Page 44 of Hibiscus Heights

He rose and helped her to her feet. After gathering the remains of their picnic, they made their way back to their bikes.

Once they’d left the rural area behind, the island’s lamp lights flickered on in the gathering dusk, guiding their way. They returned to Regal Bikes, now closed for the evening, and locked up the bikes as Adrian had asked.

“It’s still early,” Matteo said. “Would you like to listen to the pianist at the Ferry Cafe and have dessert?”

“That sounds nice, but I have an early meeting.” For now, this was all she wanted.

As they drove back to her house, Matteo reached for her hand. The gesture was comfortable. At her door, he kissed her once more.

“Thank you for a lovely evening,” Deb said.

“The first of many more to come, I hope,” Matteo replied.

As he got into his car, Deb watched, trying to envision a future of summers with him. Or, if he asked, would she leave the island for him? He was certainly interesting and pleasant enough.

He waited for her to go in, so she stepped inside.

Leaning against the door, she thought about their kisses. The unbridled passion might not be there with Matteo, but the depth of what she’d felt with Grant scared her. Matteo was a safer choice, one in which she could control her feelings.

Duke charged from the bedroom to greet her, his legs nearly sliding out from under him in his excitement to see her. He wagged his tail madly, pawing at her as if for reassurance.

Deb knelt to hug him. “Don’t worry. It’s still just us, boy.”

Another thought formed in her mind. If there was room in her life for someone new, Matteo might be the perfect antidote to Grant.

12

At the Crown Island marina, boats of all sizes languished in their slips. Grant checked his watch. They were right on schedule, but his stomach was still knotted with anticipation.

Today, his mother was hosting a celebration of his father’s life. His father had only wanted the best for him, but what Jock had in mind didn’t always match Grant’s desires.

Deb’s accusations still rang in his ears. As a parent, was he guilty of that, too? Maybe he should have come with his sons instead of sending them with Jen and Daniel.

“Wow, look at that boat.” Teddy pointed toward a sleek yacht, the largest one in the marina. It was moored at the far end due to its sheer size.

“That’s a beauty.” Grant ruffled his younger son’s hair. He knew that yacht. A San Francisco venture capitalist who often sailed the Bay Area owned it. He’d seen it during a charity fundraiser one year and admired it, too.

Mason scanned the boat slips. “Which one are we going on?”

“Should be just ahead,” Grant replied.

As the three of them walked along the dock, Grant thought about his sons. Teddy had his mother’s irrepressible energy, while Mason had inherited his thoughtful expression and cautious nature. They both shared Nicole’s curiosity and willingness to try new things. Seeing her features in them was a constant reminder of the love they’d shared.

Just when he’d never thought he could love again after Deb had turned silent, Grant began working for Nicole’s father and started to see more of her. Their fathers were friends, and their parents encouraged the relationship. Wounded as he was, he was comfortable with Nicole as their friendship developed.

Eventually, he fell in love again.

He thought his feelings for Deb had dimmed, yet when they spoke, it was as if he were drawn back in time to all the passion they’d once shared.

They were older now, and life had changed them. Any feelings he had today were surely a result of nostalgia or a longing for reconnection.

That must explain it.

“Look, they’re already here,” Teddy said, waving.

Just ahead, he saw his mother aboard a gleaming yacht. Kitty exuded her usual air of effortless sophistication with white cotton trousers, a navy blouse, and deck shoes. She’d specifically forbidden any shade of black, saying they’d already done that at the funeral. Beside her stood Jen, dressed in a vibrant yellow sundress, and her new husband, Daniel, who wore a Hawaiian print shirt. Grant had followed suit with a light blue knit shirt his father had given him.

“Who’s ready to go?” Kitty opened her arms as Grant lifted Teddy onto the craft.

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