch up. She responds with a half dozen smiley face emojis.