Page 4 of Hibiscus Heights

“I’ll send it right out.” After a charming, courtly kiss to Ella’s hand, Whitley left.

Deb watched him go. She suspected he had admired Ella for years, maybe even before her husband passed away. Not that he would have acted on impulse. That wasn’t Whitley’s style.

A few minutes later, a young, freckled-faced server appeared with a tray of desserts and fresh plates. “You’re getting the royal treatment today.”

“Thank you, Kelsey,” Deb said as the young woman placed the sweets in the center of the table. They each put a few small bites on their dessert plates.

Since she had been here almost every day for months, Deb knew most of the staff, and she was fond of Kelsey. In the fall, she would return to finish her degree in hospitality management at the University of San Diego. She had worked here every summer throughout school.

“What a heavenly celebration,” Ella said, swooning over a chocolate mousse.

While they continued chatting, Deb and April sampled a slice of cheesecake drizzled with mango sauce and a passionfruit crème brûlée.

As they were finishing their champagne and desserts, April’s eldest daughter arrived at the table.

Maileah eyed the empty champagne bottle and dessert spread. “This looks like a celebration. Did I miss someone’s birthday?”

“Deb’s work is featured in this month’s Coastal Design & Living.” April hugged her daughter.

“What brings you here?” Deb asked.

“I’ve been taking photos of Junie’s shop for the new advertising campaign I’m starting for her.”

Deb had watched April’s two daughters grow up, so they were like family. Maileah handled advertising for Junie’s specialty boutique in the hotel, as well as for her growing online shop.

Maileah was dating Sailor, a local surfer, and it seemed like they were having fun together. Her sister Junie was seeing Knox MacKenzie, who’d bought the house next door to hers on Sunshine Avenue and worked for Ryan at the hotel.

When April and Ella broke into laughter at something between themselves, Maileah arched an eyebrow in amusement. “If you’re finished with your party, I can give you a ride home. If Blue were to stop you, I might have to post bail.”

At the mention of the local police officer, Ella took her hand. “You’re right, dear. I should leave the golf cart here. Unless Deb would like to take it.”

“I still have work to do.” Deb rose to say goodbye to her friends. “Thanks for joining me to celebrate my first magazine cover.”

After April and Ella left with Maileah, Deb sat again. A strong cup of coffee, and she’d be fine for her last tasks of the day.

Ella would soon forget about her matchmaking ideas, and Deb could cast her memories out to sea and go back to what really mattered.

Her work.

Still, as she gazed over the waves to the distant horizon, an old recollection nipped at the edges of her mind. Why she’d thought about that summer boy was beyond her. It had been years since she’d thought about that magical summer or the heartache that ensued.

Had to be the champagne, she thought, nodding to Kelsey again. Strange how the mind works.

She ordered, and Kelsey quickly returned with a small silver pot of coffee on her way to drop off the check for the two boys, who’d finished their sundaes.

Deb found the soft chatter across the outdoor cafe soothing. She sipped her coffee, making notes on the to-do list she kept on her phone while watching guests and locals on the beach.

Couples and families cycled lazily along the boardwalk on beach cruisers from the hotel bike concession. Children and their parents frolicked among shallow waves, and teenagers giggled in sun loungers by the pool, watching boys splash in the water.

She sighed happily. She loved living here and seeing visitors delight in what the locals enjoyed every day. Crown Island was a special, artsy community. Its assortment of brightly painted houses and murals was an island tradition.

Her home on Hibiscus Heights was splashed with purple and lavender, inspired by the lavender hibiscus flowers that had bloomed on the property for years, even before she’d bought it.

A local artist extended the floral theme on the fence that edged her garden, creating an oasis that bloomed year-round for her. A row of lavender grandiflora roses with ruffled petals filled the area with their delicate scent.

Roses. Yet another memory sprang to mind, the scent of soft pink roses, the first she’d ever received from a boy.

She ran a hand over her forehead. It was strange how old memories she’d tried to forget were still lodged in her brain. And why were they taunting her today?

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