Page 35 of Summer on Sunshine Bay

Luke told him some of what he’d told her, Lila interrupting when he downplayed his talent, and then showed James the custom-ordered board in the back of the pickup.

Her father reacted as Lila had, trailing his fingers over the detailed etching. “This is a stunning piece of work. Any chance you’d have time to make me one?”

“Absolutely. You can drop by my shop, and we can talk about a design.” Luke glanced at his watch. “Sorry to cut this short, but I promised I’d have the board to my customer before five. It’s an anniversary present for his wife.”

“Don’t let us keep you,” her father said, helping Luke cover the board in the protective wrap. “Let me know when you have time to talk.”

“You can talk to Luke tonight, James,” Eva said.

“He can?” Lila and Luke asked at almost the same time.

Her mother nodded. “Ruth made reservations for your family at seven. Didn’t she tell you?”

Luke glanced at Lila and rubbed his earlobe between his thumb and forefinger. “No, I guess she forgot to mention it.”

As they watched Luke drive away, Eva cast a sidelong glance at Lila. “He’s such a handsome boy, isn’t he?”

Lila responded with what she thought was a noncommittal “Umm.” But it must’ve sounded more like a committed “Yum” because her mother grinned.

Lila felt a headache coming on and wondered if she could use it as an excuse to get out of tonight’s dinner.

Chapter Eleven

I’d better go,” Eva said, kissing her daughter’s cheek and smiling at James, who she prayed wouldn’t delay her. She had to talk to Ruth before Luke did, and James had that look in his eyes. The one that said he thought she was up to something, which of course she was.

The previous day’s meet-the-parents fiasco hadn’t resulted in the wedding being called off as she’d hoped, but it had created a noticeable rift between Lila and David, and Eva would do whatever she could to exploit it. She had to be careful, though. She couldn’t give her daughter or James any reason to suspect what she was up to.

“Hang on a sec, Eva. I forgot to give you something,” James said, and then he jogged to the beach house. The man was in amazing shape, as Eva had discovered earlier. He’d just come back from a run on the beach, shirtless and sweaty, and Eva’s libido had stretched and opened one eye.

“What were you doing here, Mom?” Lila asked with a suspicious glint in her eyes, one strikingly similar to her father’s, which didn’t make sense.

Lila had no clue what Eva was up to. Her performance as the supportive mother of the bride the day before had been award winning if she said so herself; even James had bought it. So maybe Eva was seeing something that wasn’t there.

“I dropped off a box of photo albums. I thought you could use some of the photos for the slideshow at the wedding reception.” They’d also remind Lila of the important part La Dolce Vita had played in her life and that her fiancé and his father were putting it at risk.

“Thanks, Mom.” Lila hugged her. “That was so thoughtful of you. I really appreciate how supportive you’re being.”

“You know I’d do anything to ensure your happiness, darling.” She patted her daughter’s cheek. Even though it was true, and she believed with her whole heart that what she was doing was in her daughter’s best interest, Lila’s gratitude made her feel a little guilty.

“How did Nonna take the news?”

“She was upset at first.” She’d totally lost it. “But she came around when I pointed out that David managing Windemere meant that you were moving home to Sunshine Bay and the benefits of your wedding being held at La Dolce Vita.”

They might’ve been selling points if Eva had used them, but she hadn’t needed to. All she’d had to do to get Carmen on board was share her plan to stop the wedding. It had been a relief to see enthusiastic fire in her mother’s eyes instead of defeated acceptance.

Lila wasn’t quick enough to hide her wince, and Eva inwardly cheered. Obviously her daughter and David were still at odds over where the wedding and reception would be held.

And to ensure they remained that way, Eva said, “I didn’t want to say anything yesterday, but your father was right. You’re the bride, and I think it’s only fair that we host your entire wedding weekend at La Dolce Vita.”

Lila audibly swallowed, and Eva hugged her, feeling bad for her distress. But that was David and Gavin’s fault, not hers. “We’ll understand if you have to bow to David’s wishes to keep the peace. No hard feelings, darling. I promise.”

“Everything okay?” James asked as he rejoined them.

“Everything’s wonderful, and why wouldn’t it be? Lila’s moving home and opening her own consultancy business. I’m so proud of you, darling.”

Lila and James had no idea just how thrilled Eva was. She’d been worried that when the wedding was called off, Lila wouldn’t have a reason to stay in Sunshine Bay and might decide to move back to London with James. But with her opening a business here and already signing on a client—an extremely handsome and talented client, who’d brought color to her daughter’s cheeks and a sparkle to her eyes—Eva was over the moon.

“Your mother’s right. It’s great news. We’ll celebrate tonight,” he said, handing a file to Eva.

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