Page 35 of Hibiscus Heights

Deb waited a beat for the usual question of whether she had children, but Kitty refrained. She appreciated that.

“Tiburon is a lovely community,” Deb said.

“It is, and I want to keep a townhome there to be close to my grandchildren. I’d also love a beach house here. They can spend their summers on the island if they want.”

“I can’t imagine they wouldn’t.” Still, Deb wondered what her grandchildren were like.

Kitty gestured toward the window and the ocean beyond. “I’d love a house with plenty of bedrooms for guests. And near the beach so I can walk and hear the ocean waves at night.”

“That’s what I enjoy,” Deb said.

“Do you know a good real estate agent? I’d rather not build again. At this stage of my life, I want instant gratification.” Kitty laughed. “I would also love to hire you to help me make it my own.”

Deb was interested. “I can recommend several excellent agents. Crown Island has some beautiful homes that would—” She stopped mid-sentence as Kitty’s gaze shifted to someone approaching behind Deb.

“Why, here’s my son,” Kitty said, standing. “Perfect timing. If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’m afraid I must visit the ladies’ room. Please, do get acquainted with each other.”

What could Deb say? She hoped she wasn’t being set up but dismissed the thought. She’d only just met Kitty.

As the older woman hurried away, pausing only for a moment to direct her son, Deb turned to greet him.

Instantly, she froze. Standing before her was the man she’d seen with Mason and Teddy.

Their dreadful father. She’d had no idea that Kitty was related to them.

The man wore sunglasses, but he looked equally surprised to see her, his easy smile shifting from pleasant to wary in a split second.

“I’m Deb,” she said coolly. The tension between them was immediate.

He seemed taken aback by the unexpected encounter. “How long have you been talking to my mother?”

That question struck her as odd. Her tone remained deliberately distant. “We’ve only just met.”

He appeared to be processing the situation. Finally, he asked, “Do you have a dog named Duke?”

“I do.” She wasn’t sure where this was going.

“My boys told me they’ve been playing with someone named Deb and her dog. I thought they meant another child. That’s you?”

Slowly, she nodded. This was an uncomfortable situation. Kitty would return soon, and she didn’t want to spend any more time with a man who didn’t even have the decency to remove his sunglasses, whether he was Kitty’s son or not. He was probably good looking behind the dark shades—and used to getting his way.

But he needed to hear the truth about his boys.

“I don’t usually say this to people I’ve just met,” Deb began, leaning forward slightly. “But there’s something you should know. Your sons seem frightened about what you think of them.”

Furrowing his brow, he drew back.

But before he could respond, Deb said, “The other day at the cafe, they forgot their money. They were terrified that you’d find out and would be disappointed in them.” Deb watched his face closely. “Since you and your wife are divorced, you probably don’t see much of them, but you might want to work on your relationship with them before it’s too late.”

His expression shifted from confusion to disbelief. “Look, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m just an observer.” Deb pressed on, speaking over him. “They’re wonderful boys who only want your approval. Whatever happened between you and their mother shouldn’t affect your relationship with them.”

Deb snatched her purse. “I have to go,” she said abruptly, rising from her chair. “Tell your mother I couldn’t wait.” She’d probably just lost a job with Kitty, but she cared more about those two young boys.

She could feel his gaze on her as she strode away. And to her dismay, Kitty came around the corner, and she nearly collided with her.

“Leaving so soon?” Kitty asked, clearly sensing the tension.

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