Read Online Jamaica Dreaming (Caribbean Heat) by Eugenia O'Neal - Free Book Online Page B

ground where she might reveal more of herself than she was ready to. Sebastian could understand that. Although he had a slew of friends, he considered himself a very private man. Julissa had known him for less than a week and had no reason to open herself to him. She might vaguely remember having met him but, to her, he’d been just another fan. To him, she’d been much more.
    “You’ve heard about Blue Mountain Coffee, right?”
    “Yes, it’s my mother’s favorite.”
    Sebastian made a mental note to have a case shipped to Mrs. Morgan. “Well, Jamaica used to produce seven million pounds of coffee annually, but production is now down to almost one third of that. Not just Blue Mountain, all the varieties. The meetings were organized by the Coffee Industry Board and the Jamaica Coffee Growers Association to discuss plans to increase production.”
    “There are other types of Jamaican coffee beside Blue Mountain?”
    “Oh, yes.” He explained that only coffee grown in areas of the Blue Mountains between an altitude of three thousand and five thousand five hundred feet, like his own plantation, Flax Hall, could earn the brand Blue Mountain Coffee. Coffee grown at lower elevations might be Jamaica High Mountain or Jamaica Supreme, depending on the location of the estate.
    “If people like Jamaican coffee so much, why did production drop?”
    It was a good question and they were almost at their destination by the time he finished explaining about leaf rust disease, hurricanes, and some of the other major challenges faced by growers.
    “Will you take me to see your coffee farm?” she asked, as he maneuvered the G550 into the only remaining parking space in the lot adjacent to the restaurant.
    The question was music to Sebastian’s ears and, as he came around to open her door, he promised he would to take her up. He had a manager looking after Flax Hall for him but the estate was past due for a visit. He would definitely take her to see it.
    Julissa’s gasp of surprise was audible when they entered the dining room at Redbones Café. Sebastian glowed inwardly. Redbones Blues Cafe on Argyle Road was one of Kingston’s happening places for a blend of music styles, including world music. Sebastian knew it was probably the décor that had startled Julissa. Painted in shades of peach, the walls were hung with vinyl records, saxophones, guitars and other instruments. Beyond, at the bar, posters of Bob Marley, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonius Monk shared wall space.
    Julissa’s eyes shone with delight as she turned to him.
    “Now this is a wonderful surprise.”
    He grinned. “I thought you’d like it.”
    The tall maitre’d approached, his expression slightly puzzled as he stared at Julissa.
    “Good evening, Mr. Chung. Good to see you.” They fist bumped. “You’re just in time.” The man’s gaze slid back to Julissa as if he was wondering who she was. “I reserved the table you requested,” he said, and escorted them out the patio.
    “Thanks, Ray. This is Julissa Morgan, by the way. She’s here to sing for the Ananda Alert benefit concerts.”
    Ray’s eyes widened and a broad smile split his face.
    “I thought I knew you from somewhere. Welcome to Jamaica, Miss. High Moon and I’m Stepping are great songs.”
    Julissa beamed. “You were at the Devon House concert?”
    “No, my wife and I couldn’t afford the tickets, but when I read you were coming I looked you up on You Tube. Your voice reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald’s.”
    “Oh.” Julissa clapped her hands like a little girl. “That’s the best compliment I’ve ever gotten. Thank you.”
    Immediately, Sebastian wished he’d been the one to say it.
    “You’re very welcome,” Ray said, his smile even wider. “It’s the truth. Jamaica’s missing children need the help and attention, Miss, so I’m glad you’re here. Welcome again.” He handed them their menus and told them he’d pass back later to make sure they were enjoying