Page 5 of Hibiscus Heights

Even if that boy had changed how she lived her life.

Behind her, the two youngsters spoke in worried tones, and Kelsey turned back to her. “Is there anything else you’d like?”

“No, I have work to do before the big event.” She signed the tab Kelsey gave her with a practiced flourish. Another furniture delivery was due shortly, so she rose to leave.

Kelsey swiveled back to the boys. As they dug into the pockets of their swim trunks, Kelsey asked, “Are you sure you don’t have a room card?”

“We forgot it,” the younger boy said, his wide blue eyes set off by his sun-bleached hair.

“How about the room number?”

The older one shook his head, looking embarrassed. “We can’t remember it. That’s why we’re still out here.”

The younger boy’s eyes filled with tears. “I wish Mom were here.”

“So do I, but you know she can’t.” The older brother put his arm around the other.

As Deb listened, her heart went out to them.

“What’s your parent’s name?” Kelsey held her pen aloft, ready to make a note.

“We’re staying here with my aunt,” the older boy replied.

“Okay, what’s her name?”

The younger brother wiped his tears. “Her name is Aunt Jen.”

Deb hid a smile at that. They were clearly part of the summer crowd.

Kelsey tried again. “That’s a pretty common name. What’s her last name?”

The older brother’s face turned even redder under the sunburn, and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I don’t know. She just got married again, and she told me her new name, but I can’t remember it. It’s Jennifer, if that helps. When she comes back, I can ask her and tell you. Maybe they’ll eat here tonight.”

Deb saw displeasure growing in Kelsey’s expression, even though she was clearly trying to be patient.

Feeling sorry for the boys, Deb took a step toward the server and said softly, “Put their order on my tab.”

Still, they heard her. The younger boy brightened, but the older one shook his head and lowered his eyes. “We can’t do that. Our dad wouldn’t like it.”

Deb tried again. “I respect that, but this woman’s shift will be over soon, and she’ll have to close her orders. She’ll get in trouble if the numbers don’t balance. What’s your name?”

The older boy stood awkwardly. “I’m Mason, and this is my brother Teddy. I’m really sorry about this.”

Deb smiled and waved off his concern. “It’s my pleasure, Mason. I work here. And your dad doesn’t need to know about this.”

While Mason wavered, Deb nodded at Kelsey to transfer the order to her account. She’d had signing privileges on a hotel account long before Ryan acquired the Majestic. Many of the locals did.

Looking relieved, Mason said, “Thank you, ma’am. We’ll pay you back. You can count on that. Our dad would insist.”

“He’d be really mad, and he’d beat us like this. Pow, pow.” Teddy made motions with his small fists.

Mason caught his hands in warning. “Don’t do that in public. Remember what Dad said.”

Teddy’s eyes widened. “People could take us for that.”

Deb was alarmed by the looks the two shared. “Really, it’s fine. I’m happy to do it.”

Mason seemed embarrassed, but not only about the lunch bill. “Don’t pay any attention to my brother. Thank you again.” He stuck out his hand.

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