Page 28 of Hibiscus Heights

Grant remembered Rob as controlling and dismissive. Ellen was a genuinely nice person, but he thought she’d married on the rebound after her divorce. “I’m sure it will come together for you. The island is a beautiful place to build.”

“Oh, it is. Though finding the right team to do it has been a nightmare.”

“Until your beach house is ready, where are you staying?” Kitty asked.

“We’re at the Majestic. And you?”

“We are as well,” Kitty replied.

“I could give you a ride,” Ellen said. “I left my rental car by the ferry ramp.”

Grant glanced at his mother, who nodded. “We’d planned on taking a taxi, but we would appreciate that.”

Grant gathered their bags and stepped from the ferry. The island had changed little, and memories rushed back. The Ferry Cafe still stood nearby, although it now looked more upscale with enlarged patios.

They got into the car, and Ellen continued talking as they drove toward the village. To one side was a trail that led to a steep hill where he remembered many people hiked and biked. He imagined he could get some good shots of the vivid neighborhoods from that vantage point.

Suddenly, he remembered. Locals called that hill the Queen’s Flight.

Continuing, they passed a retro diner now called Cuppa Jo’s. He used to take a special date there. Recalling those good times, he wondered if they still had live music.

“That’s a good place for breakfast and burgers,” Ellen said, gesturing to the diner. “Not in the same league as Tiburon or Sausalito, but decent in its way.”

His mother glanced at him but said nothing. Did she remember, too? Or was she amused by Ellen?

A few minutes later, Ellen pulled under the Majestic’s porte-cochère entry. “They’ve just renovated it, and I had lunch with the interior designer. Well, sort of.”

Kitty raised her brow at that but made no comment.

Grant gazed around. The hotel rose before them in all its vintage glory, with intricate gingerbread trim and wide verandas wrapping around multiple stories. Bougainvillea cascaded from planters, and tropical landscaping softened the grandeur without diminishing it.

“The hotel is spectacular now, isn’t it?” Ellen picked up her expensive designer purse. “I love what the interior designer did inside, although Rob hates the antiques. Still, we spoke to her about our beach house.”

“Might you hire her for your project?” Kitty asked, looking interested.

Ellen seemed dejected. “Sadly, I don’t think so. She’s terribly busy, and we don’t have time to wait.”

“I can imagine,” Kitty said.

Grant could hardly wait to go in. “Thank you for the ride. Give our best to Rob.”

“We should have dinner while you’re here,” Ellen said as she handed the keys to the valet attendant. “I’m running late, and Rob will be upset, but I’ll call you.”

Another attendant opened the door for his mother, and Grant swung out to assist her with her carry-on bag. He waited as Ellen hurried away.

“Sounds like her marriage is already in trouble,” his mother said under her breath.

As much as Grant didn’t like to judge, he added, “I don’t think she knew him long enough. Maybe they’re still adjusting.”

“Or maybe she made a mistake.” She patted his hand. “I’m glad you didn’t rush into anything afterward.”

Sometimes, he wished he had met someone. Would that have lessened the pain he’d gone through? Probably not, and he’d had no interest in replacing his beloved wife. Even now, when well-meaning friends broached the subject, citing his children’s need for a mother, he changed the subject.

Many women managed children on their own. Why did people think a man couldn’t? Yet, being a single parent wasn’t easy for women or men.

A robust gentleman of his mother’s age greeted them at the door. His bright tangerine jacket and broad smile were impossible to miss.

“Welcome to the Majestic. First time visiting with us?”

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