Page 55 of Hibiscus Heights

“Then we should go. It’s been a full day, and they’re tired.” Grant’s face brightened. “Cuppa Jo’s tomorrow?”

He suggested a time, and Deb agreed. Why not, she thought. A fresh start to a nice friendship. That’s all this was. They were adults now.

April picked up the cookies and motioned to the boys. “Come on, you two. I’ll show you the golf cart.”

“Cool.” Mason offered his brother an arm for support. “I’ll spot you on the crutches.”

“I can do it by myself,” Teddy said, grinning.

While the boys followed April to the garage, Ella turned to Grant. “You seem very familiar. Did you visit Crown Island often?”

“My family came every summer.”

A slow smile spread on Ella’s face. “Why, of course. You and Deb?—”

“We were friends,” Deb said, downplaying their relationship. She and Grant used to visit April. They played music and danced in the backyard while Ella made sandwiches or treats for them.

“I remember visiting here,” Grant said, looking around. “You were our safe place when we wanted to hide from our parents.”

“Hey, my parents were terrific,” Deb said, jumping to their defense.

“I wasn’t talking about yours,” Grant said.

Ella inclined her head. “What about your parents?”

“Wait, let me clarify,” Grant looked slightly flustered. “My parents only wanted the best for us. But my sister and I didn’t always agree with their assessment.”

Deb arched an eyebrow at Ella, who caught her meaning. Most of the locals weren’t considered good enough for the summer people. She folded her arms, considering that.

However, that was a long time ago. Deb didn’t need to prove herself to anyone now.

Certainly not Grant.

“See you at Cuppa Jo’s tomorrow,” Grant said with a note of hopefulness in his voice.

“See you then.”

After Grant left and the garage door closed, Ella motioned for Deb to sit down. “Before you run home, do you want to tell me what’s going on between you two?”

“Absolutely nothing,” Deb replied, petting Duke.

Ella brushed her hands and sat across from Deb. “That’s the biggest bit of nothing I’ve ever seen. The way he looks at you, why, that man is still sweet on you. But you’re still hurt from way back when.”

Deb couldn’t keep reliving those feelings. She had to put this memory behind her. “We dated a little, but it didn’t mean much.”

Ella shook her head. “I remember it very clearly. He never showed up at the dance, and you spent the night here, utterly devastated. I even wept for you, dear girl. You were both in love.”

“Maybe so, but I got over him.”

Ella laced her hands and leaned forward. “He’s not wearing a ring.”

“His wife passed away a few years ago.”

Ella was like an aunt to her, and this is the conversation Deb’s mother would have with her if she knew Grant was back.

“So, what’s this about Cuppa Jo’s? Is it a date?”

“We’re meeting there to talk and call a truce. And that’s all there is to it. I have a good life. A great if slightly annoying family, the career and recognition I always wanted, a fabulous home decorated just for me, and the best dog in the world. What more do I need?”

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