Page 30 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

Since the name of the place was Sandy’s Cafe, he assumed that was the owner. And this was a place Gabriela came to a lot.

“That answers my question if you come here often.”

“Her daughter was a patient of my father’s when I was a kid. I used to go to the hospital a lot, talk to the kids, do some rounds with him. I was there volunteering more than anything.”

“That was nice.”

“Yeah. You know he’s the head of oncology, right?”

“I do. Your brother is an oncologist on the island now, full time.”

“He is. My father comes here now and again, but mostly it’s Garrett and two other doctors who are here a few days a week. Anyway,” she waved her hand dramatically. It seemed like everything she did was over the top. “Sandy knew me and has had this cafe on the island for decades. Kind of a staple here. They roast their own turkey, ham and roast beef. None of that deli meat shit here.”

“Good to know. Do they do takeout?”

“Yep. That’s why they know me so well. I’m always grabbing food while I’m here. Well, now I’m here more, so they see me more.”

Sandy came back to their table, filled their water glasses and set down their menus.

He picked the menu up, saw just about every sandwich, club, or wrap imaginable, sides with it, soups and salads.

He put it back down. “I’m keeping it simple. Turkey club.”

“Ha,” she said. “I was going to get that. Okay, I’ll do a roast beef wrap so you can see that option also.”

“Wraps aren’t my thing. I don’t want to eat paper.”

She angled her head. “You sound like my brother now. Maybe it’s a chick thing. Low carbs. But after my workout, I’m going to put it on a hard roll. She gets them from the bakeryaround the corner. It’s hard to get stuff off the island timely, so there are a few businesses that do great supplying other businesses.”

“What’s the name of that bakery?” he asked, pulling his phone out. “And do they make sweets?”

“Some, but mainly breakfast things. Muffins, croissants, things like that. It’s really more bread and rolls. They are open to the public, but like I said, they are really a big supplier to all the restaurants on the island, even hotels or bed and breakfasts. Which is more than you can imagine. Though this time of year many are much slower.”

“How slow does the island get in the off season?” he asked. “Which I’m sure affects the ER.”

“It does. I’d say after Labor Day the weekly businesses really slow down, but weekends are still pretty steady. After the holiday though, for January and February, even the weekends are slow for tourists, unless they are going to the casino. That’s normally busy. Are you a gambler?”

“Some might say that with my life change. But if you’re asking if I throw money on the table and watch it be taken? Not really.”

“The same. I can have fun pulling the slot arms, but not much else. But for entertainment, it’s always a good time. My distant cousin Eli Bond owns it. He’s got comedians, musicians, other things as well. There are always events attracting people. In a few weeks it’s the Annual Bond Fundraiser. That’s big on the island.”

“Tell me about it,” he said. “It’s your family, so I’m assuming you’re required to attend.”

She laughed. “I’m not required, but it’s encouraged. It’s a good time and I’m not working, so I’ll be there. I don’t think you’re working either. Why don’t you come with me? I can introduce you around. Lots of family members with young kidson this island might want to meet another pediatrician they could be seeing.”

He grinned over the wiggle of her eyebrows. “Why not?” he said. “What exactly are they raising money for?”

“Everything. The money stays on this island and is funneled into a trust. There are members on the trust board from every branch. My Uncle Michael is on it from our branch right now. That is Carson, Hudson, and Ava’s father. My father’s brother. Uncle Michael is a surgeon, kind of semi-retired at this stage. He’s on the island working maybe five days a month, then another ten days in Boston. But when he’s here, he’ll be on call if needed for emergencies.”

“And that money that is raised? This group decides where it goes?”

“Yep. You should know those things as a new resident of the island. Police, fire, schools, roads. Development. Lots of things. There are applications and so much dispersed. Our family might have built this island, but we still want to see it thrive. We get a big draw from Boston for the event.”

“Even though those people don’t live on the island?”

“You’d be surprised how many have weekend homes or rental properties. Or just like coming over to get away and want to see the island continue to grow.”

“Or to rub elbows with some of the wealthier Bonds?” he asked.