I shrugged. “Why not? It’s not a marriage proposal. If things don’t work out, we’ll go our separate ways. Now, what sandwich can I get you?”

Max glanced up at the chalkboard menu. “It all sounds really good. Why don’t you just give me your favorite.”

“Trusting. Is there anything you don’t eat?”

“I’m pretty adventurous.”

Not another veggie-phobic, at least. I smiled down at my cutting board as Griffin’s face filled my mind. “I’m going with a prosciutto concoction that’s a fan favorite.”

“Sounds amazing.” Max slid onto the stool. “So, how long have you worked here?”

“It feels like forever.” I’d worked at the store since I was in high school. I was lucky enough that when I needed a job after taking custody of my siblings, Mr. Walters had given me my old one back. He’d also been more than understanding about all the millions of emergencies that had popped up in my first few years as a guardian. And he’d let my responsibilities grow with time. “The prepared foods piece is new, though. Only a year or two old.”

“So, you’re a born and raised islander?”

I slid the sandwich into the panini press. “That I am. What about you?”

Max toyed with a paper napkin by his placemat. “Grew up on Shelter and doubt I’ll ever leave.”

“And why would we want to? This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I mean, not that I’ve seen a lot of other places, but just based on pictures…”

He chuckled. “I agree. We’re damn lucky to be where we are. Your family still here, too?”

I lifted the top of the press and used my spatula to slide the sandwich onto a plate. “All the family that matters.”

“Sounds like there’s a story there.”

“Isn’t there always when it comes to family?”

“Ain’t that the truth?” Max took a bite of the sandwich, and his eyes widened. “Holy shit. This is amazing.”

I laughed. “I guess your friend spoke the truth, after all.”

“I guess he did. I feel like I owe him at least a beer now.”

“Sounds like fair payment to me. Or you could just pay it forward and tell someone else to come eat here.” As busy as tourist season was around here, we could always use more word of mouth. At some point, maybe Mr. Walters would expand our operation, and we could start a true café. I caught myself before I got lost in all the possibilities. “Do you want anything to drink?”

“I’ll take a Coke if you have it.”

“That I can do.” I bent and grabbed one from the small fridge under the counter. “Here you go.”

“Thanks. This really is one of the best lunches I’ve had in a while.”