Page 82 of Surfside Sisters

That evening, Keely grilled steaks. Her mother made roasted potatoes with cheese and herbs, broiled broccoli coated with olive oil and salt, and a salad. Sebastian brought over a bottle of wine and they feasted out on the patio.

Sebastian was charming. He brought up names of islanders who had been injured or ill over the years, and Eloise lit up. She remembered each wound, each ailment, each recovery, and she seemed to regain some of her positive spirit while talking about them. As they ate, Keely ran her bare toes up Sebastian’s leg and was rewarded with a look that would have set off Roman candles.

After dessert—ice cream and cookies—Eloise rose from the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to tidy up the kitchen.”

The moment Eloise was in the house, Sebastian said, “Want to get in my car and make out?”

Keely laughed. “Yes, please. Oh, but what about our neighbors?”

Sebastian kissed the tip of her nose. “I should be going. You and I both have to work tomorrow.” He stood.

Keely stood, too, and studied his face. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“I know. Me, too. But your mother is right inside.” Sebastian pulled her to him in a warm, friendly embrace. When he spoke, his breath ruffled through her hair. “We’ve got lots of issues to deal with. And now that you’re back here, we don’t have to rush. I don’t want a fantasy, Keely. I want a real life, and that takes time. And we’ve got time.”

He kissed her mouth. And pulled away from her when the kiss grew too intense.

“I’ve got to go.”

Keely walked Sebastian to his car, kissed him lightly, and waved at him as he drove away.

She returned to the house in a happy, dreamy mood. Her mother was once again in a television trance, but Keely left her alone. Eloise had been pleasant that evening, and she had tidied the kitchen.Great,Keely thought.I sound like I’m her mother.

She returned to the patio, settled in a chair, and let her mind drift. The light was gone from the sky, but the moon was waning and the stars dotted the sky like freckles.

Her cell was on the table. When it buzzed, she jumped, startled out of her reverie.

“Hey,” a man said.

“Gray!”

“You sound surprised.”

“I think I am surprised. I’m just sitting out here, alone, stargazing.” Why did she tell him she was alone? Why did she feel relieved that she was alone right now?

“I’m going to surprise you even more.”

“My seatbelt is fastened.”

“I’m coming to the island.”

She sat up straight in her chair. “What? When?”

“The day after tomorrow. I’ve made my flight reservations, and don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of imposing on you. I’ve got reservations at the White Elephant. A room with a view.”

“Well…yes, that’s one of the best hotels on the island.”

“Keely, you don’t sound happy about this.”

“I’m just surprised, Gray. And my mother is still…depressed, and I’m working hard on my book, I’m right in the middle of it, and I’ve got so much going on…”

“I’ve scheduled leave from the hospital. I can’t rearrange. I thought you’d be glad.”

“I’m notnotglad,” Keely said weakly. “I’m just…I’m not sure how much time I’ll be able to spend with you, Gray.”

“Okay, how about this. I’ll let you have the days to yourself if you’ll be with me for dinner and the evening. And, if you like, part or all of the night.”

Keely stood up and paced around the patio. She felt angry and touched by Gray’s announcement. She was annoyed with herself, too. After all,shehad phonedhimjust the other night after she saw Sebastian with the blonde. She had been affectionate and warm. She had talked as if she and Gray were a couple.

---