Page 34 of Hibiscus Heights

“That’s not my table, but I’ll let you know if I learn anything. I have my eye on that one.”

Deb hurried away without detection and made her way toward the spa. Beneath palm trees was a quiet flower-filled patio where she could dine in peace and think through her project challenges. Occasionally, guests were there, but not today.

Relaxing to the peaceful sound of water trickling over smooth river rocks, she opened her lunch and began to eat.

Deb hated to avoid Mason and Teddy, but she didn’t trust herself around their father.

She was only halfway through her salad when a guest in a white terrycloth bathrobe wandered out in a blissful state.

“What a relaxing massage,” the woman said as she eased onto a lounger.

Deb put her salad away so the guest could relax. “The therapists are highly trained. Enjoy yourself.”

When she turned a corner, she saw the back of the boys’ father again, so she whipped around in another direction. With the way she felt about his behavior with the boys, she couldn’t risk running into him.

Whitley frowned on the staff imposing themselves on guests, and if she were ever alone with that man, she’d have a few choice words for him.

9

At five o’clock, Deb arrived to find Kitty already seated in the busy bar. The other woman wiggled her fingers in a small wave, looking pleased to see her. Even at Kitty’s age, she was attracting her share of attention.

Looking forward to their conversation, Deb started toward her.

The Library Bar at the Majestic was a masterpiece of restoration and one of Deb’s favorite historical parts in the hotel. Knox’s construction team had taken care to restore the mahogany shelving that lined the walls. The shelves housed leather-bound classics and contemporary bestsellers.

The late afternoon sun sparkled through vintage leaded glass panels, painstakingly restored. She had furnished the bar with chic, comfortable pieces in navy, cream, and ocean blue.

When Deb joined Kitty, the other woman’s face lit up. “The work you’ve done here is remarkable. I’ve been enjoying all the fascinating details.”

“You’re very observant,” Deb said, smiling at Kitty’s perception. She enjoyed working with clients like this. She hoped she’d have the chance.

The bartender, Maxine, nodded at Deb. “It’s good to see you again. What will you have?”

“I’m having the signature Majestic cocktail,” Kitty said. “Champagne cocktails are my favorites.”

“That’s a special one, but I’ll have the mocktail version without alcohol. I still plan to run on the beach with my dog before sunset.”

“Smart choice,” Kitty said. “You’re very disciplined.”

Maxine filled a glass with a blend of juices and fizzy water before adding a twist of lime for Deb. “Enjoy, ladies.”

Kitty raised her glass. “Here’s to living life to the fullest.”

Deb tapped her glass to Kitty’s. “And to new acquaintances.”

They chatted easily, with Kitty asking thoughtful questions about the hotel renovation and Deb’s design philosophy. Deb appreciated Kitty’s genuine interest and lack of pretense.

“What brings you back to Crown Island?” Deb asked.

“I’m considering my options,” Kitty replied. “My husband passed away, and with the children gone, the family home in Tiburon suddenly seems terribly empty.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Deb said sincerely.

Kitty nodded, her silver hair catching the light. “Thank you. It’s been an adjustment. With all our dinner parties and entertaining, my husband and I lived a big life for many years. But people live differently now. Neither of my children want the house. It’s too large, and the cost of upkeep and taxes would be quite high. I don’t want them to feel burdened to carry on our dusty memories. They’ll make their own.”

Deb heard similar stories from other clients. “Do your children live near you?” she asked.

“They have for many years. However, my daughter just married, and I think they have other plans. My son’s children are young, but they will grow up faster than he realizes.”

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