Page 15 of Hibiscus Heights

Deb wondered why people who complained about their spouses were so eager to see others married. David and Rachel loved each other, but their relationship had always been tumultuous. Some people enjoyed the drama, she figured.

Not her.

Thankfully, her mother interrupted to talk about the upcoming gala, and then the hamburgers were ready, so Deb escaped the rest of Rachel’s conversation.

She watched the children scramble for places at the outdoor tables. Again, she thought of Mason and Teddy and wondered if they had other cousins.

Her phone buzzed again in her pocket. Across the table, she caught Rachel’s eye as she withdrew it and checked her text.

Hi again, this is Matteo. Enjoy the barbecue. Would you like to meet me at the Ferry Cafe for a drink afterward?

“Text him now.” Grinning, Rachel urgently tapped her fingers on her palm.

Deb sighed. She tapped a reply. Have to be at work early. Maybe another night.

There, that was done.

Her father brought his plate and sat next to Deb. “I heard an exclusive health spa is coming to the island. Their offer on a parcel of land was just accepted. You’re probably at the top of the designer list now. We’re bidding on the construction.”

“Thanks for letting me know, Dad.” She would find out more, but that sounded like another interesting project.

Across from them, David piled lettuce and tomatoes on his hamburger. “Over lunch, the Hunts asked me about meeting with you. The wife loves what you did at the hotel.”

“Have they signed on with you?”

“Not yet. I’ve submitted a bid for the architectural plan. They’re in a hurry and want to see your portfolio. Could you meet with us tomorrow?”

Deb hesitated. “Finalizing the Majestic interiors is taking most of my time now.”

“Sure, but once that job is done, you’ll want to move on to another project. The Hunts have serious money and very specific ideas about what they want.”

The practical side of her business brain kicked in. David was right. She’d need her next project lined up. “I’ll make time to meet with them. Lunch offsite would be best.”

Her brother’s expression shifted. “Fair warning, though. They’re an odd couple.”

“What do you mean by that?”

David just grinned. “You’ll find out. Good luck.”

“Will I need it?” Deb asked, suddenly wary.

Her brother’s grin widened. “Maybe.”

She swatted him on the shoulder, and he laughed. David had always enjoyed teasing her, but it was all in the name of good-natured fun. As for her other brothers, at times they had crossed the line, especially with her dates. But that was mostly in the past.

Around them, the family dinner continued with the adults talking over each other and the children squealing.

Deb looked around, enjoying the chaos. If she ever moved away, she would miss this.

On second thought, maybe she was too focused on work. She pulled out her phone and opened her text.

One drink, she tapped to Matteo, although she might regret this. She didn’t need to impress anyone, so he might as well see her as she was. She glanced down at her cotton dress and made a face. At least her hair had dried.

The reply came quickly. See you soon.

4

“What’s in this box?” As Grant lifted a carton in his father’s study, he sneezed at the dust.

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